Theatre Review - We Aren't Kids Anymore

We Aren't Kids Anymore                      

by Drew Gasparini

Production: Little Big Theatre Co

Director Sarah Campbell

Cast: Meg Robinson, Sam Hamilton, Andrew Topinio, Wolfe Black, Katie Green, Mo Lovegrove, Jim Williams

Loading Dock Theatre until August 30

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD

It looks like a meeting room in any community centre in the world, complete with a bulletin board, plastic chairs and a long table that holds cheap powdered coffee and plain biscuits. Older actors reading this will be familiar with the dreaded Pablo Instant Coffee.

The seven people who congregate seem to be part of a support group, and the circled seating suggests a twelve step programme in the style of Alcoholics Anonymous, Codependents Anonymous and Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous. The participants in this group are young performing artists, and each is wearing a “Drew” name tag, indicating that, given the name of the work’s creator, we might be in for an autobiographical piece.

Each, in his/her/their turn, through the nineteen songs in this show, expresses his/her/their individual insecurities that might or might not be associated with growing up. With some, the self-doubt will extend to the entirety of their careers, but at least for the moment, they have each others’ backs and empathy in the close group is solid.

The mostly white bread, very young cast comes from a variety of experiences such as NIDA, WAAPA, ATYP, Opera Australia, Third World Improv and Drag. Each triple threat sings their story with emotional attachment as they take us on their journeys.

To me, one of the cast members looks like Bud Bundy from Married With Children, one resembles Connie Sellecca and another looks like Rugby League player, Brian To'o.

The creatives are more diverse;  Renae Goodman is the Music Director, Alice Chao is the Stage Manager, Danielle Lorzano is in charge of Choreography and Marita Chang is on Drums. It’s pleasing to see so much diversity, with multiculturalism making for a richer society in general.

The original London production was two hours and twenty minutes long including the intermission. This Qtopia version is a ninety minute one-acter, which is about the right length.

We Aren't Kids Anymore is an engaging new musical that brings you into the world of human insecurity, self-doubt and importantly, hope.