Gotta love Fab Nobs

I don't know.

A Little Night Music? For Fab Nobs? They do realise that half the cast should be over the age of 40?

I'm only saying that from what I've seen of Fab Nobs shows they've all been cast with relatively young people, and the shows have been aimed at the younger demographic. High energy, which A Little Night Music is not. A period piece for adults.

Plus, it's a big challenge for a first time director. Not that Nick isn't up to the challenge, but it is a sophisticated piece, complex musically and requiring near operatic voices for the Liebeslieders. Plus I don't want to see Henrik pop-belting to get the high notes in his songs.

Of course if he can use some of the talent performed in WMTC's Assassins he's halfway there. I can easily see people like Shaun, Adrian, Angelo taking roles in ALNM, if they're willing to travel to Bayswater.

So I'm simply registering my doubts at the choice of show for the company and wish Nick the best of luck.

• -4 votes

Totally agree with Mickey C. I'm not sure A Little Night Music is a good choice of show for Fab Nobs considering the production team, space and the kind of shows and audience they have produced and attracted in the past.

• -1 votes

Companies are suffering because the same people direct the shows, and are in the shows. No one comes to see them, they can't get new audiences in because it's the same people doing the same thing over and over.

Fab Nobs are smart in picking different shows and production teams, because if you keep offering the same thing over and over, people are going to get "over" it and stop coming.

Mickey C and Anon will probably go to see A Little Night Music, even if they are sceptical, because they'll want to suss it out for themselves. They may not like it, but, hey, Fab Nobs'll get your money! And people like you may see it and then go and see the next show.

If companies can't attract new audiences, basically, they're stuffed!

• -8 votes

I studied classical voice for 19 years AND I'm over 40 - yeeha, looks like I might be auditioning for FabNobs!!!
The Diva
(posted by simon.parris on behalf of The Diva!)

• -4 votes

I just have to ask. Where is the age for the characters ever stated?
You Just have to look at the current Broadway Revival to see that most are younger then traditionally done. There is no where that says how it should be done.
Of course you are not going to see it how it was originally done on Broadway. Thats the glory of Fab Nobs. You are not going to see some cheap amateur rip off of a show. The Show itself is beautiful and of course is hardly ever performed. I would imagine amateur performers are desperate to get to do such a master piece. Like wise with direction. Nick has over a year to get everything together. And from seeing how he performs, I hardly think it will be lack luster.

• -1 votes

I disagree Annette. I think the script demands an older cast for this one. The whole relationship between Fredrik and Anne doesn't work if there isn't a noticeable age gap and the song "Send in the Clowns" hinges on the fact that Fredrik and Desiree are old enough to reflect on their past from a distance. Similarly, the relationship between Carl-Magnus and Charlotte really needs to be going for quite some time for a lot of her jokes to work. We need to see that she's been subjected to humiliation for several years, which again, relies on an older couple. It's difficult, but not impossible to cast. It comes down to how much legwork is put in to getting the right people to turn up at auditions.

• 0 votes

Have a look at the artistic and cast list over the recent and upcoming musical and see what they have in common? With the exception of Grease I would say there are many things in common and a lot of similar cast members.

I hope I don't upset my good friends at Fab Nobs but I would argue that there isn't enough variety in the directors and performers that they are getting there at the moment. I would like to see it mixed up even further.

Just my two cent, which generally isn't worth much.

• -3 votes

I must say I am pretty surprised by the lack of support here.
You guys should be embarrassed to be part of the theatre community if you seriously think that there isn't enough talent to do a show like ALNM.

And also, as far as variety of cast and their ages. I 2008 I did a show with Fab Nobs and found them so welcoming and fantastic to work with. It seems to me that they are a very open company who encourage all sorts of people, but they won't come to you, get involved.
I think that the most important thing that Fab Nobs have to offer is its nurturing of creativity, and I can honestly say that to me that is more important than doing a show "the way it's supposed to be done".
I posted here after seeing a rehearsal Reefer Madness and was completely inspired by the energy in that Bayswater factory. And it got me thinking about the shows to come there.
No matter what I will always support this great little company who march to the beat of their own drum and do what other "big" companies don't have the balls to.

