Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams
Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams, rightfully chosen by the Age as best local show at the MICF earlier this year, starts strong and just gets better and better as it goes. It’s actually a startling achievement, being almost unbearably cute whilst simultaneously being incredibly crass, and celebrating everything that makes Disney and the Muppets so great while at the same time skewering those selfsame institutions with the sharpest blade satire has to offer- the one that cuts so close to the genuine article that you can barely tell the difference.
The storyline reads, well, like a children’s fairy tale: whisked away to the Forest of Dreams by a magical portal in his kitchen, Sammy befriends Farlo, a blue forest creature who lives happily under the dominion of the contemptible king, who dedicates his rule to the most sexually depraved acts he can put into song. Together, they start a revolution to overthrow the king, but love of the fair Yoplait threatens to tear them apart. This rather basic framework conceals a rather dazzling array of set pieces, musical numbers, and audience interactions that keep everything moving along swiftly and tightly- this show has the entertainment factor of a much longer show, but without all that boring waiting around for the next big thing to hit you in the face.
Continuing the duality of the show, the titular Sammy J manages to be both earnest and likable while at the same time portraying a bit of a scoundrel who ultimately learns nothing from his strange adventure. Of course, working behind the scenes is Heath McIvor, who voices and controls over a dozen other characters, often simultaneously controlling two different puppets that banter back and forth. His agility as a puppeteer and range of voices is so impressive that when he came out to take his bow, I was genuinely shocked- I had assumed that there was a small army of people working back there. Sammy J may be the name in the title, but it is on McIvor’s genius that the show truly hinges. More than recommended- this is must-see comedy.
Sammy J in the Forest of Dreams is having an extended run at the Lithuanian Club in North Melbourne, until November 9th, and also at the Frankston Arts Centre from November 12 to 16th.
Visit the Fringe Website for booking details.