Curtains, The Production Company, The State Theatre, Friday August 26th 2016

Curtains, The Production Company,  The State Theatre, Friday August 26th 2016

"Curtains" was presented by The Production Company,  The State Theatre, Friday August 26th 2016.  

For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre. I buy my own tickets. So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights.  Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases.  I write for my memories of what I have seen, and is more of a stream of consciousness.

"Curtains" is the last musical written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and has a book by Rupert Holmes.

The Production Company have presented "Curtains" with minimalist sets and simple staging.  "Curtains" is about 15 minutes too long and would do well with pruning some songs.

The best aspect of this production is the superb performances of Simon Gleeson as Lieutenant Frank Cioffi.  Simon Gleeson channelled Maxwell Smart from "Get Smart" with his dialogue delivery.  He is also a terrific singer and projects so much emotion into his characterisation.

Alinta Chidzey as Niki Harris was also superb with her clean dancing and beautiful singing voice,  

Melissa Langton as Carmen Bernstein provided the stage mother antics and belted her numbers in her usual powerful voice.

Zoe Coppinger played Bambi Bernet with impeccable comedic timing.  She had the audience roaring with laughter at her physical and vocal antics.

Simon Maiden gave a solid performance as Johnny Harmon while some others seemed to coast in their roles without much to differentiate their characters from each other.

Colin Lane as Christopher Belling had a weird accent and wavered between English, Australian and American .  He had too many continents to be trans-Atlantic!

The sets, costumes and staging was very basic.  The costumes in particular looked like something out of a school concert.

The notable exception was the choreography by Dana Jolly that was easily the outstanding production feature of "Curtains".  Dana Jolly has paid homage to many backstage musicals including "Gypsy" and movie musicals with the simple but highly effective staircase sequence.  Dana Jolly had Simon Gleeson and Alinta Chidzey paying homage to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.  These two fine performers really captured the romantic essence of the movie musical film genre. 

Version three of "Wide Open Spaces" was terrific.  The three versions of this sequence grew into a fun joke.'

Musical direction by John Foreman provided the delicious singing harmonies.  The band played well and it was fun to have them on stage as in the old movie musicals.  Some individual singers strained their voices to sing their songs or duets.

It was fun to hear a few bars from "Cabaret" or "That's amore" in the orchestrations.

The complimentary programmes are a welcome addition and remind me of the free Broadway Playbills.  The programme is one of the best available with quality photographs and detailed information.

"Curtains" reminds me of "Murder For Two" and "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" which also has a book by Rupert Holmes.  Both of these musicals are superior to "Curtains" and I am glad to have been able to finally see it on stage.

Overall "Curtains" received a 7/10.

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Alex Theatre, Friday July 1st 2016

You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Alex Theatre, Friday July 1st 2016

For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre. I buy my own tickets. So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights.  Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases.  I write for my memories of what I have seen, and is more of a stream of consciousness.

We saw "You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" based on the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. The script is by Clark Gesner and played at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda. This is such a good show for adults and families. If you a Peanuts fan - then you will understand the subtleties of the jokes with the various 3,4 8 or 12 frames from the comic strips.. It was so clever with simple and effective staging. The characterisations were honest versions of the cartoon strip. The singing and choreography paid homage to so many old movies and Broadway shows. This is a very slick production that should tour and play more than the school holidays. This is one of Melbourne's theatrical highlights for 2016.

Programme production credits are hard to read due to the small font size used on page 7 of the programme.  It would have been good to include the song list for audience members to recall the songs and sequences.

Each production number paid homage to vaudeville, Busby Berkeley films, and to various films including "The Jazz Singer" film.  The more you have read the comic strip and seen old movies the more you will understand the in jokes in this clever production.

This production was snappy and slick and is a credit to the direction of Gary Abrahams.  The casting was perfectly appropriate for every role.  Gary Abrahams' direction and vision was obvious in the synergy of all parts coming together - costumes, sets, lighting, choreography, music and performances.

