The dark storyline in Saturday Night Fever is a sharp contrast to the detail and stunning clarity in the video design and lighting, which are mainstays of this production. Based on the 1977 film starring John Travolta and featuring the Bee Gee’s soundtrack, the jukebox musical set in Brooklyn concerns youth and ambition. It was adapted for the stage by Robert Stigwood with Bill Oakes and premiered in the West End in 1998, opening on Broadway the following year.
19-year-old Italian American Tony Manero (Ethan Churchill), who has a dead-end job in a paint store, has a volatile home life. His out of work father, Frank (George Kapiniaris), rides him hard, drinks too much and is prone to violence. Tony’s brother, Frank Junior (Matthew Casamento) is a priest, which greatly pleases his religious mother, Flo (Chelsea Plumley). Truth be told, though, Frank Junior is about to drop a bombshell.
Tony is happiest when he is on the dance floor at his favourite disco club, 2001 Odyssey. He is an excellent dancer, lauded by all for his sharp moves. Around him are three rough and ready mates, including the deeply troubled Bobby C (Sam Hamilton), who has knocked up his girlfriend and doesn’t know what to do.
Annette (Izzi Green) has fallen hard for Tony and would like the two of them to get together, but Tony isn’t interested. Still, he wants to enter a competition at the Odyssey that carries a $500 prize, so uses her as a dance partner. That is until he spots another girl, 20-year-old office worker Stephanie Mangano (Regan Barber), who has some mean moves of her own. Although Stephanie, who pretends to be sophisticated, and like Tony dreams of a better life, rejects his romantic advances, she agrees to partner him.
The narrative straddles several heavy issues, including domestic unrest, the treatment of women, racial conflict, drug use and violence. As Tony, Ethan Churchill does most of the heavy lifting and has a strong stage presence. Regan Barber brings a rich and powerful voice to bear in her role as Stephanie. Also impressive with her vocal lucidity and conviction is Izzi Green as the slighted Annette.
One of the undoubted high points of the musical is Sam Hamilton’s stirring rendition of Tragedy in Act II. That occurs as Bobby C continues to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. Outstanding choreography by Jamie and Suzi Rolton sees several slick company dance sequences on an LED-lit floor.
I have already referenced the video design, which brings heightened reality to the swiftly changing settings. Production design by director Drew Anthony will long stay with me, while Jason Bovaird is responsible for the smart lighting. Musical director Daniel Puckey and the band bring the familiar score to life, with commendable audio design by Jordan Gibbs.
Button opened shirting in Saturday Night Fever is a trait capitalised upon by costume designer Dani Paxton. In fact, I would have liked to have seen some of the gaudy costuming that was fashionable in the ‘70s. Although many issues raised in the show aren’t neatly resolved, the throwback to the time of skin-tight shirts, flaired pants and disco balls brings back happy memories.
Saturday Night Fever is on at Athenaeum Theatre until 25th January, 2026.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Rocky Horror Show (Athenaeum Theatre) – musical theatre review
- Elvis: A Musical Revolution (Athenaeum Theatre) – musical theatre review
- Footloose (Athenaeum Theatre) – musical theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.