Printable CopyTHE CATCHELORETTE
Adina Grand Treasury Adelaide
Until 14 Mar 2020

Review by Helen Karakulak

“The Catchelorette” documents the ups and downs of the dating world for Carla Mattiazzo, who sparkles in this performance, and not just because of the light reflecting off her shiny jumpsuit.

From high school sweethearts to the online dating game, the first tug on your fishing pole that gets you all excited for catch of the day turns out to be a clump of seaweed intertwined with old plastic polluting the dating pool.

This has been the case for Carla, who shimmies her way through songs that speak to the experience of developing with modern dating practices. Music by Melanie May Jamieson is a well-delivered accompaniment to Mattiazzo’s performance, elevating its themes and encouraging a light-hearted atmosphere.

Directed by Vince Fusco, Mattiazzo’s movements compliment her story telling with enough melodrama that acts as a jab at the over-produced production values of reality television the show likes to bring into question. Fittingly, while criticising the prince charming tropes of Disney, Mattiazzo’s physicality, engaging all sides of the audience through her gestures, flows as if beckoning for animated birds to flit around her, a modern-day princess.

Mattiazzo’s personal anecdotes and emotive storytelling is what makes this performance shine. Despite sharing that she’s been told she’s ‘too much’, her consistent wit, expressive face and captivating stage presence makes “The Catchelorette” just enough.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5)