Charlie Brown was played with sincerity by the ever competent Cameron MacDonald.  The kite scene with Charlie Brown was poignant and well staged.  Cameron MacDonald is a consistently well rounded performer who transforms each role with gusto and commitment and it is always a joy to see him in a new role.  His career is certainly worth while following.

Snoopy was brought to life by the incomparable skill of Luigi Lucente.  He played so many levels of Snoopy with his playfulness and his interaction with the birds, clouds and other characters.  Luigi Lucente brilliantly transformed the Snoopy character into the philosopher that Charles Schulz created.  The scene with Snoopy as the Red Baron was fun and well timed.  Luigi Lucente is an actor to watch closely in the future.

Adam Porter had the requisite desperation and anxiety of Linus.  His needy behaviour with his comfort blanket was added to by his sweaty persona.

Courtney Glass was Lucy the bully with her turned out stance, over-confident posturing and the raucous voice. "The Doctor Is In" sequence showcased the comedic talent of Courtney Glass.

Sarah Morrison played Sally without over powering her character. The opening Act Two duet with Schroeder is the memorable "My New Philosophy".  Her duet with Joshua Robson as Schroeder was played with warmth and musicality.  Joshua Robson singing "Beethoven Day" was a song of yearning and hope.  He played the piano with the composure and maturity of Schroeder.

The whole cast worked as an ensemble and supported each other through out.  They sang beautifully under the musical direction of Ben Kiley.

Dana Jolly's choreography is cartoon-esque and honours Charles Schulz's comic strip.  The use of the stairs in her choreography paid homage to Busby Berkeley,  old-time movies and Broadway musicals.  Dana Jolly brings out the best in the performers and ensures the audience has as much fun with the signature moves for each character.  From the "Opening/You're A Good Man Charlie Brown" to the finale "Happiness" Dana Jolly has captured the spirit and essence of the philosophical life of Charlie Brown and Snoopy.

The costume design by Chloe Greeves was perfect for each character with the clean lines of the comic strip.  The chunky soled shoes were just so perfect and respected Charles Schulz's drawings.  I look forward to more of her designs in the future.

The set design by Jacob Battista was so much fun and captured the essence of the one, two, three or four panels of Charles Schulz' comic strip.   The use of the screens reminded me of the Sydney Theatre Company's production of "Two Weeks With the Queen" and directed by Wayne Harrison. The use of the stairs that rolled out to create Snoopy's kennel or Schroeder's piano were simple, clever and fun.  These moving set pieces reminded me of "Falsettos" directed again by Wayne Harrison for  Sydney Theatre Company.  Jacob Battista is a set designer to watch in the future.

I used to read the cartoons as a child in the 1960's and the 1970's.  I used to watch the animated tv shows, and this production really nailed it.  They sounded like the characters.  They moved like the characters.  Not once did I disbelieve they were not the real characters.

The finale filled my heart with love, hope and fun.  I longed for the simpler times that Charles Schulz captured in his comic strips.

"You're A Good Man Charlie Brown"  received 8/10 and could easily be seen again!

Sexercise - The musical , Alex Theatre, Thursday March 12th 2015

Sexercise - The musical, Alex Theatre, Thursday March 12th 2015

For those new to my blog I write about the holistic experience of attending the theatre.  So if you want a re-telling of the story please refer to the links for further information or for further insights.  Note, that I may provide different links for repeated main words or phrases.

The newly refurbished George Cinemas in Fitzroy St, St Kilda have been redeveloped into Melbourne's newest theatres by Aleksander Vass.  He with Malcom C. Cooke present the first show "Sexercise - The musical" with great foresight for Melbourne's flourishing independent theatre scene.

Booking tickets was a bit of a hiccup as I tried to buy tickets on the first day of release.  So I rang the Alex Theatre and provided feedback about the Ticketek website.  The Alex Theatre staff were so pleasant and grateful that I took the time to bring this to their attention.  The ticket prices are reasonable for the equivalent of a good quality Off-Broadway show.

Arriving at the Alex Theatre gave a sense of occasion with a security officer on the door which is similar to the large Broadway theatres.  The staircase and posters on the wall certainly gave a very positive and professional vibe to our arrival. 