• -3 votes

I just wanted to say that I think it's entirely commendable that Fab Nobs have gone with a show that is rarely performed and different to what most other companies offer each season. Kudos to Nick for taking up the opportunity to be involved with it, I'm sure we can all agree that he has much to offer both Fab Nobs AND the script of ALNM. I don't think theres anything to be gained out of condemning this seemingly 'risky' venture - I for one think it will be great to see what young artistic talent can do with this show.

• -4 votes

Just want to clarify my comments in case they have been misinterpreted or I have upset Scott.

I think fabnobs show choices for next year are great choices and the company always does a fantastic job. I have always loved working with them and they do encourage and nurture youth and new members. In fact I agree almost entirely with Scott's original comments.

Fabnobs always have great people working for them. All I am saying is that they have used the same director for two of their past three shows and are using him again for their current and future show. He has done a great job, and certain performers regularly audition for him.

All I am saying is lets mix it up a bit. Variety is what has made fabnobs so fab over the years and I just hope it continues with that theme.

Scott don't get to carried away though, people are entitled to their opinion and if they don't agree with you on ALNM (I do), then they have a right to be able to express that. I don't think they should feel any embarrassment for having a differing opinion to you.

• -3 votes

I don't speak on behalf of FabNobs, but I know I am personally very excited to be doing 'A Little Night Music' after Nick's presentation to the Committee.

@Michael Butler - I know what you're getting at because we've spoken about it personally, but I think you're wrong. Faces and names are changing all the time. Look at the stats, 7 years - 20 productions - 13 different directors.
As for cast, look at the cast lists for the 2009 shows + Reefer Madness (excluding Grease, as you claimed that as an exception to the rule) and you'll find about 40% - 60% of each cast were first time FabNobbers.

• 0 votes

Hey Bones,

Happy to stand corrected on my comment about the cast. And I have certainly been a "regular" there in the past. Of course if they are the right people for the job then they should be cast.

I stand by my comments on direction though. The figures over the years do indeed show a wide use of directors which is great. My comments are specific to 09-10 where four out of five musicals have used the same director. Obviously the company has no problem with it, I personally just think that there should be a broader use of directors so that each director is solely focused on the show that they are producing and not the following one. Again this is not any sort of comment based on the director in question, just a general statement that I think would be relevant of any director in the same position

• -6 votes

Who's condemning? Who's not supporting? I saw Scott in Zombie Prom, I saw Rent and Grease. They are great value for money. And I'm not saying I don't support Fab Nobs or community and amateur theatre, I do. My comments are about the choice of show for the company. Appropriateness. That's the key for many companies and especially the younger companies itching to get their feet wet.

There are many shows that Fab Nobs and these other companies could put on that will still use their 'energy' and fit more in line with the kind of show that they put on and ones that don't get performed too often: Amour, Dear Edwina, Goodbye Girl, Hair, How to Succeed, Merrily we roll along, My Favourite Year, On a clear day you can see forever, The Pajama Game, Promises, Promises, Saturday Night, She loves me, Superman, They're playing our song, and some of them I'd classify as more 'adult' musicals (She Loves Me) rather than camp fun (Superman), but either would suit Fab Nobs tradition. And they could all be cast with relatively young (20s-30s) people with the odd over 30s character. Not that I'm saying there's anything against the older performers but it doesn't seem to be Fab Nobs niche. Or you could follow Glen B's example and go for something more recent which has a young cast, which is entirely appropriate and hopefully successful.

I'd think the recent Opera Australia production of ALNM, disastrous as it was, would have driven home the importance of doing this show right. That was just a balls up in nearly all departments and I personally would rather see the show not done then done poorly or even at an average level.

Not that I'm saying this is where the Fab Nobs production is heading. Again, I question the choice, but I will no doubt applaud the final product.

• -2 votes

Micheal comments weren't really directed at you in any way.

Sorry if it seems like I was shutting down peoples opinions. What I wanted to say is that I think that all shows are open to interpretation in my book, and a company should do what they think will work for them. I just feel like suggesting a show won't work before it's been put on just isn't in the nature of this theatre community. We should support any ideas in my opinion.

By all means say whatever once the show has been on. I just felt like some comments suggested our community wouldn't be able to put it on.

