The Secret Super Hero Galaxy-Travelling Family Band Show & Jam | Big Fork Theatre

When I see a crazy long, elaborate title like this, I just know it’s going to be a whole lot of silly fun.

Performed by a multigenerational ensemble ranging from ages 9 to 50, the show opened with an improvised song based around the audience-given word Mamacita. There was a playful and inclusive energy on the stage as they played endearingly on a range of string and percussion instruments, and the audience laughed and whooped as the performers took turns making up lyrics on the spot. I interpreted this scene as a powerful statement about what art at its core is really about; not striving for an illusive ideal of perfection but rather, supporting each other through the process of making something together, going with the flow, embracing imperfection, and having plenty of fun along the way.

The song was followed by the acting out of a collaborative story, told with a few words from each performer. The tale that unfolded was like something from an Andy Griffiths book; A young character named Shy had lots of trouble making friends, an endeavour only made harder for them when a big blob of sticky goo becomes stuck to their butt while playing at the park. Shy then embarked on a mission with their slime blob friend to find a magic potion that would dislodge the sticky goo.

Props to the younger members of the group for holding their own on the stage, and props to the grown-ups for helping it all run smoothly. Though they did have to break character a few times to clarify the story, I didn’t feel this took anything away from the performance. If anything it made those onstage even more relatable and human.

For the last half of the show, the performance gave way to an all-inclusive games session for audience members of all ages. A stampede of children and their adults supports made their way to the stage where the performers led them in a series of engaging group games that ended with a very entertaining synchronised dance performance.

The Secret Super Hero Galaxy-Travelling Family Band Show & Jam is a great, highly interactive show for kids, presented by such a positive, dynamic and welcoming cast from Big Fork Theatre and their junior counterparts, the Little Forks.