The Production Company launched it’s latest creation “Kismet” last night at the State Theatre to rapturous applause. Kismet follows the love story shared between Josh Piterman (West Side Story) and Janet Todd (The Magic Flute) as a tale of love and mistaken identity set in the Bazaar’s and green gardens of Bagdad. This desert tale set in the time of “The Arabian Nights” follows the story of two would be lovers. Kismet meaning ‘“Fate” twists and turns surrounding the character “Marsinah’s Father/Hajj” who is the victim of mistaken identity. Really a poet, the man momentarily takes the place of a beggar, He is mistaken for the real “Hajj” and is taken away to undo a curse “Hajj” put onto a criminal many years earlier. He soon turns the mistaken identity to his favor and assumes the role of mystical wizard for much needed profit. After a few twists of fate and lucky timing he becomes advisor to the Wazir magically cursing and un-cursing at will. Meanwhile, his daughter falls unknowingly in love with the Caliph. Kismet is a rags to riches tale reminiscent of a reverse Aladdin-Where a poor girl falls in love with a prince. To be honest, some of the story was lost on me- I felt that some songs could be cut and the story line developed a little more throughly as some of the relationships between characters were poorly explained. Ensemble were great, the show was slick, costuming was vibrant and the singing was infallible, however I fear that with most Production Company shows it’s more of a”blue rinse” crowd who would really enjoy the piece. Personally I thought the star of the show was Mitchell Butel (Avenue Q, The Mikado) who gives the audience much needed comic relief with his character the Wazir. His comic timing and fantastic delivery, for me, was really what made Kismet an enjoyable piece. Winning a Tony Award in 1954 for Best Musical and several revivals across the globe- Kismet is sure to please the whole family- Grandparents and Children especially! Kismet is playing at the State theatre with a limited 6 shows only! From the 17th through to the 21st of August. Book here online for tickets and show times.
Tags: 2011, Janet Todd, Josh Piterman, Kismet, Meanwhile, Melbourne, Mitchell Butel, Music Theatre, Review, State Theatre, The Production Company, Theatre, Tickets
