King of Pangea

Written as a 90-minute piece, this musical seems to jump on the current trend of omitting the button moments (times for the audience to applause).  But in this instance it works exceptionally well as writer and cast take us on a rapid roller coaster of youth, hope, joy, confusion, denial and sadness.  All in less than 20 minutes!

Sam introduces us to his younger self, played on press night by Tayt Joshua Silvester-Stroller.  Sam appears fearless as he launches into some very exposing musical numbers with joy in his eyes.  Young Sam finds himself in the hospital waiting room trying to put together a jigsaw with a missing piece. This is later to reveal itself as the metaphor for the whole work.

I have to admit to wondering in the first 20 minutes “how dark is this going to go?”.  Until the appearance of Elijah (a prophet not the prophet!) played by musical theatre and TV veteran Mark Curry.  His number Everyone I Love (Is Dead) brings the house down as the audience breaths a corporate sigh of relief.   This is a moment of complete musical theatre joy both stage and in the audience.  It took me a while to realise where the rest of the musical was taking us – and I won’t spoil it here – but I will say it’s very cleverly done.  The amazing vocals of Dan Burton (playing Arthur Crow and Captain) are supported beautifully by the sensitive acting of Sophia Ragavelas, playing Sam’s Mum, Celia, and powerful characterization of Emily Tang - Sam’s potential girlfriend.  It’s a very strong ensemble.