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A Beloved Musical....
23rd June
2008
By Lauren Doutch
….It is a day in the life of a public poet (with the gift of the
gab) and his daughter – a tale of rags to
riches with plenty of beautiful girls, corrupt officials and no
road-side bombs….
…With extreme cleverness and a fair amount of luck, the poor street
poet, posing as Hajj the beggar,
rises from the streets of
Baghdad
to being crowned as Emir by the Wazir of
Baghdad…
…Set in 11th century Baghdad,
it has all the classic components of a musical including a love
story,
a villain, energetic dancers and exciting chorus scenes…
These are just some of the quotes used to describe the storyline of
Kismet. I don’t know if I’m showing my age by saying this,
but being pretty knowledgeable on shows within musical theatre, I
was shocked to discover that this was a musical I had not heard of
before! I was very intrigued to learn more about this musical whose
backdrop is the capital of Iraq. I caught up with director Lynne
Counsel, and main players Graham Ford and Laura Slavin from Diamond
Valley Singers, to get a little more information about the show.
TP: What drew you to being a part of the show?
Graham: The Poet is one of the most demanding and rewarding roles
for an older baritone. Having performed the role for Whitehorse
Musical Theatre in my wild impetuous youth, it has been great to
reprise it. And with all those beautiful slave girls and harem girls
…. I rest my case!
Laura: Before I heard about the show I had learnt the song “And this
is my Beloved”- which sung by Marsinah, my character - and
absolutely loved singing it. When I found out that the show was
being performed I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity.
Lynne: I grew up as a “Musical Comedy” junkie. My mum and grandma
took me to the musicals nearly every week at the Cinema and Kismet
was one of my favourites. I find the music and the colour of the
show very exciting.
 TP:
Any highlights from the rehearsal process?
Lynne: For me the highlight must be the creative challenge. I like
to design my sets myself and then move my characters around in them.
I also love to see people who have never been involved in theatre
before experience the thrill of performing for the first time. I
have directed many shows with children and the same thing applies.
It keeps the experience fresh and exciting for me as well.
Graham: The way the cast have got on so well and the tantrum free
atmosphere.
Laura: Another exciting part of the rehearsal process has been
rehearsing in the theatre. Working on the stage makes the opening of
the show seem a lot closer!
TP: Lynne, how have the cast been to work with?
I
have loved working with our cast members. They have all been very
responsive and focussed. We have principals of varying ages and I am
delighted with them all. Our chorus is filled with lovely people,
with beautiful voices who are eager to help one another to be the
best they possibly can. Many, as I have said are very new to stage
work and it is great to see them grow. I feel close to them all and
count them all amongst my friends.
TP: So following on from that, how has Lynne been to work with over
the rehearsal process Graham and Laura?
Laura: Working with Lynne has been a fantastic experience. She works
so hard on all aspects of the show and really knows what she wants
from all members in the show. She is also a very generous and caring
person which makes rehearsals a pleasure.
Graham: Lynne is terrific to work with giving clear direction, but
allowing one to find his own character.
TP: Laura, how has the other cast members been to work with?
Working on Kismet has been a wonderful experience. The whole team is
so energetic and have really strong ideas and visions for the show.
I feel that I’ve learnt a lot from being part of the show and also
had a great time.
 TP:
With only a couple of weeks till opening night, what can audience
members expect?
Graham: Lots of colour, beautiful costumes and scenery, terrific
singing and a fun night at the theatre.
Laura: The music in Kismet, adapted from the works of Alexander
Borodin, is absolutely beautiful and really brings 11th
century Baghdad to life. Lots singing and dancing as well as bright
colourful costumes are key components of the show.
Lynne: They can expect beautiful music, colourful costuming and sets
and vibrant performances from very talented principals and an
enthusiastic chorus.
A
great night out!
TP: Graham, all of the money raised from your performances will be
going to World Vision and Open House. How did the decision come
about?
DVS started when the Eltham Orchestra asked me to assist with a
production of Trial by Jury, the proceeds of which were to go to
World Vision. The company has continued to operate on an amateur
basis with very few paid positions such that we have no money
worries and plenty of money to donate at the end of the season.
TP: Do you think we should see more of this from other companies?
Lynne: This is a vital part of who we are and what we do. It is not
something that could be placed as an expectation on other companies
…it would be wonderful if others could feel the desire to raise
money in this way but it would have to come from the heart and be
accepted by the full membership.
Laura: I think that donating the profits from the show to charity is
a fantastic idea. Not only are we having a great time and getting to
take part in something we love but other people are benefiting from
the show as well.
TP: All righty guys, any last words you would like to say to the TP
readers?
Come on down and see the show. It’s a great night out!
Kismet is being performed Warrandyte High
School Theatre,
Alexander Road,
Warrandyte, from July 4th – 12th.
Bookings can made on 9444 0537 or by emailing
dvsbookings@hotmail.com
Treat yourself and head down to see a very fascinating and exciting
production. |