[usr 1]
I attended the musical tribute to the late Meatloaf and his musical collaborator Jim Steinman with a capacity filled crowd at the Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
This was a show for ardent and devoted fans. Unfortunately, although I have enjoyed three or four hits by Meatloaf I am not a devotee.
The imported cast sang their hearts out, danced their hearts out, and were striving their hardest to entertain and move us.
Many shows like this, ie the Abba inspired Mama Mia consist of a selection of songs strung together by a reasonably engaging storyline.
However, Bat Out Of Hell’s connecting storyline consisted of a lightweight Romeo and Juliet story which seemed undercooked and, at times, disconnected from the musical numbers. I would add that these numbers were accompanied by what appeared to be a fourteen piece orchestra which highlighted and complemented the vocal performances, some of which coalesced in to lovely harmonies and choral powerhouse ballads.
Nonetheless, the talented cast and orchestra were let down by an unimaginative storyline and the bombastic composition of Jim Steinman’s music. Every song seemed to be a climax in this over long show. It was excessive, indulgent and, after a while, gave the appearance of monotony especially if one was not, like me, a keen fan. There was no light or shade and each number seemed overwrought. in addition, I don’t know if it was the angle at which I was sitting but a huge, powerful spotlight was shining in to my eyes obliterating the performers and making the show, at times, painful to watch.
In an attempt to make the show appear more intimate a videographer was on stage, at times, doing close ups of the performers which was projected on the screens directly above them. This sometimes was effective but at other times was intrusive and hindered the real projection of the protagonists.
If you are an ardent admirer of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman, BAT OUT OF HELL is the show for you. However I believe a good musical should entertain those outside its circle of admirers.
NATIONAL TOUR DATES:
Friday 27 January 2023 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Monday 30 January 2023 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Thursday 2 February 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena
Saturday 4 February 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
Wednesday 8 February 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
