Review – Wolf Creek: The Musical
The 2005 film Wolf Creek was one of the most startling horror films to emerge from Australian cinema, declared to have done for the outback what Jaws did for swimming in the ocean. Obviously this makes it perfect for a musical adaptation.
Professed to be lovingly adapted from the source material (despite the disclaimers of any resemblance to said source material), Wolf Creek: The Musical follows the story of British backpackers Liz (Hayman Kent) and Kristy (Chris Knight), along with Greek Sydney-sider Ben (Demi Lardner), on a roadtrip to Carnes when they run into car trouble in the titular national park. Luckily the “totally not terrifying” bushman Mick (Kel Balnaves) comes to their rescue, taking them back to his “totally safe” remote old mine, where no one can hear you scream.
Hilariously self-aware, the cast unexpectedly shine through the catchy musical numbers and witty jokes. The fourth wall is demolished in the best possible way, a move perfectly suited to this brand of comedy. Highlights include repeated product placement of the sponsor, murder-puns thrown in every other sentence and the Greek-ification of Ben with all the best cultural stereotypes. Props go to Balnaves for his truly terrifying portrayal of Mick Taylor, even when he’s singing with jazz hands, and the double gender-bent casting of Kristy and Ben, who manage to prove that sometimes the simplest comedy comes from an unexpected dress and a drawn-on beard. The music, written by the talented James McCann, is creative and original, and manages to achieve the near-impossible in making the kidnapping and murder of backpackers funny.
If you’re a fan of parody comedies, and were perhaps traumatised by the original movie, then this is the show for you.
