Set in a 1960s all-girls school, Crush: the Musical follows a troupe of friends defying the new headmistress by mocking her outdated views on women, rousing new allies and, for some of them, even kissing in the lockers. What was once a school for empowering young women, the authoritarian headmistress now sees their purpose through the limiting lens of future wives where any queerness is ‘unnatural’ behaviour to be stamped out. With book by Maureen Chadwick, and music and lyrics by Kath Gotts, this musical comedy is brought to life by Adelaide-based theatre company Gemini Creative Arts with director and producer Sarah Williams at the helm.

Supported by a live band, the talented local cast deliver superb vocals, endearing performances and impressive tap-dancing with hockey sticks. Susan (Lara Wilson) and Camilla (Cassidy Gaiter) fit the lovestruck teen and superficial privileged girl archetypes with ease in their performances. Alongside Erica Jones as Daimer, the leading trio give their characters their truest moments in song. The supporting trio of friends Judith (Eloise Morris), Lavina (Jazz Garcia), Annabelle (Holly Fennell) take aim at their meddling, snitch classmate Brenda (Maggie Cooper) in what likely counts for bullying, but the comedic mischief with props and a few hair rubs makes for well-deserved comeuppance on the snitch. The ensemble’s blended harmonies and chemistry make them feel like genuine classmates, that in another production might have faded into the background of the love story. 

Not to be forgotten in this teen love story, the leading adult figures prove equally as engaging and delightful. Bec Pryor is immediately worthy of the audience’s champion as the kind teacher Miss Austin. Robyn Brooks commands the stage as headmistress Miss Bleach with her villainous gaze and powerful voice.

There are a few moments the volume mix doesn’t hit the mark as it is hard to hear a few vocalists against the band, or even amongst each other when a singular vocalist gets lost against duo concurrent vocal lines.

The show is packed with cheesy humour, which I say with a compliment, especially in what could be a show weighed down by its heavier subjects of homophobia and misogyny. For the most part the show treads familiar ground on these subjects, but it’s comforting to have levity when these issues continue to be relevant. It’s especially joyous to see supportive friends in a school setting that championed progressive values in its founding.

While popular queer musicals like Fun Home and The Prom may focus on the process of self-discovery and acceptance, this musical offers an alternative as main characters Susan and Camilla begin the show in a relationship known to their friends. The secrecy of their relationship is only forced by restrictive new school rules, leading them to later flee to London. In a club musical sequence there’s an excuse for pomp and glitz offering a queer haven away from the repressive school environment. It perhaps stays in this scene a little long knowing Susan’s storyline is more concerned with navigating her relationships than grappling with her sexuality, making her later choices in love feel less earned. Still, it’s an enjoyable side quest of embedded performances.

Crush: the Musical is an inviting and energetic romp showcasing local talent. Playing at Eliza Hall, Payinthi in Prospect, grab your tickets now via Adelaide Fringe. Only five shows remaining in the season.