Review: Madagascar is a crack-a-lackin' good time

From left: Chris Symon as Alex, Jane Leonard as Gloria, Vasilios Kostidis as Marty. Photo / Benjamin Wilson, Wintec Journalism student

If you are a fan of the movie franchise, a lover of musical theatre or looking for something to entertain the kiddies this holiday then Madagascar The Musical is the show for you!

This upbeat and joke-filled show kicked off its school holiday tour last Friday at Hamilton's Clarence Street Theatre. It runs until Tuesday, April 20 before heading to Tauranga, Palmerston North, and Napier.

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The entire set, props and costumes have been shipped in from the UK tour of the musical. They pull the whole production together and the intricate elements and design look reminiscent of scenes from the film. The set pieces move seamlessly between each scene and it looks phenomenal. The use of puppetry within the show is a fun touch as it allows characters to be more animated, from the smaller penguins to the much taller Melman.

The cast and crew are a talented bunch and from the fly-crew to the dressers, there is an array of Hamilton locals doing what they do best.

Heading the creative team is director Nick Wilkinson, who has previously toured New Zealand and Australia as the director and lead actor in Cat in The Hat, as well as performing in many Hamilton productions such as, Hood Street the Musical, Dogfight and Sister Act.

Hannah Macfarlane worked as the choreographer, and has produced some beautiful movement and dance sequences.

Nick Braae is one of Waikato's finest musical directors and has most recently been the musical director of Dogfight and The Bold Experience.

Chris Symon, who plays the King of New York City, Alex the Lion, did a fantastic job and was energetic with this role. His vocal performance was stunning and wonderful to listen to.

Local audiences will also enjoy seeing Hamiltonians within the cast, Finley Hughes is King Julian and he is a delight to watch on stage.

Hamilton primary school teacher, performer and author Falstaff Dowling-Mitchell convincingly portrays the neurotic Giraffe, Melman.

Madagascar The Musical certainly has something for everyone, shown by the opening night all-ages audience, who cheered, clapped, sang and danced along. I highly recommend you Move it, Move it and book your tickets to see this crack-a-lackin' musical!