So... You're Divorced Review

So... You're Divorced - 4 out of 5 stars
JAKall Productions
TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1598449

Katherine Wicker says So… You’re Divorced is a musical cabaret about healing and learning to love again. But it is so much more than that – it’s a reimagining of the five stages of grief for the broken-hearted; for those who need to start again and rebuild their lives.

Produced by JAKall Productions, So… You’re Divorced is Wicker’s original cabaret, presented in a 14-song set. Supporting Wicker vocally are Jenna Matulick, Rebecca Byrnes and Chris Bickley, and together the quartet creates some beautiful harmonies. JAKall Productions made its debut at the 2022 Adelaide Fringe with its original musical, I’m Fine.

I must disclose that I have known Katherine, Jenna and Rebecca for more than a decade through the musical theatre scene, which makes this experience all the more special and emotional. Even though we become friends with people, we don’t always truly understand what is happening and what they are feeling behind closed doors – which is what this cabaret explores.

Performed in Eliza Hall, within the Prospect Town Hall complex, the stage is simple, while the intimate atmosphere brings remnants of the swinging 1920s. Perhaps it’s the polka-dot dress worn by Katherine; perhaps it’s the looming presence of the double bass; perhaps it’s the 1920s-style microphone Katherine uses?

Making up the music team are MD Jenna Matulick on keyboard; Chris Bickley on drums, trumpet and flugelhorn; and Sam Heathershaw on bass guitar and the aforementioned double bass. Together, this trio has clearly worked hard to master the music behind the established songs, while also learning and paying great respect to the two original songs by Katherine and Jenna, showcased in this cabaret.

We start the evening with the Acknowledgement of Country and housekeeping announcements from Byrnes before being introduced to the star of the show: Katherine Wicker. Immediately, Wicker opens up about the journey she has been on – marrying her high-school sweetheart and then, through a series of small moments, drifting apart and separating. Her story explores being alone for the first time in her adult life, swiping on dating apps, and eventually finding and loving herself. Her final lyrics are: “I Love Me!”

Wicker has an amazing vocal range and a powerful ability to convey the varying emotions she allows herself to share with the audience. From the opening number, “If You Hadn’t But You Did”, the audience is instantly hit by the musical experience she brings to the stage.

A few songs in, “We’re Just Friends” joins the set list, and we are blessed with the vocals of Jenna Matulick as she joins Wicker in this duet. The pair not only sing together but act off each other, delivering quips that create a fun song. Matulick is not only a speech pathologist but also a vocal teacher, so this is an opportunity for her to demonstrate the skills and abilities she instils in her students – and she does it flawlessly.

The first original song written by Wicker and Matulick, “Getting Ready”, examines the harmful thoughts and doubts experienced when getting ready for a date. With those voices in her head, Byrnes returns to the stage to offer another perspective. Together, they perform one of the strongest numbers of the evening. I mentioned earlier that this is a reimagining of the five stages of grief; this song represents hitting rock bottom before the growth begins. The original contains fragments and ideas reminiscent of Sondheim’s work, reminding me of a number from Company.

Wicker finally ends up going on a date and, playing opposite Matulick, the two share another fun number, “…But I Don’t Want to Talk About Her”. The work that has been put into this piece is evident in the performance. Byrnes acts as the waitress serving Wicker wine on the date, which she inevitably finishes rather quickly while Matulick talks about an ex. Throughout the number, Byrnes remains in the corner of the stage. While she isn’t stealing the scene in any manner, glances across at her catch her still reacting to what is happening while remaining “professional”. People in the service industry hear a lot by remaining invisible when they need to, and Byrnes is able to pull this off remarkably well.

Moving into the final moments of the evening, we are treated to a fun rendition of Missy Higgins’ “Scar” – a song that many at my table were mouthing the words to, me included. But, as part of Wicker’s journey, she further draws out the meaning behind the lyrics. The highlight of the evening was “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Wicker, in the principal role, and Matulick, Byrnes and Bickley providing soft backing vocals, deliver a moving piece that would surely bring a tear or two to the audience’s eyes. The four voices work so well together, both harmonising and remaining individually distinct.

While I haven’t mentioned every song title – some must stay secret to ensure you go and check out their final performance tonight – the entire set list has been curated beautifully to offer Wicker’s adult life so far in song. That’s a skill she excels at, and the short, scripted pieces between songs help tie everything together.

This might be Katherine Wicker’s debut cabaret of original material, but she, along with her supporting stars, is no stranger to the stage. All have been involved in well-known musicals and have developed their talent and skills over many years. While Wicker comes from an amateur theatre background, there is an element of breakout in her performance, suggesting that she may be ready to become something more. Who knows what is next?

- Andrew Broadbent