Synopsis: Arriving in Aukilani with her father in the 1970’s, a young Samoan woman with big dreams and hopes for a brighter future is immediately set to work in a South Auckland textile factory. But each time the factory bell rings, she feels further away from both her home and her aspirations.
Review: Pacific Island culture is full of soul. Music and dance are a way of life and an integral part of the core of generations of tradition and family. There was no doubt in my mind that this production and its cast would deliver a powerful show, it’s no surprise that The Factory delivered quality to an anticipating audience. Immediately upon the drawing of that theatre curtain the Kila Kokonut Krew set the bar of excellence for any company wishing to create musical theatre and performance. This Krew did not disappoint or waiver, a powerful booming vocal start to an overall spectacular production showcasing some enormous talent from our New Zealand brothers and sisters.
Milly Grant who plays Losa is a rising super star in the making, delivering an honest and witty performance her vocal range and projection is stellar. She certainly is up to par and beyond some of the well-known musical stars I have witnessed in Australia and around the world. Grants vocal abilities reached heights that were mind blowingly mountainous. Her portrayal of a new immigrant to New Zealand shores felt personal and connected. A captivating face and presence, a very talented young woman.
Aleni Tufuga who plays Kavana, Losas father gave a strong performance with great maturity and control. A balanced supporting role performance to his co-stars.
Paul Glover who plays Richard Wilkinson, one of only two white performers among the Pacific Islander cast certainly gave his all. Though not a strong singer his performance method made up for his lack of the latter. I found some of his scenes slightly over sensationalized and vaguely stereotypical. A moment near the end of his performance had the patrons giggling in shock at the sudden outcome. This could possibly be adjusted slightly as its delivery I assume was not meaningfully comical as it was at a conjunction of the script that rolled into serious content. A well produced performance none the less.
Ryan Bennett plays Edward Wilkinson, Bennett has a singing voice and vocal ability that met the huge voices of his Islander cast members. A tremendously talented singer whose voice married beautifully with Grants, their duets were heaven to listen too. His performance naturalistic and complimentary to some of the more flamboyant characters surrounding him. A joyful performer to watch.
Paul Fagamalo who plays Misilei (Misi) the elaborate, funny, charming transsexual was magic to watch. His performance both in song and dance would have given Beyoncé a run for her money. A real stand out performance that was gleefully lapped up by the audience she had them eating out of her hand so to speak. Captivating and a natural performer on every level, a stand out amongst his peers.
Taofia Pelesasa plays Mose the factory’s floor manager with a real humourous approach. A revolutionist style character that was performed with guts and wit.
The rest of the cast ensemble Tavai Faasavalu, Troy Tu’ua, Saipele Maika, Valentino Maliko, Joanna Mika-Toloa, Suivai Autagavaia, Nastassia Wolfgramm, Rosita Gibbons and Lorna Teisi all gave powerful performances showcasing their talents in both dance, performance and vocals. Kila Kokonut Krew performed a Kila show, one that they are clearly proud of and do with joy and pride. Energetic and charismatic from start to finish!
Writer/director Vela Manusaute and his co writer/directors Anapela Polataivao and Stacey Leilu (writer/producer) has done themselves, families and Samoan/Pacific Islander heritage proud. Manusaute has written a book that is original, personal and powerful, a story that is all heart and profoundly human, a glorious combination of ingredients needed to create a moving piece of musical theatre.
The set and lighting by Sean Coyle was clean and none intrusive, its simplicity framing the bold cast like a valuable painting, humbly displaying its priceless talent. Costume design by Lindah Lepou was functional and in the era, a colour palette to reflect each characters personality, I particularly enjoyed Edward and Richards head to toe brown numbers.
95% of a musicals success is in the music itself. The collaborative effort of musical arranger Tarna Waipara, composer Poulima Salima and music directors Glen Jackson and Malcolm Lakatani was a collaboration made in heaven, the songs were a well-arranged mixture of humour, solidarity, tradition and fun production numbers combined with the delightful original choreography by Amanaki Prescott and new choreography by Livermore and Troy Tu’ua. There were musical numbers that had my mind reflect similarities from Dick Van Dyke in Chitty Chitty Bang Bangs ‘Me ‘Ole Bamboo’ number to contrasting more dramatic numbers similar in tone to Phantom of The Opera. All done in Kila Kokonut Krew style none the less, but couldn’t help see some similarities in musical approach.
Kila Kokonut Krew should be over the moon, chest puffingly proud of this production. They have collaborated to create a new, fresh musical that is worthy of tours internationally. Pacific Islander heritage is deeply soulful and I believe would spark deep interest in audiences who enjoy musicals that portray uniqueness and promote cultural diversity and history. A must see musical! Go New Zealand! Sensational theatre!
Only on at Riverside Parramatta for a short season, get your tickets 18-21st June
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