The season finale starts in The Big Apple after the elimination of the lovely and funny Rohan last week in Las Vegas. Twelve contestants have been wilted down to Nathan Foley, Tom Sharah and Mike Snell. They are in awe of Broadway and ready to find out who will make it to the final two.
Sadly, it’s time for the final flash mob. In the heart of New York in Times Square the boys perform to “On Broadway” by The Drifters. Tom looks great in a fairy floss wig, Nathan is rocking it out with a rainbow Mohawk of sorts and Mike is embracing his inner Tina Turner I think. Hugh Sheridan tells the boys that they will now wear the original “Gumby” suits from the movie and sing the signature song from the show ” I Will Survive” – but first they head of to Speigelworld where the hit Broadway show “Empire” is being shown.
The guys see the cast rehearse and a couple of them do a freaky rotating, roller skating balancing act. Now the boys turn! Mike is first and laughing himself silly, while poor Tom can barely stand on his “bloody things.” The duo pick Tom up and he shrieks “like a little girl” while the other two are in hysterics.
At Le Poisson Rouge it’s the final performance for one of them. Tim Chappel, the famous costume designer from Priscilla explains that these costumes are so hard to wear. The “Gumby” suits not only have the mega platform shoes but also a 10 kilo head-piece to top it off.
Ready to perform, the judges say what they are looking for. Jason wants to “be blown away” while Stephan just wishes the luck.
Tom – definitely looks the best and has that definite stage presence that draws you to him. He looks beautiful! His vocals are so strong too.
Nathan – A really good performance and great vocals but I think that it definitely worked in the other boys favour – somehow the tats and his guns distracted me!
Mike – Amazing performance – the dancing is so strong and powerful and the crowd audibly cheer – the vocals are hot!
Stephan says it was a joyous and wonderful performance – here’s the lowdown.
Tom – I think you were comfortable and you looked like you were really enjoying it and that is the most important thing as a performer! (Jason)
Nathan – You played a little safe and maybe safe was a little dangerous (Stephan)
Mike – You went for some licks in there and when you were going for it, I thought oh dear, he’s going to stretch – slightly dangerous. (Stephan)
Now the time for someone to leave and that is … Nathan. Nathan is crying while Stephan explains that he already has the leg up due to his career so far, his massive fan base and he is way out in front of the pack already. Group hug and it’s very moving as they show a montage of his performances. “Sweet Dreams” is still probably my favourite of the entire season.
(The crowd at Stonewall where we watched all gasped – and they did loudly. Not a popular choice with the crowd!)
Mike and Tom have their final challenge that will be a show that they will have to produce, direct, cast,write, choreograph and star in a one-off solo performance that incorporates all the elements of being a triple threat – singing, dancing and acting. Mike has no idea how he will pull it all together while Tom is under no stress and thinks will be a piece of cake.
Mike calls his mum and tells her about the challenge and she screams – what a sweetheart. He’s chosen his songs and picked his back up dancers as he heads to rehearsals with Kelley Abbey. He’s planning a Fred Astaire shadow dance that will represent his journey. As he rehearses his vocals there is a minor breakdown as he is so tired, nervous and comes to term that this is the biggest challenge of his life.
Meanwhile across town, Tom and Tim are shopping for his final outfit and chooses a jacket of black sequins that screams Liza Minelli. He meets up with the vocal coach and his back ups and all seems to be under control and heading in the right direction.
Jason and Stephan head off to get an old-fashioned shave – i guess it’s funny but with now only being an hour show and being the final – I want to see the boys more than this.
The final performances of the series are to be held at The Hudson Theatre to see who will be the ultimate triple threat and take home the $250,000. Mike is worried about his lighting and Tom is exhausted and blanked out.
This is it! Paula Abdul is the guest judge – I wonder if they asked Hugh Jackman? That would have been AWESOME! No offence Paula!
Mike
“Not The Boy Next Door” by Peter Allen
OMG – I know he’s a dance instructor, but the way he moves is sensational. The vocals are powerful and really convey the emotion of the song. Watch out Todd McKenney – there’s a new boy in town to take you down!
