Musical theatre powerhouse Kate Miller-Heidke is feeling relieved: previews of Bananaland are getting the kind of reception Kitty Litter gets from five-year-olds.
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"We've had full standing ovations, lots of laughter, some tears, it's everything we could have hoped for," she told AAP.
The musical follows the members of angry punk conceptual art outfit Kitty Litter, as they find they have a runaway kids' hit on their hands.
Do they maintain the rage, or become the next Wiggles?
The show has its official opening night Wednesday as part of the Brisbane Festival, and even the Kitty Litter song titles are hilarious - Consumerist Pig, Ballad of a Dead Banker and Requiem for the Patriarchy in D minor.
Under all the comedy though, the show looks at the idea of artistic integrity.
"It really explores the challenges of being an artist... having to deal with making compromises and finding your truth within those compromises," Miller-Heidke said.
Miller-Heidke and her partner Keir Nuttall, both Queenslanders, worked together on the musical Muriel's Wedding, and wanted to create an original show from the ground up.
During the pandemic, Nuttall spent a few hours each morning writing in a cafe, and after a few months presented Miller-Heidke with the first draft of the script.
Some of the action, such as a moment the musicians are mistaken for the merch chicks, comes from Miller-Heidke's own experiences on tour, while one band member, who makes music with shovels and power tools, is inspired by Nuttall's time in gritty punk bands.
Bananaland been in the works for three years, with the backing of Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Brisbane Festival.
Stars Max McKenna, Georgina Hopson, Joe Kalou and Maxwell Simon have all participated in a series of workshops to develop their characters for the stage.
The show is directed by Simon Phillips, who is renowned for his work on Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Ladies in Black.
It's too early to say whether Bananaland will tour to other cities, but Miller-Heidke is optimistic - just the kind of sentiment that could lead to an unexpected kids' music hit.
* Bananaland is on at QPAC's Playhouse as part of Brisbane Festival until October 1.
Australian Associated Press
