|
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Presented
by:
Catchment Players of Darebin
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 10th May, 2008
Venue:
Darebin Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Jennie Kellaway
Amy Larsen stars as Millie Dillmount in Catchment’s most recent
production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and she shines as the young
‘flapper’ determined to marry her wealthy boss. The part of Millie
could have been written for the talented Amy, who sings up a storm,
dances and acts with style and energy. This very demanding role was
made to seem effortless as Amy captured the audience’s attention in
a very energetic and stylised performance.
Directors Nathan Toovey and James Rooney set themselves the enormous
task of re-creating the musical based on the 1967 award winning
movie starring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore, and the 2002 Tony
award winning Broadway production. A huge dance show, with a call
for numerous scene changes and hundreds of costumes, it certainly
fulfilled their vision. Their concept of colour reflecting Millie’s
character development ensured a riot of shades as she went from the
naïve girl in white in the opening number to the woman who finally
understood her true feeling in the final scene - wearing the obvious
red dress. It is great to see directors revealing their vision in
their notes in the program and divulging their inspiration,
innovations and insights as to the way they hope the production will
ensue.
Technically, all was smooth with Stage Manager Beth Sims at the
helm. John Burrett combined both turn of the century classic art
nouveau with the hard lines of modern art-deco in his ever changing
1920s New York set. Lit by the Lighting Designer with every trick in
the lighting book, and then some, Jason Bovaird, the set was very
impressive. The audio was faultless and contributed to our enjoyment
of the performance.
Allan Paul’s costumes looked great and the attention to detail in
matching hats, shoes and gloves ensured that the characters looked
believable. The typing pool’s desks during the office scenes were
very cleverly constructed and manipulated. It is worth seeing the
show for these props alone. Again, the attention to detail does make
a difference to the enjoyment of shows at this level. The orchestra,
in the hands of Ben Hudson was always going to be ‘top notch’.
Of the supporting performers, Nicholas Kong, as Jimmy Smith was far
more confident singing rather than delivering lines, but warmed into
the role during the second act. Alana Keily, as Miss Dorothy was
gorgeous and frothy and girly. She understood the comic timing
required and went ‘over the top’ at all the right moments. Andrew
Wild’s Mr Graydon, the object of Millie’s quest for a wealthy
husband, gave the right amount of aplomb to his character and he
delivered the vocal excellence as we have come to know from Andrew’s
performances.
Ang Cuy in role of Mrs Meers was funny and wildly over the top. Her
two sidekicks, Bun Foo and Ching Ho, were played Ben Nguyen and
Yuhan Lim complete with hilarious subtitles. Stephanie Phillips was
suitably dizzy as Muzzy Van Hossmere.
Catchment has certainly got a hit on their hands with Thoroughly
Modern Millie. It is bright, refreshing and packed with energy. A
great night at the theatre, audiences will enjoy the atmosphere and
fun of the show and a champagne at the bar after the show.
Jennie completed a very busy year in 2007, performing in Return
to the Forbidden Planet at Fab Nobs, The Producers
at
Whitehorse
and Fab Nobs First Five Years Concert. A primary teacher,
with post graduate qualifications in Arts Education, she has taught
drama, choir and performing arts and been involved in all facets of
stage craft. Jennie has performed with many with theatre companies
for
more years than she cares to remember. She has been nominated for
numerous awards by the Victorian Theatre Guild and
The Lyrebird Awards.
|