The upstairs foyer of the Alex Theatre is a great homage to the magnificent theatres around the world with its enormous panoramic glass wall with Melbourne's Princess Theatre taking centre stage. From the programme Digikote -The Glass Printing Specialist advertise and I assume they made this magnificent panorama.   Below the Princess Theatre is the original cast of "Sexercise - The musical."  It is terrific fun to identify the various theatres and shows from around the world on this beautiful panorama.  Sadly a small table blocks the view of the centre of the panorama.  So make sure you look down to see the terrific cast of "Sexercise - The musical"taking this downstage position.

The Alex Theatre bar staff and ushers were very helpful and hospitable.  Drinks were reasonably priced as were the souvenirs.

Inside the theatre looks magnificent with the plush seating and the medium sized stage.  The theatre's interior and foyer looks better than many Off Broadway or Off Off Broadway Theatres. 

They had the usual pre-show announcement but with a sound issue.  I really appreciated that not one mobile phone or iPAD or Tablet went flashing, buzzing or vibrating to distract our attention during the show.  I hope they make it a policy that people will be thrown out for doing so.  I pay good money to see shows and not be distracted by their "Twanking!"

As we sat waiting for the show to begin, the stage looked slick and inviting.  I do not think they have the capacity to have a fly tower like Second Stage's Theatre on 43rd St in New York.  The slide panels looked more professional than many other small scale shows both here and overseas.

"Sexercise - The musical" started promptly on time.  Patrons could take in their drinks as long as they were in plastic containers.

Book, music and lyrics by Derek Rowe are fun.  The book is quite tight though it needs another ensemble number in Act One to keep it moving and create links to the characters.  There are a few jarring moments in the story that require a segue to smooth out the jolts.  Yes, some of the lyrics are corny but so is the ridiculous fun nature of the show.

Story wise - the conflict between Sam and Joe are revealed in the first song.  It takes the whole of Act One to provide the back story of each character, which leads us to the set up of the obvious solution for Sam and Joe to try the "Sexercise" book and strategy.

The set design by Adrienne Chisholm was fresh and calming with the blue panels that slid to reveal an electronic screen for the visual sets.  It reminded me of David Atkins' version of "Hairspray" with the large television screens creating the set.  The pull-out bed and sofa are simple and a great use of space.  The scene with the bed upright reminds me of Graeme Murphy's "Poppy" choreographed for Sydney Dance Company in 1978.

The costumes by Adrienne Chisholm provide an instant identifiable visual image for each character.  I particularly loved the geometric dress for Sam as it was perfect for her character and also was a colour variation of the set design.  The Boy-Band costumes were so much fun and paid homage to many famous and infamous singers.  The bling for Andy's character was so appropriate for his over-the-top personality.

Choreography by Dana Jolly is adequate and slick.  I thought the finale could have been a bit more adventurous with more 'sexual position" jokes as was achieved in Sam and Joe's duet, "Work Out With Each Other" that opened Act Two.  Maybe they could incorporate the "Helicopter Move" for Sam and Joe to create more confronting hilarity!  This could also be a visual joke linking to the famous presage lift from "Dirty Dancing" , as they had the predictable flag waving move that is an in-joke from "Les Miserables."  If you do not know the "Helicopter Move" then you may wish to investigate in the privacy of your own home!

Staging and direction by Sara Grenfell is clever to create defined spaces and locations.  Sara has directed this fine ensemble of actors to create characters with clarity.  These characters have contrasting and recognisable personalities.  Sara has also ensured that the actors create relationships with each other and that they listen to each other in a way that some actors in some musicals do not. 

Continuity wise, when Shane goes to visit Rhonda,  the pull-out sofa did not define the waiting room area as in earlier scenes.  A few of the scenes were played in front of the stage with Tania and it worried me that those in the back rows may not be able to see.   We were in J row (by our choice) and could see easily.  Some of the entrances down the aisle are well timed and lots of fun, especially when Tania is going to her yoga class.

