Review by Jessie Colquhoun
Scooby-Doo in Stagefright, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre
Friday July 17
My life changed forever when Sky TV was installed in my house.
Now I know all the words to the High School Musical songs, which Disney stars are BFFs and all about Hannah Montana’s latest love interest. It’s not my fault. My nine-year-old sister has Disney Channel on in my house 24/7.
So when I saw advertisements for Scooby-Doo in Stagefright, I insisted the two of us go. She agreed, as long I took her to see Hannah Montana: The Movie as well. She drives a hard bargain.
Scooby-Doo is a classic cartoon, where the kids solve mysteries rather than sing cheesy songs. I wanted to encourage this form of entertainment.
The 90 -inute stage show is like an extended episode of the cartoon. The Mystery Incorporated gang – Fred, Shaggy, Velma, Daphne and Scooby-Doo – head to Hollywood to visit Daphne’s uncle, who is a movie director.
Strange things start happening on the movie set, and when a ghost appears, the gang decide to solve the mystery.
What’s really impressive is how accurately the actors portray their characters. Shaggy in particular had all the same mannerisms to his cartoon alter ego, right down to the shaking knees!
Scooby-Doo in Stagefright remains faithful to the original series, so parents who were a fan won’t be disappointed. The humour is mainly aimed at the younger audience, with a few jokes for the parents thrown in for good measure.
To keep the kids entertained, the cast speak directly to the audience on several occasions, and encourage them to call out when they see the evil ghost on stage.
Oddly, Fred only makes an appearance at the start of the show. The actor comes back on stage, playing the part of the creepy caretaker. The absence of Fred doesn’t make a difference to the plot, but it sure worried the kids behind me, who were asking: “Mummy, has the ghost got Fred? Where is he?”
The true test of this show’s success is what the kids thought of it, and Scooby-Doo in Stagefright managed to keep an entire theatre of them and their parents entertained.
As for the nine-year-old? She reluctantly admitted that she really enjoyed the show. I’m hoping that from now on, there will be less Disney Channel in our house.
Parents – if you’re a fan of the cartoon, you’ll love Scooby-Doo in Stagefright. More importantly, so will your kids.