Mike then does a monologue that is heartfelt and even mentions his Grandad who he is super close too – I got a bit verklempt!
“Man In The Mirror” Michael Jackson
A beautiful rendition and poor Stephan looks like he’s going to jump out of his chair. This guy has it and could do a solo show and I would be front and centre. The lighting told the story as much as the vocals! Bravo Mikey – you gave me chills!
Jason – You have used your professional intuition to develop this really interesting concept that maybe because you are doing so much that your vocals tend to suffer (Shut up Jason!) It was a very special performance.
Paula – I think it was really smart what you did, you understand the art of less is more at the beginning and you took me on a journey from the beginning to the middle to the end. I think you hit those moments really brilliantly.
Stephan – The man that I saw at the beginning of this show and the man I am seeing now is a completely different man. The heart coming out now is very raw and you made some very good choices in there and thankyou for baring your soul.
Tom
There is an audio monologue mentioning Bernadette Peters that cracks me up yet is extremely moving, telling himself to always believe in “Tom”
“Let Me Be Your Star” by Karen Cartwright and Ivy Lynn (Katharine McPhee and Megan Hilty) from the show Smash – My fave besides this!
I love this song so much and is a brilliant choice – especially if you listen to the words and understand the journey of the song. Tom, Tom , Tom – he’s killing it! He’s unbelievable! He is a star and his star is going to burn bright for a very long time. (At Stonewall he got a well deserved standing ovation)
“I’ve Got The Music In Me” by The Kiki Dee Band
I think the glares that Tom gives he could be a baddy in a musical – love the bitch stare. I think Tom has been possessed by Michael Hutchence or Jim Morrison – he has the rock star, sex symbol thing oozing from his pores. Wow Tom, I’m overwhelmed at this side. How fantastic to bring this side out now. This is leading man material! He sounds – I’ve run out of bloody adverbs! I LOVED IT!
Stephan – You are really one of our amateurs in here and to watch you grow as a professional and you have listened right across the board. You have such a magnetic presence and I am drawn to you. Well done.
Jason – I don’t really care whether the vocals were 100% (again shut up Jason – listen to “Seal It With A Kiss” buddy) It makes it more interesting and dynamic. Another extremely special performance. You’ve worked hard and come through to the party (and thank you for coming to Throng’s last night!)
Paula – For me watching you walk on that stage I knew right away that this is something and someone important. I think when you opened up your voice to sing that there’s a beautiful tonal quality.The quietness and stillness of your acting is beautiful and to me that’s something that’s very yummy (Now that’s an adverb I don’t use enough) You are willing to bare your soul, Congratulations.
Stephan praises them both and has to make the decision with Paula and Jason. I see both as fantastic. I have had a soft spot that has been obvious for Tom all season
Mike
Jason – I think he has had incredible stamina and quite a lot of growth in this competition.
Stephan – His choices were bold and when he kicked that chair (in his monologue) I have not seen him have an explosion like that.
Paula – He told a story, without me knowing much about him that told me this was his time to be front and centre
Tom
Jason – There are some people that just have something when they work on stage and he has that character – (Jason finally makes sense)
Stephan – He has something you can’t put your finger on and that alone is worth it’s weight in gold.
Paula – I loved his vulnerability and the fact that he’s not perfect (Spit on you Abdul!) I really liked his voice and can only think of what it would sound like when not exhausted.
After the deliberation Tom And Mike perform Dionne Warwick’s “I Say A Little Prayer.” If Tom’s vocals are tired I can’t tell. These two are amazing and I think both should win.
The winner is … Mikey! I cry, even though I knew the outcome. I have interviewed both and both men are sensational, kind and down to earth and even though was a Tom fan can see why the judges chose Mike. I would watch either at any time and both should amaze us in the near future.
In my opinion all who starred in this show have amazing talent and all have been nothing but sweet, kind and generous to me and Throng.
A recap of the in’s and out’s of the season and interview snippets plus more exclusive interviews will follow soon on Throng. Special thanks go to Extra boy! (Inside joke)
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