Alana’s Score: 3.5 /5 VW Vans
When Olive Hoover gets the opportunity to compete in a beauty and talent contest, her loving, albeit dysfunctional, family rally around her and promise to get her there. The only problem? It’s 800 miles away, and all they’ve got to get them there is a beat-up yellow VW van.
This is the musical adaptation of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris’ darkly funny 2006 movie Little Miss Sunshine. Adapted by James Lapine and featuring songs by William Finn, it’s all heart.
Director Deborah Jones has brought together an enthusiastic cast, who join forces commendably to create the Hoovers in all their unique, quirky glory. Kiera Dzeparoski soaks up the spotlight as Olive, with a dynamic and engaging performance. As hippie Grandpa, John Grinston is charming and funny in an off-beat way. Fiona Pearson as Olive’s mum Sheryl is the best singer of the group, displaying a beautiful voice and ability to tell stories through song. Another highlight is sassy Sarah Furnari in her various roles, and the Mean Girls (Aneke Golowenko, Ellacoco Hammer McIver & Grace Ryan) are suitably snarky.
Jones keeps the production moving at a lick, which assists the race-against-the-clock nature of the storyline. This does mean that some of the more heartfelt, sentimental moments are in danger of being glossed over, however.
David Marshall-Martin’s clever set provides some nice levels and vignettes, and costumes by Bobbi Rickards are detailed and individualistic.
This production is a little rough around the edges, but then again so are the Hoovers. At the end of the day, Little Miss Sunshine is a story of resilience, love and loyalty. It may be jagged and unconnected in parts, but you’ll leave this show smiling.
Alana Kaye – Theatre Now
Photo Credit © Bob Seary
Little Miss Sunshine
Music & Lyrics By William Finn
Book By James Lapine
12 Nov – 14 Dec 2019
Previews 16 & 17 Nov 7:30pm
Opening Night Thu 18 Nov 7:30pm
Thu – Sat 7:30pm
Sun 5pm
Sat 22 Dec 2pm only
Venue: New Theatre
Theatre Company: New Theatre
Duration: N /A
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
“I would like to be the first Miss America from New Mexico.”
The Hoover family has seen better days. Richard, the father, is a less-than-inspiring motivational speaker; Grandpa’s been kicked out of his retirement home for bad behaviour; Uncle Frank has recently tried to kill himself after his boyfriend dumped him; moody teen, Dwayne, has taken a vow of silence; and much-put-upon mother Sheryl grits her teeth and holds it all together.
But energetic and optimistic Olive, the youngest Hoover, believes the world is full of possibilities, and enters a children’s beauty pageant.
Seeing a chance to change their luck, this dysfunctional and fractious family packs their beat-up Combi, and embarks on a cross-country journey from New Mexico to California, chasing the coveted title of ‘Little Miss Sunshine’.
Adapted from the Academy Award-winning film by the Tony Award-winning team of James Lapine (Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George) and William Finn (Falsettos, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee), this delightful musical comedy about pursuing your dreams is filled with warmth and humour and will charm audiences of all ages.
“An ingenious, jaunty, sweet invention” Newsday
CREATIVE TEAM
Director Deborah Jones
Ticket Prices
Full $35
Concession, Groups (6+) $30
New Theatre Members $22 (with promo code)
Previews, Thrifty Thursdays $20
