What do Nirvana, Alanis Morissette, Coolio and John Farnham have in common?

They were all superstars of the 90s, the decade that gave us grunge and a slew of groundbreaking new bands. It also gave us Britney Spears...

Music lovers can now re-live the highlights when Phoenix Ensemble presents I'm too sexy for the 90s, an original show of 90s music, over five weekends in March.

Director Joel Mikkelsen has captured the essence of the decade in a dynamic production featuring a six-piece band, 15-strong cast of singers and dancers, and an upgraded sound and lighting system that promises to deliver a true rock show experience.

Joel said the biggest challenge with the show was choosing the final song list. The search started with 1,000 songs, which were whittled down to 200. Five meetings later – and much discussion to ensure as many genres as possible were covered – and the list was finalised...at least until rehearsals.

"Some people blew us away with the songs they auditioned with. In many cases those songs were on our shortlist but had been bumped in favour of something else. They're now back in.

"We've worked tirelessly to create the best representation of each of the songs, trying to capture all the fun and zaniness of this unique period. We know we're going to get people coming up to us and saying 'I can't believe you didn't put "X" in a 90s show!' But we couldn't put them all in or the show would've gone for a week!"

The music and mood of the 90s was eclectic, and audiences can expect the same sort of mix with the 90s show. "Some songs are blatant self parody, but others are sombre and serious...and we've spent hours on scoring on harmonies."

Joel said that aside from the live band and strong vocal cast, the show also featured "some of the most intense choreography seen in any Phoenix show".

"Our cast has been simply amazing in its dedication and hard work. Braving 35 degree plus heat in our shed for full-day choreo rehearsals ... this will be the fittest cast in the country by the time we open!'

Unlike past original revues produced by Phoenix, I'm too sexy for the 90s doesn't have a dramatic/comedic context or MC narration. It's all about the music – and the stage production.

Joel is full of praise for his musical directors Nick Ng and Casey Chadwick (aka The Chad), and choreographers Alex Burrie and Laura Baker. "Nick is simply a musical genius, and The Chad is just all over the material like she's been studying it her whole life. Alex and Laura are just my rocks. They are just amazing with work with."

The director can't wait to see how audiences respond to the show.

"I'm extremely excited to see the reaction we get from the audience to the hours and hours of polishing we've been putting into our numbers. Expect awesomeness."

I'm to sexy for the 90s

Venue: Pavilion Theatre, Beenleigh Showgrounds, James Street, Beenleigh

Times: 7.30pm: 2, 3, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 30, 31 March 2012

Tickets: $18 - $26

Bookings

Cast

Adam Bartlett

Alex Burrie

Alicia Caruana

Darcy Morris

Erin Hutley

Jason Lawson

Joanna Mikkelsen

Julia Lefik

Laura Baker

Lisa Killeen

Matthew Angelino

Michell Phair

Natasha Prasek

Scott Johnson

Taylor Williams