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Ever After Ever
Presented by: Sydney Dance Company
Venue: State Theatre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 9th July 2007
For their final presentation with Sydney Dance
Company in Melbourne, Graeme Murphy and Janet Vernon have chosen to
present a tribute to their staggering body of work over the past
three decades. Not so much of a Greatest Hits as a fleeting glimpse
back at some glorious achievements. This has resulted in a show that
is a rich, luscious treat for the audience, with a dazzling of array
of styles, settings and music.
 The
program opened with the company in a movement from Air and Other
Invisible Forces (1999). This featured some SDC trademarks such as
an interesting use of large, changeable set pieces, a set of
unusual, textured costumes and of course stunning focus and teamwork
from a committed ensemble of dancers of varied shapes and sizes.
This was followed by another short piece in which a couple of
energetic cowboys took to the stage to steal the loot and save the
heroine tied to the tracks. Given that this was from Ellipse from
2002, it appears that SDC beat Ang Lee to Brokeback Mountain by
about three years!
Act One ended with an extended piece from the
major work Berlin (1995). The company worked together to create a
haunting set of images all set to the atmospheric music of Iva
Davies and Icehouse.
An extended selection from the beloved and
acclaimed Tivoli (2001) opened the second half. Glamourous beauties
from (for the most part) the female ensemble graced the stage
representing each Australian state, which they discussed in
gloriously broad Aussie accents. The Colossal Spartacus Brothers
nearly brought down the house with their impressive strength and
witty visual gags. This sequence ended with a cleverly placed filmed
message from Graeme and Janet. Ostensibly lamenting the end of an
era of the Tivoli, it was clear that they were referring to the end
of their time with SDC.
The program concluded with one final original
work entitled Short Stories. The dancers sat around the edges in
dance gear as if at a rehearsal. Two figures (possibly representing
Graeme and Janet) entered to begin proceedings. This was followed by
various combinations of dancers performing as if in an impromptu
manner for their peers. The final visual was an echo of the opening
with the dancers in a tightly packed arrangement, looking out at
their audience with affection.
This is a rare opportunity to see so much talent
and creativity all in one extremely entertaining and endearing
night.
Tickets from ticketmaster:
http://www.ticketmaster.com.au
Simon has appeared in more than 30 productions over the past twenty
years. Recent roles include Eugene Fodor in Crazy for You (Whitehorse)
and Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel (CLOC). Other favourite roles include
Max in The Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint
Your Wagon, Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les
Miserables. In 2005, Simon was nominated for a Guild Award in the
category Best Cameo Performance for his role as the Judge in Hello,
Dolly! (Whitehorse).
Simon is also a keen audience member, having seen over 50 shows in
five weeks on a recent trip to
New York
and
London.
Simon has served on the Music Theatre Guild of
Victoria
Committee for three years, and is currently Treasurer. |