It’s no secret that local Macau audiences are yet to fully embrace Western style stage shows, which has presented somewhat of a challenge for operators wanting to bring global productions to town.
With that in mind, WGM was keen to see just how the audience would react when Broadway Theatre hosted a special “dress rehearsal” of its new show Viva La Broadway — Summer Fever yesterday.
Viva La Broadway is best described a dance-dominated cabaret act from the UK with a few tricks and treats thrown in for good measure. Leading the way is Katie Shepherd, who opens the show with a couple of song and dance numbers, returns for another halfway through and then joins the entire ensemble for the colorfully costumed finale.
As anticipated, however, the audience proved a tough nut to crack and reactions remained mooted as Polish mime artist Yurek walked onto the stage. He eventually garnered a few giggles but it wasn’t until the fourth act of the show that some palpable excitement began to build.
The act features a couple dancing their way around the stage while producing a series of lightning fast costume changes. One minute the girl is dressed in yellow only to suddenly emerge in pink from under the sheet her partner drapes over her. It all happens in a flash and the sheer number of costume changes the pair go through is really quite clever.
There are two clear highlights though. By far the most enthralling is the performance of Stephanie Rijkens and Pierre Poissonnet, who roller-skate their way on and around a small circular platform at break-neck speeds producing all manner of acrobatic feats along the way. It’s certainly a sight to behold.
“Laserman” is also a crowd favorite. With the lights faded to black and smoke machines pumping fog into the air, he manipulates a series of multi-colored laser lights throughout the room to create some brilliant 3D effects.
What Viva La Broadway undoubtedly proves is that Macau audiences want some “wow” from their stage shows and this one takes a while to produce. But with each act showing greater flare than the last, it gets there in the end.
Viva La Broadway runs from 20 May to 28 August at Broadway Theatre with tickers ranging from MOP$120 through to MOP$380.
