Keating! The Musical

[meteordust]

There is something irresistible about the idea of a musical about Australian politics - to take a subject so pedestrian and unromantic, and elevate it to the high drama of musical theatre. But if ever an Australian politician fit the role of protagonist in such a drama, there could be no better choice than the colourful, infuriating, and occasionally visionary Paul Keating, and no better setting than the memorable years of his prime ministership.

Keating! is that musical, a much lauded, award winning production that will be winding up its long run at the end of the month. I saw it at the Seymour Centre last weekend, and it was every bit as hilarious and nostalgic as I had hoped.

Shamelessly partisan, of course - one reviewer said all musicals idolise their subjects - but at the same time, being Aussie at heart, it is full of irreverence, not only poking fun at the characters themselves, but also undercutting the artificial melodrama of musicals. When Keating sings of that first failed leadership challenge, of being thrown down 'in the stenches of the dank back benches' and roaming miserably along 'the shores of Burley Griffin', the audience cracks up, because it *is* melodramatic and incongruous, and there is that recognition that all musicals ask you to buy into that heightened reality.

Mike McLeish as Keating was unquestionably the star of the show, totally inhabiting the character and playing him with the style of a true showman. But he was bolstered by a great supporting cast and a talented band. The songs moved effortlessly across genres - rock, swing, country, reggae, soul - helped greatly by McLeish's amazingly versatile voice.

Keating! is not a perfect production - the first act is weighted too heavily towards Keating solos, and there were a few times when the music drowned out the singing - but I would still wholeheartedly recommend it for the immensely catchy songs and strong performances.

If you ever wanted to hear John Hewson rapping about the GST and calling himself Doctor J, or witness Gareth Evans and Cheryl Kernot singing a cheesy love duet, or watch Alexander Downer slinking about the stage in fishnet stockings, then this is the musical for you.

There are songs about winning 'the sweetest victory of all' and working at 'the arse end of the earth' - all the famous catchphrases and knowing references from Australian politics of the last two decades. There is even a song about Mabo - a song about native title! - which I find awesome beyond words.

And yet, amid the fun and the satire, there are songs that are genuinely moving, like 'Redfern', based on that famous reconciliation speech in Redfern Park, and the elegaic 'Light On The Hill', about what the best of politics should be, dreaming of a better nation and working to make it come true.

But still I dream
Of a country rich and clever
With compassion and endeavour
Reaching out towards forever
And I'm still
Dreaming of the light on the hill.

Comments

[calla-s.livejournal.com]

Sounds awesome - funny *and* ridiculous *and* moving. Excellent.

[pelrun.livejournal.com]

It killed me when I failed to get tickets to the sold-out season up here in Brisbane a couple of months ago, but I just found out that ABC2 is broadcasting a live performance of it in the near future :D

[meteordust.livejournal.com]

It is awesome indeed. If there is indeed going to be a live broadcast of it sometime - see below - I would highly recommend catching it.

[meteordust.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I will definitely have to keep an eye out for that. I've been listening to the CD for days, but so much of the performance is visual and can't be conveyed through music alone. It's good they've decided to capture it forever.

[pelrun.livejournal.com]

Here we go: 8pm on the 20th of August (tomorrow week) on ABC2.

http://www.abc.net.au/tv/guide/abc2/200808/programs/AC0804H001D20082008T200000.htm

[meteordust.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Will see if I can tape it.