If you only see one show at FRINGE WORLD, it has to be Cry Baby. This rock and roll inspired dance work is explosive, audacious and outrageous fun. 

A stripped back arena spectacular, Cry Baby pays homage to the great concerts of the past. Yes, there’s live guitar, drums, flashing lights and a smoke machine that does overtime in the best possible way. But this work is also clever, sharp, subversive and camp, the female dancers poking fun at the boisterous posturing of yesteryear’s ego-fuelled rock legends, reclaiming their gestures to create moments of pure comedic gold. 

Like most concerts, Cry Baby is an experience. However, it does establish a slick commentary on rock and roll, how it brings a community together, binds us in the shared experience of feeling alive, hearts thrumming. But Cry Baby also manages to smear pathos across the stage, capturing the excess of this musical genre, shattering pride and conceit as it presents the downfall of rock with biting sincerity. 

Stand out star of Cry Baby has to be Cissi Guitar Demon. As their name suggests, Cissi knows how to shred. Their understated presence allows their axe to sing with a ferocity that is infectious. A definite highlight. 

But the true pièce de résistance to this work is the finale. While iconic songs from The Rolling Stones and Creedance Clearwater Revival pump up the energy, it’s the closing number from Janis Joplin that will leave you broken. The dancing during this piece is so incredibly sublime and gut-wrenching that it will steal your heart, smash it into bits then shower it down over you as beautiful confetti.

Seriously, if you love rock and roll, you must see this show. Even if you hate that genre of music, Cry Baby is packed with so much insight and nuance that it will make you laugh while it tugs at your entire being. If anything, this work is a testament to how creative, funny and brilliant the talent is here in Western Australia. An absolute must-see.