Melbourne Reviews

As a fan of musicals and a lover of 90s tunes, but as someone totally unfamiliar with Cruel Intentions, I was ignorant as to what exactly I should expect going to see Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical in its return season to Melbourne.

If you too are unfamiliar with the story, which is based on the cult classic 1999 film by Roger Kumble, it's set in New York City among rich high schoolers, and follows the manipulations of step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian, trying desperately to wreak havoc and stay at the top of the social hierarchy.

There was a lot to like about the performances and staging of the musical. The cast were wildly talented and had powerhouse vocals across the board that capably navigated the dual styles often necessary for jukebox musicals: in this case, pop and musical theatre. In particular, Kirby Burgess' (Kathryn) voice soared, and both her and fellow lead Drew Weston (Sebastian) brought the necessary presence and magnetism to their roles. Sarah Krndija (Cecile) and Ross Chisari (Blaine) were both crowd favourites, with playful charisma and killer vocals.

The numbers were hit after hit, and the arrangements done to fit the production offered a slightly fresh take that married well with the evoked nostalgia. The harmonies in Kiss Me and Torn were particular highlights. Some of the stand-out songs included Bye Bye Bye, with choreography, costumes, energy and performances that delivered everything you'd want from an iconic boy band number, and No Scrubs, which was a joyous high-point of the show led expertly by Rishab Kern (Ronald).

There was clever use of what was a relatively small stage space: creative utilisation of the set, along with lighting and video projections that enhanced the spectacle. The band brought vibrance and precision to the production, and the choreography shone in the opening and finale with its dynamism.

Overall, the narrative absolutely left something to be desired. The story has been adapted for the stage from the film, but the film itself is a modern retelling of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos' 1782 novel Les Liaisons dangereuses. The novel seems to tell a tale of morality about the French nobility of the Ancien Régime, and while it was celebrated for its exploration of seduction, revenge and malice – themes that clearly still have relevance today – something has been lost in translation in the adaptation. Turning a morality tale into a comedy and marrying it with 90s hits didn't quite hit the mark.

If you're heading into the city for a night at the theatre, and you're not a particular fan of Cruel Intentions the movie, 90s music, jukebox musicals or raunchy, taboo comedy, this might not be the show for you. If you enjoy any of the aforementioned, chances are it'll be a fun and frivolous night out.

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is playing at the Athenaeum until Sunday 5 March.