Emus Can’t Fly — But Goodspeed’s “The Great Emu War” Soars

Goodspeed Musicals’ latest offering, The Great Emu War, lands onto the Terris Theatre stage with all the wit and feathers one could hope for in a brand new musical inspired by one of history’s strangest true stories. With music and lyrics by Paul Hodge and a book by Hodge and Cal Silverstein, this 90-minute story transforms the infamous 1932 clash between Australian soldiers and a flock of defiant emus into a campy and heartfelt piece of musical theatre.

At the heart of the story is Edith, a young, determined emu played by Taylor Matthew, who leads her feathered family—including her father Enoch (the stern and always lagging behind, Jeremy Davis) and her charming soon-to-be-lover Ethan (Ethan Petersen)—in a fight for survival amid drought and famine. Their struggle is narrated by the charismatic LaRaisha DiEvelyn Dionne (Bard) who guides the audience through history, humor, and heartache. Dionne’s performance ties the narrative together beautifully, offering the audience a character on stage who is there to lead us through the wild and strange turns this story takes on stage.

Under the direction and choreography of Amy Anders Corcoran, the production embraces its absurd premise by balancing silliness with sincerity. The musical direction by Angie Benson keeps the energy high, filling the space with catchy, toe-tapping numbers that are appropriate to the 1932 story, but still contemporary enough for a modern audience. The subtle use of hand puppets to expand the emu ensemble adds a layer of whimsy, while the decision to place the orchestra onstage integrates the musicians directly into the storytelling, blurring the line between pit and performance.

Visually, Herin Kaputkin’s simple costume choices  strike the perfect balance between playful and purposeful—evoking the essence of emus through movement and suggestion rather than literal plumage or full body costumes. Allowing the most impressive feat of the evening to shine with the cast’s physicality. Each actor has found a vocabulary of gestures and postures that bring individuality and highly developed levels of characterization to the flock.  Their choices ground the comedy and allow a further exploration of the relationships on stage, as well as how they grapple with the themes of resilience, family, and resistance which are central to this new work.

While The Great Emu War might initially appear to be a lighthearted satire, it ultimately delivers something more—a reflection on perseverance against absurd odds, told with sincerity and a healthy dose of feathers. Goodspeed’s new “emusical” is a delightful, quirky, cleverly staged, and fun new musical that’s as touching as it is hilarious.

The Great Emu War runs from 10/3-10/26 at the Terris Theatre in Chester, CT.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at http://www.goodspeed.org