Zanna Don't!
Imagine a world where everyone was gay, and to be heterosexual is something of an oddity. Zanna Don’t! shines a beautiful light on what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and is very pretty in pink.
Playing at The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham, this show, with book and lyrics by Alexander Dinelaris and music, book and lyrics by Tim Acito really does tick a lot of boxes where pure enjoyment is concerned. The catchy songs pave the way for some show-stopping numbers performed by an extremely talented cast of 8. For those who have visited The Old Joint Stock Theatre before will know it’s a small space, so to have full out choreography (David Winters) in such close confines was testament to how wonderful this cast are. I’m talking floor shaking stuff here that was tight, in sync and glorious to watch.
As we took our seats, Associate Director James Edge explained how the performer playing the role of Zanna had to be replaced 48 hours before opening night, throwing an almighty spanner in the works, however through sheer determination to allow the show to go on, the wonderful Jack Gittins stepped into the role and quite simply shone. Zanna is a matchmaker, spreading love and performing magic with his rather fabulous blue sparkly wand, however is Zanna happy, and who is there to find him a happy ever after?
The story deals with the complexity of sexuality and how love, in whichever form that may be, should be accepted and embraced. It was such a fabulous exploration of this topic with plenty of humour along the way. When Mike (Adam Makepeace) decides that the next school musical should be about a heterosexual couple falling in love, at first it was met with disgust from his fellow gays, however as the show is performed the question arises, what would happen if this actually materialised in their queer world?
Casting really was fantastic with some stand out performances from Josephina Ortiz Lewis as Tank, who also gave us one of the funniest characters in an older gay not being happy with people deciding to be heterosexual……laughs aplenty in their characterisation of this role. Marcus Collick exuded confidence and delightful campness as Arvin, alongside Caprice Lane as Candi who gave High School Queen vibes with aplomb. The whole cast worked full out and the energy never faltered. It was clear they were very much enjoying their time portraying some rather fabulous characters.
Costuming was a vision in pink, pretty much throughout. I very much enjoyed the ‘Cowboy’ section, along with the pink camouflage jeans and T-shirt combo. The back drop was adorned with love hearts, reiterating the fact that love is the big winner here.
There were a few sound issues on the night, however it didn’t detract from a jam packed show of joy and merriment. A massive well done to all involved, it’s certainly one I’ll remember!
This show was reviewed on the 5th December 2024 at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham where it runs until the 15th December 2024. Tickets available here: The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre Venue - Find out what's on at The Old Joint Stock Pub and Theatre in Birmingham
Review written by Emma Rowley
AD/Gifted
Photo credit: Perro Loco Productions
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