|
Oliver!
Presented by: MLOC Productions Inc.
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer: Nina Strahan
Date Reviewed: 13th June, 8pm
Oliver, `the story of the boy who dared to ask for
more’-Whilst an accurate description of this time honored
production, we could not have asked for much more from MLOCs
performance on Friday night. Even prior to entering the theatre I
was greeted with information that the first 3 performances had
already been sold out! Perhaps they could provide some other
companies with a few tips in that area!
Inside, the auditorium was a typical buzz of opening
night excitement. As the orchestra lead us to `the workhouse dining
hall’, we were immediately transported by the impressive,
multi-dimensional set design which was completed by the smooth
transition of the cast bringing on the final elements.
Although first night jitters seemed to steal the
vocal projection and confidence of some cast members initially,
`Food Glorious Food’ on many levels provided the platform for the
entire show with obvious attention to detail with costuming (Jeremy
Bailey-Smith) and simple but extremely well executed choreography
(especially from the Lambeth Lads whose timing was impeccable) (Joy
Curtis).
Steve Coultas was the perfect choice as Mr Bumble
from his imposing fearfulness in the workhouse to his jolliness and
confident comic timing during scenes with Widow Corney (Carol
Yates). Whilst Ms Yates provided an excellent contrast to Mr Coultas
during their `romantic’ scenes and some enjoyable comic moments, her
harshness and wavering English accent was often reminiscent of a
`Prisoner’ inmate which I found to be distracting.
A stand out of the evening was undoubtedly Gervais
Wright-Smith in his debut performance in a musical as Oliver.
He portrayed the perfect innocence so essential in this role,
holding the audience in the palm of his hand with effortless
elocution and perfect phrasing. His rendition of `Where is Love’ was
beautiful and emotional only slightly marred by the technical sound
issues often evident throughout amateur performances of all levels.
My only request is that he smile a little more as appropriate which
will no doubt come as his deserved confidence develops.
My favourite and clearly that of the audience would
be Michael Young as a surprisingly likeable Fagin. I greatly enjoyed
his portrayal of a cheeky and secretly heartfelt character in
contrast to the nastiness of other theatrical versions. Undoubtedly
a seasoned professional, Mr Young commanded the stage and deservedly
so. Jedidiah Morton was the perfect as The Artful Dodger. A clearly
talented actor in the making, Jedidiah was believable and generous
with his performance not disappointing those of us with a fondness
for this likeable larrikin.
The appearance of Bill Sykes ascending the stairs in
an eerie blue light was extremely appropriate considering it was
Friday the 13th. My theatre companion later mentioned
that she “shivered in her seat” as I imagine did the rest of the
audience. (Kudos to Michael Richardson for creating moods such as
this throughout the evening this with his blue, yellow and red
palette.) Kevin Seerup should be commended for his performance
throughout this demanding role. I was however left a little empty by
his death scene which was over before you would blink and lacked any
emotion from the other cast members on stage.
I was also disappointed by the execution of Nancy’s
death which was again too quick and lacked any real emotion. Overall
Jenni Tyack’s portrayal of this character was a little 2 dimensional
which may be attributed to first night nerves. She certainly looked
the part, displays an impressive belt voice and clearly natural
rapport with the `orphans’.
Daniel Payne’s Noah Claypole was portrayed with
confidence and believability although his priestly wig in the second
act was little questionable. Kate Knight’s Charlotte Sowerberry was
of particular note offering a very consistent English accent and
fantastic facial expressions. I particularly enjoyed Tony Hosemans
honest portrayal of an educated and caring Mr Brownlow.
Whilst it was rare to see such a large number of
clearly talented young ensemble members, particular mention must be
made of the following cast:
James Howe for your fantastic and constant energy,
accurate execution of choreography and great facial expressions.
Joshua Stapleton for obvious dance ability, great
confidence and poise throughout the entire show – look out for this
one, clearly a leading man in the making.
Rachel Milne, what a wonderful smile and confidence
you have which radiated all the way to the back of the auditorium,
couldn’t keep my eyes off you.
Finally, what a lovely (and somewhat game) touch to
feature live animals. Completely ignoring the old adage of `never
working with children or animals’ Roy Mears defied both and was
rewarded with truly human and 3 dimensional moments completing the
believability of the cast especially Fagan and Bill.
Full credit to Musical Director Geoff Earle and his
faultless and clearly well rehearsed orchestra. Some excellent
`saves’ during an evening where a couple of the leads were a little
over anxious in their phrasing. I do however feel that the size of
the orchestra was too large for this venue. Coupled with microphone
issues, the audience was sometimes left guessing as to onstage
conversations.
Lovers of this classic tale will certainly not be
disappointed by MLOCs rendition. A performance to be proud of and an
opportunity for those of us in the South Eastern Suburbs to see some
quality theatre close to home.
Nina studied Drama
throughout high school and debuted on the stage in 1990 as the
narrator in Caucasian Chalk Circle. She studied Jazz, ballet and
Flamenco for 10 years. Re-discovering theatre in 2005 she has since
featured in: Fame (DTC), Singing in the Rain (Panorama), Les Mis
(DTC)2006, Honk (Fabnobs) –costume designer/coordinator Lyrebird
award for best costumes under $30,000 Hot Mikado (MDMS)2007, Spring
concert 2007 (MDMS) and Kiss Me Kate, (Park Players).
|