The hits of KC and the Sunshine Band make-up the soundtrack of new musical Who Do Ya Love? which premieres at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe’s Assembly Studios. The feel-good coming of age piece has been developed with the band’s Harry Wayne Casey and written by J. F. Lawton (Pretty Woman: The Musical), shining as a triumphant celebration of friendship, love and disco.
Who Do Ya Love? takes the audience to 1970s Miami where KC (Fionán O’Carroll) finds himself trying to navigate his way in life fresh from college. Alongside friends Dee (Paige Fenlon) and Gina (Annabelle Terry), KC sets out to have a summer of romance and fun, something the return of old friend Orly (Peter Camilleri) complicates.
Lawton adds a slightly more contemporary eye over the proceedings, with some fourth-wall breaking found in Dee helping KC retell his story in the fashion a jukebox musical. There is a self-awareness to this approach which hits slightly more effectively than a straight-forward biographical musical and this is undoubtedly an angle that could be developed for a non-Fringe runtime.
Director and choreographer Lisa Stevens delivers Who Do Ya Love? brimming with an effervescent sense of energy and fun, opening with Keep It Comin’ Love before moving on to a medley of KC’s biggest hits including Rock Your Baby, (Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty and That’s The Way (I Like It) – yet this is the sort of musical that gradually reveals the audience will be more familiar with KC’s music than they perhaps initially give themselves credit for. Further high energy disco anthems such as Give It Up, I’m Your Boogie Man and Boogie Shoes are all given time to shine by an incredibly talented and slick cast.
Stevens makes impressive use of the Assembly Studios space, creating lavish glittering night clubs, scintillating Miami beaches and seventies record shops with an impressive ingenuity. It is clear that the scale and scope of the project could quite easily progress to a West End stage or touring venues. The cast of eight experienced stars deliver disco routines with a finesse and polished cool, whilst turning these pop numbers into rousing, vibrant musical spectacles – even allowing lesser know numbers such as Queen of Clubs and So Glad to shine as big moments.
There’s a delightful knowing sense of camp on display throughout Who Do Ya Love? Gratuitous stripping of Fionán O’Carroll happens relatively frequently (thank you Fionán), whilst Annabelle Terry lends a awkward likeability to the quirky Gina. Glittering costumes, platform boots, and even water guns (turned on the audience) add to the playful, party atmosphere generated throughout the hour long show. Refreshingly Who Do Ya Love? also puts a gay romance at the heart of the story bringing some welcome queer representation to the musical theatre world – something surprisingly lacking.
Paige Fenlon shines as the marvellous Dee – something of a guiding hand for KC – bringing an impressive emotional depth to the character, whilst showcasing an incredible vocal. Fionán O’Carroll is a true standout – a captivating leading man who shimmers with charisma and cool – which is not easy when your costume range involves glittered platforms and orange pants. The actor impresses as he explores KC’s feelings for Orly and desires to push into the music industry.
There is huge potential to develop some of the ideas in Who Do Ya Love? further. Expanding on the relationship between the friends, the challenges in KC and Orly’s relationship, and KC’s journey to musical success, would all be welcome in an expanded runtime.
Who Do Ya Love? is a punchy high-energy, feel-good musical that brings KC and the Sunshine Band’s disco hits to life with a vibrant cast, inventive choreography, and a playful sense of camp. With its mix of humour, heart, and queer representation, the show shines at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and holds great potential for West End glory.
For tickets to Who Do Ya Love? check here.
(c) Alex Brenner