If you ask me, I know enough talented (in many different ways) people around Melbourne to put on any show in the world. Have faith.

• -4 votes

Hey guys,

I just want to agree with the initial post. I'm always really excited to see the sorts of shows that fab nobs put on and the coming seasons have not disappointed!

Cheers,
Will

• -4 votes

Michael you can say my name instead of simply calling me the director in question. Yes you are correct that I am a regular Director for Fab Nobs at the moment, and I am extremely flattered that they continue to ask me back to work with them. The team at Fab Nobs are such a great bunch of people and I will forever continue to assist them in whatever capacity they need or want me. I myself was concerned about doing so many shows for them and this is one of the major reasons why I have insisted on Co Directing their current production and the upcoming production of Altar Boyz, so that new blood continues to move through the factory and ideas and and creative juices are not strictly limited to myself. I can put your mind at ease though Michael by assuring you that I will not be involved with any of the companys 2011 ventures. So your wish of having it mixed up a little will most definitly be fullfilled.
Side note-I love that the company is so bold as to tackle a production like ALNM and I also love that they are willing to support an eager up and coming director.
Thanks to Scott for his positive post! Karl, Tys and I are all really pumped about the show and hearing the non stop laughing from our rehearsal guests such as Scott during recent runs has put all of us into such a great mind frame for our opening next Friday.
All the booking details are on this site.... We'd love to see you all come see this rare little gem of a musical.

• -2 votes

This is what I think is the one of the major problems with amateur musical theatre in Melbourne. The insecurities of everyone involved. It’s so insular, self-involved and quite tense, really. So much so that if someone makes a comment that isn't completely positive they are jumped on as being unsupportive or negative or critical. Everything said above is opinion, even the positive comments. And that's just it. It's one person's opinion. And I don't think any of it could be considered harsh or an attack on Fab Nobs or Nick - we can't judge him for something he hasn't even done yet!

It's as if people forget that they are creating theatre which is, in its form, open to and should welcome criticism. And again, people are frowned on if their criticism isn't veiled in a velvet glove. What's wrong with saying 'They just didn't get it right'? It's just opinion. And everyone is entitled to their own without someone jumping up and saying that we should be embarrassed to be part of the theatre community. Scott, I don't doubt that there's talent out there to do ALNM, but whether Fab Nobs can get that talent is another thing. And Michael, I don't think there is anything wrong with using the same directors if the company thinks that they are effective and are putting on a good show. A good director is a good director wherever they may roam. Look at James Cutler, spreading the love around Melbourne and putting on good quality theatre, would it really make a difference if he was doing it with the one company? I don't think so. So why should Robbie roam? They're obviously happy with him, and he fits the mould that Fab Nobs has created for themselves. More power to him.

Nick’s a professional who’s worked with lots of various performers of all ages and qualities and has garnered a good reputation for himself. I’m sure he can convince his ‘older’ performing friends to make the trek for the production, and I’m sure it’ll be worth seeing regardless. I will remain open-minded about the show, hesitant (not sceptical), but open-minded.

• -2 votes

Whoa.... extremeness... AND there goes my lunch break reading this. Fab Nobs are a great group and usually make good choices, both artistically and financially. ALNM is fairly intense. I feel as though the show "choice" is a bit weird for Fab Nobs, regardless of how talented I think Nick Kong is... and, he is. I'll be there supporting, regardless. Robbie C - call me.

• -1 votes

bahahaha omg. yep. full extremeness. Fab Nobs are great. i adore them. and that's the end. whatever they do turns out fine, because really- you can't compare that company to any other.

P.S: full excited for reefer. like full full heaps alot and some vodka and even more. xo

• -2 votes

Just to add my two cents. and this is mostly (entirely) directed at the first few comments. Trevor nunns revival of a little night music, now on broadway starring catherine zita jones, began its run as a show in the chocolate factory (A theatre in london that is more or less smaller than the apartment i live in now) with a cast of almost entirely unknows. And a lot of them without a background in classical singing. I personally cant wait to see what fab nobs does with this show. And like all of their other work I have seen im sure it will be incredible.

