I recently had the pleasure of attending Loxlea Creative's performance of "The Critical Last Chance Years Vol. 3" during the Anywhere Festival Brisbane, and it was truly delightful. This one-woman musical cabaret features Zoe Georgakis as Amy, who leads the audience through the wild journey of a perpetually single woman. The creator, Laine Loxlea-Danann, masterfully blends a range of genres in her music and lyrics, crafting a musical performance that is both heartwarming and entertaining.
The audience is invited to Amy's 50th birthday celebration, where she recounts the ups and downs of her life as a single woman, beginning in her 20s. The show kicks off with 'Life, I've Got You by the Balls,' belted out flawlessly by the jazz diva extraordinaire Zoe. (I apologise for not knowing the actual song titles). But let me tell you, the real showstopper was 'I Like Doing It on My Own.' Coincidentally, today, on my 29th birthday, I found the message of embracing your own company and rejecting societal expectations to be very relatable. Likewise, the 'That's Just Disney Bullshit' number struck a chord with my childhood fantasies of fairy tales. The peak of hilarity came during the "Guide to Flirting" segment, where Amy unsuccessfully attempts various physical flirting techniques - flash your wrists, wink, subtly point to your cleavage, rub your neck - ending in severe second-hand embarrassment. This period of Amy's life is marked by friends relying on her, sharing their happy news, and seeking favours without reciprocating an interest in her life. A particularly memorable quote was, "Your 20s are your time to bloom. I didn't think blooming would be this lonely."
At one point in the story, Zoe shifts characters to embody Amy's friend who already has the house-husband-children package. I appreciate that this character highlights all the perks of flying solo versus the supposed shackles of coupledom/parenthood. The song 'Past Your Prime/Everybody's Having Their Babies' reflects the pressures to start a family before it's "too late", while the emotional ballad 'Goodbye Baby,' addresses the heartbreak of infertility. As Amy hits her 30s, she goes all out - having fun, traveling, and mastering the art of saying 'no,' all while diving into the chaotic world of online dating with a detailed list of criteria for a "good man." All the while, Zoe seamlessly switches between portraying other characters then back to her quirky, loveable depiction of Amy. The peak of the story sees Amy's behaviour become increasingly unhinged and unsettled, leading to her eventual acceptance and contentment with her situation by her 40s. And the icing on the cake? Amy symbolically marrying herself, showing us all that self-love beats society's rulebook any day.
The seating was set up cabaret-style with bubble-blowers, streamers, confetti, and party-poppers on every table - fully immersing us in the party spirit! The decorations, birthday cakes, balloons, and the exceptional live jazz band all contributed to establishing the festive mood. This cozy setup fostered a close connection between Zoe and the audience, turning the spectators into active participants in Amy's story. The integration of theatrical elements like the live vlogging projection, prop manipulation, lighting effects, and creative choreography added even more vibrancy to the storytelling. Zoe captivated with her charisma and interactive approach. Marianne Klausen's direction, along with Laine Loxlea-Danann's script and music, made it easy to follow and engage with each scene.
What truly set this performance apart was its ability to make me feel personally seen and understood. People like Amy and I, who do not desire the traditional family life of a husband, house, and children are not common; we are an exception to the norm. Laine has put together a show that expresses those often concealed feelings and unspoken thoughts, resulting in a liberating and empowering experience. The shared laughter, nods of understanding, and sighs of recognition, particularly from the women in the audience, highlights the profound impact of Amy's story.
"The Critical Last Chance Years Vol. 3" takes you on a journey through the ups and downs of reaching the milestone age of 50. It celebrates individuality, resilience, and the joy of embracing life on one’s own terms. Whether you’re single, married, or somewhere in between, this musical has something for everyone. So make sure to keep an eye on Stage Buzz Brisbane for any upcoming performances to ensure you catch this fantastic show!
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