Review: Ballad of Backbone Joe

Boker Backbone Joe has 'never been beaten' and is supported by his underhand manager Dean at the abbotoir/boxing club in their local town in the outback of Australia. Joe's wife Denise had dies under mysterious circumstances and private 'eye' Von Trap is undercover investigating.

Backbone Joe has all the attributes and potential of being a great cult show, with the 'Suitcase Royale' taking the lead in the musical stakes. They're blusey, folk sound is rather alternative and cool as a new musical theatre concept. Those who aren't your classic musical theatre fans will definately have a place here . The set is wonderfully chaotic and unconventionally used, mastering the art of the projector screen in slapstick comedy and the score pushing the plot along with musical numbers 'bringing you up to speed song' and 'behind the red dress'.

The book and direction is in need of work but has the beginnings of being tight, slick and hillarious, however the lack of committment from the cast lets it down revealing an unfocused, improvised at times, muddle where the jokes get stale. That being said, the piece has miles of life to come and with some good direction and tweaks to the plot this could become the new cult musical of alternative comedy.

12/08/2010