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Theatre Review: The Breakfast Club Live

John Hughes’ classic teen movie from the 80s was a staple for any teenager born before the new millennium, telling the story of students during a day of detention.

The-Breakfast-ClubPresented by Matt Byrne Media
Reviewed 21 October 2014

You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain… and an athlete… and a basket case… and a princess…. And a criminal…

It’s probably one of the most iconic lines from 80s cinema, along with the image of a dude punching the air in the middle of a football field with Don’t You (Forget About Me) playing in the background.

That’s right, it seems like the misfits of The Breakfast Club have returned triumphantly, but on stage rather than on screen. John Hughes’ classic movie may be a little old and corny now but it is still a fantastic film and a staple for any teenager born before the new millennium.

A number of odd-ball high school students find themselves locked in detention on a Saturday and forced to confront their feelings and connect with their fellow teens. Along the way there is many a tear and a scream, but also powerful realisations and pop-music dance offs. Yep, definitely the 80s.

Matt Byrne’s stage adaption is an almost word-for-word reproduction of the film and is almost dead-on accurate. It might have been nice to see some innovation and experimentation but honestly, you can’t go wrong with the classic story. I’m just surprised it worked so well on stage!

Every actor present is amazing. Jamie Hornsby plays Brian, the shy, nerdy guy whose awkward attempts at engaging with his friends come off as hilariously endearing. James King, who plays John Bender (“The Criminal”) is powerful and energetic (even if he looks a bit dorky in the trench coat). Loccy Hywood plays “The Athlete”, Andrew, and puts in just as much energy as King. The two create amazing friction on stage.

Kacy Ratta, who plays “The Princess” Claire, pulls off just the right mix of sensual and stand-offish, and Kristen Tommasini is… well… interesting as “The Basketcase”, Allison. I’m both impressed and a little creeped out at how well she nails the character.

The set isn’t anything special, but works well. It is flexible and interesting and somehow brings with it a very “high school vibe” which is hard to explain. It is a bit of a fragile set though, falling down halfway through the performance to much laughter and applause from the audience. I applaud the actors for pushing forward regardless.

One complaint is that the group of actors seemed to have trouble controlling their intensity. Whether by a quirk of direction or something else, the actors explode randomly and violently into outbursts that aren’t anywhere near as pronounced in the film version. But even then, this intensity has its own engaging quality.

The Breakfast Club Live is a fun and nostalgic performance, just as touching as the original film.

“Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

Reviewed by James Rudd

Venue: Holden Street Theatres, 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh
Season: 22 October 22 – 8 November 2014
Duration: 2 hours
Tickets: $25.00 – $30.00
Bookings: Book through BASS online or phone 131 246

 

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