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Reworks: Altered Musical Theatre
Presented by: The 4th Wall Productions
Venue: Burrinja, (Dandenong
Ranges Community Cultural Centre)
Reviewer: Nina Strahan
Date Reviewed: Friday 30th January 2009
Growing in popularity each year, Midsumma is positioned and
identified globally as one of the top five gay and lesbian arts and
cultural festivals, along with New York, San Francisco, Vancouver
and Singapore. As such, Midsumma serves to identify
Melbourne
as a culturally sophisticated city and strengthens Melbourne's
national and international profile as an artistically vibrant and
invigorated city.
In a bold move to bring this festival to the outer suburbs, seasoned
amateur performer, director, producer and (`re-working’) composer
Brian Dixon and the cast of Reworks have shifted musical numbers
into a completely different light-with great success.
What better way to spend a Friday night than emersed in a sassy,
candlelit, (air conditioned!), cabaret room enjoying superb local
wines and a home made cheese platter (makes a nice change from
chocolates and chips). Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the transformation
of Burrinja by 4th Wall productions is really quite
special.
The set was appropriately simple offering a sumptuously designed red
podium rising from a simple black elevation complemented by lounge
styled pianist Peter De Jagar. Whilst the lighting was simple it was
elegantly used in a transformation or red and white hues with a bit
of disco ball thrown in for good measure (though I would have liked
to see the disco ball a bit brighter to create the full effect).
Congratulations also to sound. It is refreshing not be distracted by
the poor sound we tend to take for granted in so many am
performances these days. We were presented with a rich tone
throughout the entire show allowing us to concentrate on the Diva
joy that is Ruth Bishop, Angela Lumicisi and Sally Mckenzie.
Accomplished am and professional performers, producers, writers and
directors in their own right, these women offer classy relaxed
vocals enriched with a generosity of spirit that can only be
developed through years of theatrical achievement.
The essence of Reworks is a presentation of standard (and a few `off
Broadway’) musical numbers in varied arrangements including
uplifting harmonies that can bring a tear to your eye (One Song
Glory was definitely a favourite), hilarious monologues (Ruth’s `I
Can Cook Too’ was presented with natural comedic timing and
characterisation that had every woman in the venue nodding, laughing
and even cheering in agreement!) and medleys to die for (yes,
somehow Brian managed to sync Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Wicked
into something quite special).
There really is a certain level of joy that comes with hearing a
number completely out of context, realising what it is and revelling
in the `newness’ of what appears before you. I watched that happen a
number of times in audience last night to a number of seasoned am
performers.
Not only is this a great opportunity to support the establishment of
the Midsumma Festival in the Outer Eastern Area (for the bargain
price of $21), it is the chance to experience, Lloyd Webber,
Sondheim and a few if their friends basking in the light of
originality.
Reworks: Saturday 7th Feb – 8pm, Sunday 8th
Feb – 4pm, Burrinja (Dandenong Ranges Community Cultural Centre)
351 Glenfern Rd UPWEY. 0402 559 075
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 (Fab Nobs) – costume designer/coordinator Lyrebird award for
best costumes under $30,000 Hot Mikado (MDMS) 2007, Spring concert
2007 (MDMS),Kiss Me Kate, (Park Players) and as the bag lady in Rent
(Players).
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