Saad Sheikh's Get It Together

Reviewed by Ryan McGreal

The vibe is irresistibly infectious, a delightful art-pop musical that unpacks a quarter-life crisis one catchy song at a time. 

Sheikh’s romantic life is shambolic and self-inflicted. He’s been self-sabotaging his burgeoning relationships - and worse, neglecting his crew. His friends are played with grace and enthusiasm by Jessica Quino and Catherine Allen, who alternate between calling him out for ghosting them and then dancing a wall of protection around him when he opens his heart and sings.

The synchronized dancing, choreographed by Allen, is lively and inventive, producing a playful spectacle that complements Sheikh’s earnest, charismatic vocals. 

Sheikh wrote and composed the songs. The lyrics are smart, saucy and confessional, while the music spans an impressive breadth of pop history. Individual songs channel Grease-inflected ‘70s pop; new wave, electric soul, early-oughts pop-punk and shimmering modern stadium pop. 

What really makes the play work is how much fun they’re having - it feels like watching a group of friends having a sleepover and singing their hearts out into a hairbrush before gushing over a crush. The delivery may not always be perfect but it is heartfelt.

It’s hard to sing and dance like no one’s watching when you’re on stage in front of an audience, but Sheikh, Quino and Allen pull it off. If you’re looking for an hour of sassy self-reflection and unfiltered fun, get it together and go see this show.

Event Details

Age Suitability: Parental Guidance (ages 13+)

Genre: Musical/Concert/Opera, Dance, Cabaret

Run Time: 45 mins

Choreographer/Director

Catherine Allen, Saad Sheikh

Performers

Catherine Allen, Saad Sheikh, Jessica Quino

Producer/Stage Manager

Bella Herrera

Warnings

Coarse Language