Lighting design by Jason Bovaird created supportive locations to the set design and to Sara's direction.  I really enjoyed looking up on to the theatre's ceiling and wonder if many people realised that the overhead lighting design illuminated creative patterns that supported different scenes.

Sound design by Your Show Pty Ltd may have been a little loud at times.  Not excessively loud but two of the radio mikes dropped out during some of the dialogue.  I think this was at the conclusion of a very physical number and the connection may have been slightly moved.  

I collect the different advertisements and articles for each show and file them with each program and have done so since 1966.  I am at odds why this show was not advertised more in the Herald Sun as they had a few full page advertisements in The Age and there is a higher readership in the Herald Sun.  I do not think there was enough general coverage for such a fine production.  Thankfully there were two really good articles in the Herald Sun on December 31st 2014 and March 3rd 2015.  I think this show could have tapped into the Group Booking crowds for Hen's nights and for similar audiences that saw "Motherhood - the musical" and "Menopause - the musical."

The thing that I really liked about this show was it was not just for females like some of the afore-mentioned musicals that poke fun at men. This show is great entertainment for both sexes.

Sam was played by Nicole Melloy.  She has a beautiful singing voice and created a credible character with her fastidious nature.  She worked their awkward relationship with her partner Joe played by Lyall Brooks.  He too created a credible character though in Act One he seemed either off pitch at times or discordant with the music.  By Act Two Lyall's his singing had changed for the better.

"Work Out With Each Other" by Sam and Joe opens Act Two in a climatic way!  These fine actors, Nicole Melloy and Lyall Brooks had the audience immediately in the palm of their hands.  We were impressed with their physical prowess and their ability to maintain a straight face during this fun number.  This song told a clear story with terrific lyrics and a great tune.

Rhonda, the therapist/counsellor played with such cheekiness by Fem Belling. .  Her character like Tania and Andy are more cartoon-esque and over-the-top personalities. Fem Belling's  Rhonda had the three sides to her personality which was so much fun to watch: her professional counsellor side, restrained researching side and her sexually wild side.

Tania played by Lulu McClatchy was channelling a lesbian version of Tracy Turnblad from "Hairspray" and Rebel Wilson.  Her entrance down the centre aisle was magic as she interacted with the audience.  Later her interactions with an audience member acting as her ex-girlfriend was even funnier.  Lulu McClatchy is a fine comedienne with exquisite timing and a choreographer's dream for any comedy moves.  During the yoga scene with Sam, Tania was "exerting" energy to create recognisable lazy versions of yoga moves.  Her "retires" were timely where she would lift her foot to quickly replace it or otherwise lose her balance was magnificent and under-stated.

Andy played by Cameron MacDonald was a sheer delight.  Cameron MacDonald played Andy with a sincere naivety and unaware campiness.  His mates accepted Andy for being himself and having a more feminine side to their masculinity.  Andy felt included and would sometimes cross the line totally oblivious to his own behaviour.  The bling in the Boy-Band sequence, "36 not 23" was a great addition to his costume.  Cameron MacDonald has not failed to impress me in the past twelve months for consistently keeping in his very well defined characters.  He is a musical theatre force to be reckoned with.

Kristin Holland played Shane with exuberance and sexiness. He could have made Shane more arrogant and lost our appeal but Kristin Holland plays Shane with the right amount of confidence.  His body type naturally fits this role and his skill as an actor and singer matches beautifully.  I loved the joke during the "sharing and honesty" revelation by Rhonda toward the end of the show.

They should have included an advertisement for the book "Sexercise" by Aleksander Vass, Jane Thornton and Kim Carter, as some people may have felt embarrassed to buy a copy at the theatre and preferred to be able to buy one via the post or online.  I could not find this version online to include as a link.  So if you want to buy a copy make sure you buy one which is on sale at the Alex Theatre.  Note there are other similar titled books online but are by different authors.

Overall, "Sexercise - The musical" was a fun show and great night of entertainment.  I look forward to more original works at the Alex Theatre and congratulate them on providing a superb venue for new works.

I gave "Sexercise - The musical"  a 7/10.