Entertainment
14 August, 2026
Show not a normal musical
CAIRNS Choral Society’s Time Step is a musical within a musical that knows exactly how ridiculous musical theatre can be – and has plenty of fun with it.
Written and directed by Kathy Carruthers, the original production brings together a cast of 40 for a self-aware ‘Musical Mockumentary’” centred on an unlikely attempt to save musical theatre from extinction.
With a big cast, plenty of rhyming and some highly polished singing and acting, Time Step initially lulls the audience into the familiar rhythms of traditional musical theatre.
But listen closely.
Beneath the melodies are some very funny and occasionally twisted lyrics, with the production taking aim at the conventions of the genre while remaining affectionate towards the art form it is mocking.
Among the comic highlights are songs about three mean girls, Old Man River and an absurd number devoted to the love of cauliflower. The apparent innocence of some of the songs makes their lyrical turns all the funnier.
It is this contrast that gives Time Step much of its charm. Rather than taking itself too seriously, the production embraces theatrical absurdity, using it to lend a refreshing, philosophical spin to the traditional musical.
The premise certainly gives it room to play. Visitors from the future arrive with alarming news that AI has killed musical theatre, setting in motion a suitably sketchy plan involving time travel and a collection of mismatched theatre “tragics”.
The production also showcases the depth of local performance talent within the Cairns Choral Society. The singing and acting are consistently professional, but the tap dancers are particular standouts, bringing precision and energy to the stage.
Writer and director Kathy Carruthers said the production was deliberately created around the strengths of its performers.
“This is the 13th time I’ve done this over 20-odd years, and (the process) is to find the cast first, then create a production around the talent, which makes it a fantastic opportunity for them and also becomes a breeding ground for young, new talent and people who are new to Cairns, giving them an entry point,” she said.
That approach is evident in a production that gives its large cast room to showcase an impressive range of talents, with the tap dancers among the standouts.
Ms Carruthers said the contrast between the musical performances and the show’s absurd humour was intentional.
“It’s a little bit satire. It’s a little bit social comment, but in that realm, it’s a mockumentary, so it is funny and tongue-in-cheek in places,” she said.
“But the singing and the execution of the singing juxtaposed against the crazy comedy is absolutely stunning.”
There is also an obvious affection for musical theatre running beneath all the mockery. Time Step can poke fun at the genre precisely because its cast and creators understand its traditions so well.
That combination makes the production more than a collection of comic songs. It becomes a playful examination of why people continue to sing, dance, perform and put on a show in the first place.
Time Step continues with show-only performances on Friday 14 August and Saturday 15 August.
