[THEATRE REVIEW] 50 SHADES: THE MUSICAL PARODY @ The Alex Theatre Review (2024)
When British author E.J. James released his erotic romance novel Fifty Shades of Grey in 2011, it titillated an excited throng of readers.
The frenzy returned four years later with the release of the Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Hollywood film, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan.
The subject was, of course, the unusual relationship between a young English literature major and a business magnate with a decided kink.
She was pretty, naïve and yearning. He was handsome, capable and needy.
BDSM (bondage/discipline, dominance/submission and sadism/masochism) was his thing, but he didn’t like to be touched.
What could possibly go wrong?
Now the adults only musical 50 Shades: The Musical Parody gives it all a wicked and even more salacious twist.
It is mischievous and bawdy. It takes the mickey out of the two stars of the book and film, Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, and is heaps of fun.
In short, it is a hens’ night that blokes can enjoy every bit as much as the ladies.
The 100-minute show combines music, comedy, dance and a touch of circus.
The contention is that three women in a book club have lost the pep in their step, when one puts Fifty Shades of Grey on the must read list.
The most prudish – whose husband left her – is in for a real eye opener, as she begins to let down her barriers and open herself up (pun intended).
So it is that 50 Shades: The Musical Parody follows the plotline of the original novel, while cutting back and forth to the ladies in the book club.
The music is lively and up tempo. The innuendo in the lyrics is next level and the audience laps it up.
In fact, part of the joy in the offering is the interactivity with the willing crowd.
I was taken by the talented ensemble, led by mellifluous Belle Parkinson as Anastasia. With her golden tonsils and heightened affectations, she had us onside from the get go.
James Elmer is the picture of arrogance and entitlement as her opposite number, Christian. He, too, knows how to put on a great show. Just wait still she tries to put a finger on him.
Talk about ripped. Massimo Zuccara has onlookers swooning as Anastasia’s friend José Rodriguez, whose advances she spurns.
He and Will Moffat, who also plays Christian Grey’s brother Elliot, aren’t afraid to showcase their abs and pecs respectively.
I loved the interaction between the book club members, Stephanie John as Pam, Sophie Lochran as Bev and Belinda Jenkin as the uptight Carol.
Sophie also hits it out the park as Anastasia’s self-serving friend, Katherine Kavanagh. She is the one who prompts Anatasia’s introduction to Christian.
And last, but definitely not least, we have Grace Liang, who elevates the temperature in the room with her sexy black underwear and erotic gyrations.
The eight make a terrific troupe, who play off each other wonderfully. Together, they are melodic, tuneful and deliciously lustful.
Musical director David Youings is on top of his game, while lighting design Declan O’Neill adds gloss.
Producer, director and choreographer David Venn has all the theatrical elements in sync for a great night out.
With an open bar, the mood is set. Let me put it this way – you are in for a naughty good time when you buy a ticket to see 50 Shades: The Musical Parody.
It is on at Alex Theatre until 10th August, 2024, with pop up shows thereafter.
For more information and to buy tickets, go to https://50shadesmusicalparody.com.au
Review and photography by Alex First