Zanna, Don't!

Zanna, Don't! follows the principles of successful parody according to Gene Wilder: find a social evil, bring it out into the light and 'point and laugh at it' excessively.

Writers Tim Acito and Alexander Dinelaris have targeted homophobia by creating a theatrical script that not only uses but embraces every stereotype, fear and belief surrounding the lives of gays and lesbians.

The narrative takes place in an American high school but is set in an alternate reality where homosexuality is the norm, chess masters are sex symbols, jocks are only tolerated, school musicals are community events covered by the press, Stephen Sondheim is a pop icon and heterosexuals live in shame.

For a script that's constructed around a sarcastic commentary on homophobia, the story is surprisingly complicated. Many issues are dealt with, including censorship, peer pressure, military conscription and family dynamics. It's much braver and smarter than one expects from a parody, which is rather refreshing.

However, at its core, it's still a big and brassy musical that will stoop to any level for a laugh and proudly wears its heart on its sleeve. Yes, it's cheesy, looks tacky and is completely over-the-top, but the creative team knows it. Rather than trying to sell or overplay the concept, the production team play fair. They almost always go for the laugh, but never at the expense of the plot, characters or social themes.

It's a strong choice of material for the company, which is made up of RSAMD Musical Theatre students. In fact, the material suits the company far better than the other three productions they are also currently performing, giving them characters and scenarios to play that not only seem suited to the age of the company but also allow them to play to their strengths, musically and performance-wise.

As solid as the company are, there are a few stand-outs. Craig Smith and Anna Clayton are a delight as Steve and Kate, the 'doomed' heterosexual lovers, as are Beau Henson and Olivia Cho, who play their jilted partners. Kirsty Malone shines as Candi, the ambitious conservative who sees heterosexuality as an evil. But Bobby Callahan, as Zanna, absolutely shines every time he's onstage. It's hard to make a character that is the embodiment of almost every gay stereotype into a three-dimensional character the entire audience can care and root for, but he succeeds admirably.

Zanna, Don't! is a well crafted production. It is full of infectious cheer and joy and manages to be both poignant and enjoyable while still highlighting the crux of its argument: homophobia really is no laughing matter.