Sunday 1st November, The Hippodrome at Morphetville Racecourse
FIVE STARS
There simply aren't enough superlatives to describe Come Alive! The Greatest Showman Circus Spectacular. Using the music from the film The Greatest Showman, Come Alive! reimagines the original story, setting and characters into an ambitious production that re-defines the meaning of the term “spectacle.” Come Alive! is an epic merging of musical theatre, circus, and a live concert into a full blown immersive performance experience.
The whole production begins in the preshow with an immersive activation in a separate tent. In there, the performers are wandering about, there’s intimate hidden canopies with the singers inside and photo ops galore. The smoky haze contributes to this grungy, almost “underground circus” atmosphere, with vintage posters, dressing tables amongst the nooks and crannies… So! Be sure to arrive with time to explore it!
When showtime begins, we take our seats in the hippodrome— the grand tent that gives us all a full 360 degree view of the action. It’s truly impressive what can be done in a temporary, custom built venue like this, all production elements were designed to consider maximum audience engagement from every angle.
Come Alive! begins with a bang and immediately lets the audience know that they are in for a spectacle, and you better buckle in. The first number is the song Come Alive, with Des Flanagan as The Showman instigating the arrival of all of the circus acts, dancers and singers.
There is a loose plot running through that just nicely threads the acts together, but honestly, you don’t need to think too much about it. Max (Ruby Clark) enters the Empress Museum of infamous circus memorabilia to watch her boyfriend perform. Yet, she is lured into the realm by The Showman’s Ringmaster, dressed as his shadow. Inside, Max battles with her true identity before realising, “This is Me,” and embracing her true talents as a performer.
This show has cast some of the biggest talents in the Australian musical theatre scene, so vocally, I already anticipated greatness. Des Flanagan as the Showman (Moulin Rouge! Cats) alongside Olivia Carniato (Cats, Grease) as the Snake Charmer, Jade Delmiguez (&Juliet, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) as Sapphire the fortune teller, Harrison Riley as Tex the Cowboy, Sienna Walsgot as Dusty the Lion Tamer (pro debut!) and Charly Williams as Samson the Strongman. Throughout the whole show, these magnificent singers perform live, occasionally sauntering up the aisles to interact with the crowd.
Ruby Clark as Max, the female protagonist, is outstanding. Vocally, she can carry the high notes and power required for this soundtrack and does so with true star quality.
Another highlight for me was Flanagan's performance of From Now On, one of my personal favourite songs. Seeing this live whereby you get to witness the increasing swell of energy from the dancers and musicians combined was just magnificent.
The show seamlessly transitions between circus acts, short scenes, dancing and musical numbers that are fast paced and ever so awe-inspiring. There’s aerial stunts that see the performers spin high above the centre, whilst the dancers layer the action down below. There’s also fire breathing, tightrope, trapeze, acrobatics and a teeterboard duo. The silks and aerial stunts are remarkable, particularly Lucy Ridings who is suspended by her hair!
The costume and lighting creates a cacophony of colour and whimsy. Susan Kulkarni’s costume designs are elaborate and intricate, with hints to the original film. Adam Bassett’s lighting design just enhances all of the spectacular human elements of this show. You forget you are sitting inside a tent, the scale of production is that impressive.
Lastly, unlike many other circus shows, Come Alive! is performed 100% live. The live band “The Five Tops” rock The Greatest Showman soundtrack throughout, likening this show to a concert.
Every detail of this show is clearly refined to create the best experience for every audience member. Even the ushers fit in as “characters” in this world, they enthusiastically encourage us to succumb to the outrageous, always smiling and being helpful
I’ll close with this: there truly is not a bad seat in this arena. So even if you don’t have the budget, this show will be the best $69 you’ll ever spend for top quality entertainment. And if you are a true thespian at heart, I'd honestly recommend seeing this show twice, from two different spots because there is that much to look at! Come Alive! is the greatest show that delivers on every front. Adelaide, this circus is calling for you, don’t miss it!
~ By Sophie Tsoulos
Show Run: till 5th December
Theatre: The Hippodrome at Morphetville Racecourse