Writing up about ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ has me torn between the great things The Production Company have once again achieved with this production and the gaping insensitivity that the show could have avoided.
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ is based on the 1960’s Julie Andrews movie and is set in 1922 so we are dealing with different values from 100 years ago. However, this musical was first performed on Broadway in 2002 so adjusting the ethnicity of the Mrs Meers character could have been achieved at that time. In the politically correct 21st Century ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ has a ‘WT…’ factor that left me wondering if this show was a good idea.
Marina Prior’s character Mrs Meers is not only not a nice person, she is a white person dressed up as cliched evil Asian character. If the role of Mrs Meers was cast as a larger than life comedic character the buffoonery would have carried it but Marina, as one of Australia’s greatest voices, is wasted in the role. When you see Marina Prior’s name on a billboard, you want to hear her sing. Mrs Meers should have been played like a vaudeville villain. Instead she comes across more like a bad Bond baddy.
The other cliched characters Ching Ho (played by Keith Brockett) and Bun Foo (Jonathan Chan) only amplified the racial focus of the storyline.
Thoroughly Modern Millie Keith Brockett, Marina Prior, Jonathan Chan photo by Jeff Busby
The Production Company did a wonderful job modernising ‘The Boy From Oz’ story to reflect society today but the political correctness that could have been adjusted in this production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ just wasn’t.
The plus is the real star of this show in newcomer Annie Aitken as Millie Dillmount. In her first starring role Annie has proven a name to watch. We previously saw Annie appearing for The Production Company in ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder’. She also had a role in ‘Muriel’s Wedding’. With The Production Company casting her in this lead role, Annie has finally been given the spotlight to showcase her true talents.
The other plus for this production is the set and costumes. The backdrop uses a similar technique to what we saw in the recent David Byrne Australian tour (Byrne won a Helpmann Award a few weeks ago). The Production Company prides itself on a first class visual for the audience and once again achieves a look that you expect from major international productions.
Thoroughly Modern Millie – Angela Scundi and Annie Aitken Thoroughly Modern Millie Keith Brockett, Marina Prior, Jonathan Chan photo by Jeff Busby
‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ musically lacks the focus number. There is no central hit song but there is the very clever ‘The Speed Test’ which hooks you more for its humour than its tune. As a musical, the storyline is darker than your average show. What is easier to explain in a movie has not easily translated to the stage.
Still The Production Company has a great value ticket price for giving people on various budgets the opportunity to enjoy the theatre. This one is an adult show though. Its not recommended for young kids.
Thoroughly Modern Millie will run through until 11 August 2019 at The State Theatre Melbourne.
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