THE SAPPHIRES (M) was a hugely successful stage show. The movie version never quite hits the heights of its live theatre origins, a fate that befell BRAN NUE DAY.
Of course, that did not stop BRAN NUE DAY from doing boffo Box Office and THE SAPPHIRES should have no trouble duplicating the dollar take of its predecessor.
THE SAPPHIRES tells the story of a quartet of indigenous sheilas shipped to Vietnam to entertain the troops circa 1968. Sisters Gail, Julia and Cynthia along with their cousin Kay are persuaded to jettison their Country music leanings by a burgeoning entrepreneur and embrace the Soul music that was sweeping the Sixties.
The narrative is fairly pedestrian with the songs and performances by the five main protagonists lifting the film above the standard with soulful renditions of pop tunes.
As the eldest of the girls and self appointed leader, Gail, Deborah Mailman posts another solid performance. Australian Idol sensation, Jessica Mauboy and Bran Nue Day alumni, plays Julie, the youngest of the group and the one with the focal vocal. Miranda Tapsell, a Larrakia girl, nails the larrikin, cheeky, rebellious risk taking middle sister with the serpent’s tongue.
Rounding out the quartet as cousin Kay is rising star Shari Sebbens, currently scorching and smoking on stage at the Stables in THE HOAX. Forced removal from her family years earlier has created a chasm in Kay’s cultural identity, a hole in her soul that may mend by reunion with her blood and the healing power of the music.
Chris O’Dowd plays Dave, the down and out Irishman who becomes the group’s manager by default but who demands they drop the cheesy country act and adopt the toe tapping soul set.
He’s on the money here as the drama of civil rights, race riots and a disastrous war fuels and is fueled by such classic songs as RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE and I CAN’T HELP MYSELF.
The stage play was written by Tony Briggs to celebrate his own family’s story. For the screenplay he has partnered with Keith Thompson and Wayne Blair directs.
Whilst not as infectious as the live show, THE SAPPHIRES is nevertheless a gem and deserves to be seen by a large audience.
© Richard Cotter
9th August, 2012
Tags: Sydney Movie Reviews- THE SAPPHIRES, Wayne Blair, Tony Briggs, Jessica Mauboy, Miranda Tapsell, Shari Sebbens, Deborah Mailman, Chris O’Dowd, Sydney Arts Guide, Richard Cotter.
