A Garden of Money, Lithuanium Club, Melbourne 23rd - 29th August

Review - A Garden Of Money There was a buzz of excitement outside the Lithuanian Club Theatre in North Melbourne last night following the launch of a new musical event, “A Garden Of Money “. There is much to commend in this play and music written and directed by Noel Fidge. Unlike most modern musicals, Fidge has revived the delivery of song in the style of Lied-or Art song -in which the music is performed entirely acoustically. It fits well with the biting, and at times, witty dialogue which served to tell a story about problem gambling. Though it touches on ethics, it is at the same time entertaining and cuttingly humorous as it recounts a tale within a tale! The enthusiasm of the audience was palpable with compliments ranging throughout the entire production to the singer/actors, the set and lighting by Shane Lee and the pivotal accompanist role played by the renowned concert pianist Anthony Halliday in the role of the all-knowing butler. The magnificent score and lyrics composed by Fidge were a sheer joy and rendered gloriously by sopranos Kate Amos, who played Amanda, and Jenna Roubos who played Georgie in this production. Not to be out done were the men. Tenor Adam Lyon was convincing as the robust stockbroker Richard while Christopher Nye (Earnest) had the ladies sighing after each song by his silky baritone voice. And the four singers acted their parts extremely well, Ms Amos being particularly convincing as the beleaguered wife addicted to gambling. Anthony Halliday’s virtuosity, always apparent, was most conspicuous when he played Fidges Nocturne and Garden Etude, two pieces which dovetailed effortlessly within the context of the play. Melbourne theatre goers have only another two nights (Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th) remaining to seize the opportunity to enjoy this commendable work at the Lithuanian Club Theatre, 44-50 Errol St., North Melbourne. Peter Christoff

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