1999 was the year the Sarah-Michelle Gellar cult-hit Cruel Intentions was released in cinemas. A time when most of the cast – and a fair proportion of the audience – were far too young to watch such a racy and sexually charged movie. It is perhaps testament to its message and its impact that over 20 years later, a theatre can be filled with performers and public who are eager to have some raucous fun, soundtracked by some jukebox favourites from a bygone era.
This is a fun show, with some uncomfortable moments. The central plot involves a bet between a stepbrother and sister that involves seducing the headmaster’s daughter (it is worth remembering that this all supposedly takes part high school – not college). This discomfort is deliberate and details the importance of issues surrounding consent, promiscuity, sexual liberation and the double standards between men and women.
The joy of this production comes from the recognisable hits from the 90s, performed by an incredibly talented cast who all left everything out there on the stage. The cast is led by Kirby Burgess as Kathryn and Drew Weston as her stepbrother Sebastian who are both incredible talents and bravely give their all to their respective roles.
Francine Cain steals the show at one point as the naïve and innocent Cecile who also puts in a very brave performance. Kelsey Halge shines in her professional theatrical debut as Annette Hargrove, the virtuous subject of Sebastian’s desires.
The show follows the movie very closely, and the addition of recognisable songs from Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and NSYNC only adds to the joy and comedy of such a raucous production. Given the close ties to the movie, it is quite revelatory to see how far society has progressed since 1999, but also perhaps how in many ways it has not.
See this show at the Athenaeum in Melbourne before it leaves for Sydney at the end of June.