|
Embracing a New World
28th
May 2008
By
Lizzie Matjacic
A well
loved and highly regarded musical, “Songs for a
New World”
was written and composed by Jason Robert Brown and was first
performed off Broadway in 1995. The contemporary score of evocative
and passionate music becomes the voice of a series of characters
throughout history and of today. Although the show consists of a
series of unconnected songs and no uniting plot, the show is woven
together by the common thread of exploring those moments in time
when fundamental choices are made, when we face our past and must
decide our future.
It touches all of us by evoking all our stories through a handful of
endearing characters all of whom are dreaming of a bright future, a
new world.
“Songs”
is performed by a small and talented cast and stars
Jolyon James (The Last Five Years, Mama Mia, City Homicide),
Geelong's own Shandelle Cooke and Amy Lehpamer and recent VCA
graduate, Jensen Overend combined with superb direction by Darylin
Ramondo and musical direction by the talented John Shawcross.
I spoke with
the cast member (Shandelle Cook) and director (Darylin
Ramondo)
and here is what they had to say about this latest highly
anticipated production of “Songs”:
 Shandelle,
what, ultimately, do you think is the message of “Songs”?
Each of the stories/lyrics within the song pieces in "Songs for a
New World", come to life through each artist telling their story. I
guess it may be open to interpretation which is certainly the
approach each of us four performers have taken. Many of the musical
numbers do tend to share a common theme of life and love, its
struggles and celebrations.
What sets “Songs” apart from other musicals?
It doesn’t require a lavish set or costumes as such, the focus is on
its simplicity and the individual performers and their stories. The
clever and beautiful lyrical content in these songs by Jason Robert
Brown is the feature in itself. They are individual songs put
together in a musical style concert performance, but it is often you
can find a connection, where these songs are linked or share common
flowing themes among them.
What is your favourite part of the musical and why?
I
don't have a particular favourite part of "Songs". I love all the
moments, each representing a different flavour from each performer.
I do love that each of the professional performers in this cast
bring such experience and life to the whole production.
Darylin, what do you think makes "Songs" so special?
Primarily because it is so insightful into the human character with
the theme being that definitive “moment” we are faced with in our
lives – that one moment when we are faced with a choice, you know,
the moment when you feel there is nothing else to do but close your
eyes, hold your breath and jump not knowing if you are going to fly
or fall. The moments in life that makes us who we are, individuals
all searching for an answer! Songs for a
New World is full of those moments – it’s a celebration of all our
stories sung and seen through the hearts and souls of a handful of
characters dreaming of a new world.
And of course it goes without saying that Jason Robert Brown’s
driving, exquisitely crafted score brings together the whole
dramatic experience with such genius, as an audience you cannot help
but become emotionally involved.
How have you found the directorial experience of "Songs" to be so
far?
Extremely challenging and immensely enjoyable. With the show’s
underlying theme of “defining moments”, the important aim for me in
this production of “Songs” is to encapsulate each character’s moment
with a great degree of honesty. As none of the songs link to each
other, it is a challenge to make each character a complete
performance, to understand the complexities and to be true to each
individual character in order for the audience member to become
involved in his or her story.
Firstly I am blessed with having such an experienced and talented
cast – which sounds like a cliché, I know – but it is true.
Jolyon James
is a very experienced actor and director having performed in many
theatre, TV and film productions nationally and internationally
including Mama Mia, Les Miserables, Water Rats, Blue Heelers, City
Homicide to name a few. Shandelle Cooke who has recently
returned from overseas performing in Europe and America on
international cruise lines, has performed in many music theatre
productions on the Geelong and Melbourne scene and also a
professional soloist for a number of years. Jensen Overend
is a recent graduate from the
Victorian
College of the Arts and has appeared in Happy Medium Ozmade musicals
as well as TV commercials. Amy Lehpamer is an extremely
talented newcomer to the professional scene having performed in
music theatre as well as being a gifted violinist. Amy has recently
traveled as a performer with Disneyworld in Japan and has recently
been cast in The Production Company’s forthcoming production of
Follies as young Phyllis.
With such a wide range of performing experience, rehearsals are run
with true ensemble focus – all cast members are intensely involved
in each moment of this character driven production and as a result,
the drawing together of the differing levels in life experience in
each of us. We are creating very sincere, honest, interesting and
fully rounded characters in a performance that continues to grow
throughout this exciting rehearsal period.
What can we expect to see from this production of "songs"?
Songs for a
New World
is an extremely difficult show for performers and creative team
alike. If not done well, it may as well be a concert of songs with
each performer showing of their individual talent. I can assure you
this will not be the case with Doorstep Ensemble’s version.
You will be witness to a unique performance by extremely talented
performers who are committed to present a fresh new approach to this
brilliantly written piece of modern music theatre. The style will
be simple and the stories strong with moments that will touch you.
The individual voices of these four incredible performers will melt
your hearts – the combination of the four will blow you away! John
Shawcross (M.D) and his small but talented group of musos approach
Jason Robert Brown’s demanding score with great respect and handles
it with ease, the result is pure joy!
I promise you will be drawn into each character’s soul - you will
hold our hand as we stand teetering on the brink of the abyss……as we
jump, will you fall or fly? Come and find the answer!
You can check
out “Songs for a New World” at the
Geelong Performing Arts Centre,
50
Little Malop Street, Geelong from
June 7-14.
"it's about one moment…
It's about hitting the wall and having to make a choice,
or take a stand, or turn around and go back"
Saturday June 7,
Thursday 12 June
Friday 13 June
Saturday 14 June
all shows at 8pm
Ticket prices: $35.90 Adults, $29.90 Concession,
$24.90 U18 and $32 groups of 10 and over.
Bookings on 03 5225 1200 or online
www.gpac.org.au
*Starring:*
Jolyon James
Shandelle Cooke
Jensen Overend
Amy Lehpamer
|