Songs For A New World

Dandenong Theatre Company’s latest offering is 'the' Jason Robert Brown's Songs for a New World.

Originally opening in 1995 and running for 28 performances off-Broadway, this show sits on the boundary between musical and song cycle. Songs is a concept musical where the movement of the show is driven by the themes of the songs rather than from the usual narrative.

This production was driven by Musical Director Ben Heels who had a firm hand on his 4-piece band and had drilled the cast thoroughly in their harmonies. There were a few sound issues during the first act that were ironed out for act two. Aaron Pankhurst was in charge of the sound, and the second act was very well balanced and a pleasure to listen to. Lighting by cast member Daniel Jow was effective but not over the top.

Moving away from the usual four member cast this larger cast does a just service to this great show. However, with seven ladies and two gents in the cast, it would have been good to see a couple more guys in the show. This would have also given a more even ensemble sound.

The set was simple with a city skyline behind the band who were also on the stage. This production flowed really well and Director Colin Morley made the most of the space and the cast (all of which he inherited a month before the show opened.) Morley kept costuming very simple using different colours to indicate characters.

The cast included Marissa Carlos, Adina Rabbone, Gulcan Gulen, Amara Jensen, Caitlyn Burt, Vicki Barden, Hayley Wood, Leighton Irwin, and Daniel Jow.

All of the cast did a great job with the material provided. Highlights for this reviewer were "The River Won't Flow" by Jensen and Irwin; both cast members were outstanding in all of their numbers. Jensen and Burt gave us a very different interpretation on "The World Was Dancing" - different but extremely effective. Burt also gave us a beautiful rendition of "Stars and the Moon." Her duet "I’d Give it All for You" with Jow was also very moving.  Irwin’s "Flying Home" near the end of the show was packed full of passion and energy.

This quality production, staged at the Cranbourne Community Theatre - a lovely venue with plenty of parking and a decent size foyer, should not be missed!

Songs For a New World will be playing at the Cranbourne Community Theatre until November 12.

Book Online @ dandenongtheatre.org.au or call 0428 073 956. See What's On for more info.