Little Pink Dress musical review: Glistening, tender coming-of-age
Switching from upbeat humour to solemn introspection, this country cabaret is a punchy and powerful ode to self-expression
Little Pink Dress is a voyage to LA, a story of personal growth, childhood abandonment and addiction, all wrapped up in a cowboy cabaret. An autobiographical musical, it shows us Joey Jennings’ world through catchy country songs and choreographed moments of his life. We’re lifted into a high energy selection of laughs levelled out with lows that feel heartfelt within a well-polished performance. Beginning with a ton of fun, the mood often changes, describing the protagonist’s relationship with his family and romantic interests while lingering over mental scars from the past.
Emboldened by a prolific imagination and an infectious sense of humour, Jennings leaves everything on the stage, and his lyrics have a quick wit that makes it hard not to smile throughout. Learning about the nuances of gay life, the nostalgic comfort of a favourite little pink dress, seeking fame and the stress of holding it all together is both cathartic and comedic. Sadly, the longer runtime and darting plot lines make the piece feel quite repetitive, leaving the viewer a little antsy by the end. With a reshuffle and a couple of cuts, this has the makings of a perfectly tailored piece of musical theatre.
Little Pink Dress, C aquila, until 30 August, 5.35pm; picture: Sam Brooks.