Review: ‘Thunder’ makes noise at New Frontier

Joe Delaney

Friday, Aug. 3, 2001 | 9:25 a.m.

"Thunder from Down Under," Australia's loud and clear answer to Chippendales, is offering "Enter The Millennium," an all-new production at the New Frontier. The makeshift showroom seats 240 and was at 90-percent capacity for the show caught. There were less than 10 men present, including myself. Billed as the "No. 1 Girls' Night Out," it was certainly the girls' night out and, judging by the ear-shattering reaction, at least a No. 1 contender.

Marcus Deegan doubles as compere and has a solo spot as well. In complete control, he had the ladies screaming, hollering, standing and only too willing to come up onstage throughout. The din, at times, was deafening. The ladies, young and old, seemed to have a great time and were eager to line up to purchase "Thunder From Down Under" merchandise after the show concluded.

It's not for guys. It is really "for ladies only," an outlet for them similar, I imagine, to the so-called gentlemen's clubs, a little more covered and slightly less graphic. It opened with an ensemble number danced to Ike and Tina Turner's version of "Proud Mary." Donovan Lewis, the longest-standing member, had the first solo turn. The room was on fire and stayed that way.

Adam West made a fitting Zorro in a Spanish-flavored sequence that included swordplay. David Astone had the featured role in a Three Musketeers sequence. Menno Van Kampen, aka Baby Blue Eyes, David Hughes and Craig Stott all did well in special solo stints. The ensemble finale had the ladies screaming for more.

Deegan describes the troupe as "100 percent Australian." They are all well-trained athletes and acrobats. There is a sameness as each soloist ventures into the audience as well as having a lady or two brought onstage, all willingly, some anxious to be up there, as foils. All the ladies seemed to be having the time of their lives.