What The World Needs Now – that’s quite a broad title, as currently the world needs SO many things!

If you know the song, you will most likely go straight to the words, “is love, sweet love”. But don’t be fooled by this sweet sentimental vibe. The creative team – Alexandra McKellar (director), Gayle Hammersley (musical director) and choreographers, Stella McLaughlin, Meg Tisdall, Meg Leadbeater – and the whole cast have played with many aspects of the word LOVE and some are delightfully unexpected.

This is the third iteration of the Hollywood to Broadway Cabaret format produced by Cyclorama Productions NZ in Wellington, weaving a programme of songs from different musicals/ movies into a themed theatrical commentary. The narrative’s comical and poignant scripting is devised by the whole team, leading to a far more personal and intimate exchange between the audience and the players, with many relatable and often hilarious situations being played out through the 80 min show. 

The great thing about Cabaret-style theatre is the freedom to set the songs into another context and find new ways to give the lyrics new life and character. It also allows the individual performers to effectively play to their strengths.

I find myself harking back to the famous Cabaret musical and its adroit ability to invite the viewer into that story world through satire, pathos, comedy and ‘naughtiness’, to then take you by the collar, shove its face in yours and break your heart with the power of truth and being human with all its many conflicting faces.

There are more than a few glimpses of this in What the World Needs Now, especially when the singers tell their own stories, which link them to their particular songs. This vulnerability is powerful because they are not playing characters but showing something of themselves, while also allowing the audience to let their guard down in recognition, adding another level of connection. 

The stage walls are decorated in shimmering tinsel curtains, heightened by the mood-evoking lighting design (technical direction – Matt Johnston, operated by Ari Andrews and Kate Urry). The vocal balance with the backing music is excellent with the use of stage mics just to enhance the vocals enough without making the performances sound over-amplified in a smaller venue. 

Unfortunately, the BATS Stage doesn’t have the space for the fully tabled cabaret experience of the past Hollywood to Broadway shows. There are some, but to give more of that feel, the cast themselves are at tables on stage for the duration of the show – which makes for smooth flow and more opportunities for playful interaction between the cast.

Highlights for me are:
‘Single Man Drought’ from I love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change, fiercely sung by Lucy France and Molly Cunneen with hilarious ‘mansplaining’ action by Lizzie Summers and Meg Leadbeater;

From that same musical is the relatable song ‘The Marriage Tango’ navigating the parenting/relationship time and energy dilemma, performed by Kate Mountcastle and Simon Johnson;

‘Therapy’ duet from Tick Tick Boom, delivered with brilliant clarity by Kate Mountcastle and Lucy France, who also gives a powerful rendition of ‘Get out and Stay Out’ from 9 – 5.

Caitlin McDougall portrays a special truth in ‘Everything Changes’ from Waitress and Addi Peters brings a playfulness to the many interpretations of love.

I love the (too few) moments of magical ensemble singing, like in the poignant rendition of ‘As Simple As This’ from The Fault of Our Stars led by Meg Tisdall (guitar and voice) and Molly Cunneen.

It’s hard not to feel more and more adrift in the chaos of our current world, and Gayle Hammersley’s beautifully arranged ensemble version of the duet ‘Falling Slowly’ from the musical Once really hits home through the gorgeous harmonies and these words:
   Take this sinking boat and point it home
   We’ve still got time
   Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice
   You’ll make it now

There is something for everyone and the cast look to be having a blast. What The World Needs Now is a tonic with a mix of escapism, hilarity and reality. And yes, what the world needs now really IS love, sweet love, in all its many glorious forms.

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