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Songs For A New World
Presented by: OCTAVEtheatre
Venue:
Gasworks Art Park, Albert Park
Reviewer: Gulcan Gulen
Date Reviewed: 7th October, 2007
Everyone has
had that one moment, that one second, those rare and remarkable
moments that leave an unforgettable stamp in our lives. Tonight the
astonishing cast of OCTAVE Theatre made us relive those moments in
their production of “Songs for a New World” currently playing at the
Gasworks Theatre in Albert Park.
Director
Rebecca Holcdorf and Assistant Director Daniel Burger should be
applauded for their wonderful staging ideas and use of sets. The
theatre had a very intimate setting and opened with four raised
flats which were moved around the stage to set each scene. Although
the sets were minimal this really set a great focus on the lighting
which was used tremendously through out the show.
Musical
Director Jonathan Skovorn delivered and excellent sound from his
band, although a small band of only five musicians the score was
played seamlessly. Jonathan and his band truly did great justice for
the already marvelous music of Jason Robert Brown.
With a small
cast of four, each actor portrayed different moments in their lives,
from the highs of life to the lows. The show opened with the
magnificent voice of Amelia Rope, followed by Nicolas Kong, Jessica
Carbone and Glen Horsfall, I’ve never in my life seen a cast full of
such remarkably versatile voices.
Act one was
full of some fantastic numbers including ‘Just One Step’, ‘ The
River Won’t Flow’, ‘She Cries’ and ‘Steam Train’. Amelia Rope really
stood out in this act with her beautiful vocals in ‘I’m Not Afraid’.
First act was
just a taste of what was to come because it was the second act that
blew the audience away. It made us laugh, it made us cry and it made
us remember unforgettable moments in our lives. Stand out numbers in
this act were ‘The World Was Dancing’ sung by the stirring voice of
Glenn Horsfall, this was followed by the side-splitting acting and
spectacular vocals of Jessica Carbone in ‘Surabaya – Santa’. Nicolas
Kong was outstanding in the second act with ‘Christmas Lullaby’
which sent Goosebumps through the audience and the tear dripper
‘Flying Home’ performed by Nicolas and the company.
OCTAVE
Theatre’s ‘Songs for a New World’ is a must see show this season.
Congratulations to all the cast and crew on creating such an
extraordinary piece of theatre.
Chookas for
the rest of the season.
Gulcan was
last seen on stage in Dandenong Theatre Companies WEST SIDE STORY
where she played the role of Consuela. She’s also been in musicals
such as GREASE(WTC), FAME (DTC), NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS (DTC)
and many other productions. After having choreographed a few small
productions Gulcan is now assistant teacher at CONFIDANCE in East
Bentleigh. |