• -2 votes

I think it's really exciting to see Fab Nobs giving ALNM a go, and Nick a go, and lets face it, it's not going to be too hard to beat Catherine Zeta Jones terrible Tony award winning Performance today!! As a young(ish) member of the theatre community, i really hope this show choice attracts an amazing older cast that we young performers can come along and look up to and learn from!!
P.S. Come and see Reefer Madness! Its so funny and clever! (and also my first Fab Nobs show!)

• -2 votes

Take it for what it is, yes, so i am taking it for what i think it is, and you are taking it for what you think it is. Good work.

• 1 vote

Everyone has the right to an opinion.

Totes totes totes totes totes.

POWER TO THE NOBS!

• 2 votes

I'm stoked to see 'Lucky Stiff' and 'ALNM' listed by the 'Nobs' gang. They're great shows and they will attract awesome auditionees. Also 'Reefer' looks amazing and I've been hanging out to see it for AGES!! I can't wait for saturday.

As for old faces directing and choreographing and such, I could name countless companies that have used the same people for their shows, over the years. Burrows/Lewis, Kingma/Finch etc. This is not a bad thing for a company if it is tempered with new blood and an injection of ideas every so often. The theatre community is pretty forward with giving advice......ah, yes.

"Reefer Madness, Reefer Madness". I can't get that damn song out of my head!!!!!

• -5 votes

I just gotta say, there is a chance that Nick will be a great Director however his ability to perform has NOTHING to do with his ability to direct. A great actor does not always make a great director and a great director is not always a great actor.
ALNM is a HUGE undertaking for a first time director!!!!!
The good news for Nick is, the majority of Melbourne's AmTheatre Community would have no idea of what great, or even good, direction is therefore it is totally unlikely to matter how things go for Nick in his directorial debut. His friends will tell him it was brilliant, TP will post a review that regurgitates the story line and those that enjoyed it will comment on TP Talk about how good it was.
I am all for giving people a go etc but this should be as an assistant director to someone with some skill, knowledge and previous experience at directing. This however is next to impossible in this community as the overall quality of directors and choreographers is largely, very poor.
This post is one of the prime reasons for this - You can not criticize or even provide honest feedback without getting your head bitten off!!!! You can not provide a decent and informative review without causing an uproar!!!! You can not have a well rounded opinion without being shot down!!! Therefore, no one is learning ANYTHING and the quality of the production teams and the performers are not ever going to get any better until this changes.
Let the status quo prevail.
Be super supportive or don't comment - this is how this community operates.

• -6 votes

Wow Anonomous. You have unearthed a massive scandal here. I can just see the headline now "Friend Tells Friend They Were Good At Something". Can out imagine the outrage? He he he. I'm sure that, like most theatre people, Nick does have a select group of people that he looks to for honest feedback, but it's nice to have a group that will say you are fantastic, no matter what. If you don't have a group of people like that, then I feel very sorry for you.

What makes you any more qualified than anyone else to decide what "good" direction and "bad" direction is? Perhaps if you can give some sort of insight as to what you think is "good" or in this case "bad" about the direction you've seen, then perhaps it may be of some use to someone. A trait of a good director is someone who can give constructive feedback to improve performance. Clearly, you lack those skills yourself judging by the comments you've made, so perhaps think about that before you take a swipe at others.

You might also want to wait for the review before you bag it out for being uninsightful.

I know you think you are "keeping it real", but you are actually doing just the opposite.

• -3 votes

I'm sorry anonymous, but are you trying to say that you know every detail about Nick's theatrical career prior to this moment? How are you sure that he has never directed anything before?

Considering the possibility that you are, in fact, correct, why does it matter? Jess Barlow did an excellent job of MDing "Bare" for New Beat Theatre Company earlier in the year. I believe this was her first MD gig, if not, my apologies to Jess.

A lot of this thread has been discussions about injecting new blood, new ideas and the recycling of directors. If Nick is a first-time director, good on him. I wish him all the best. You're right when you say that a great performer does not make a great director, but I have seen and been involved in some shows where the director has years of experience and have felt that a better show would could be directed by a monkey holding cue cards.

Why does the theatre community constantly have to gripe about things. First it was a bad show choice, then it was recycling directors, then it was attacks against people posting their views and opinions, now it's questioning Nick's ability to direct a show. Apparently, being "Bitchy" is what theatre people do. I am so sick of it.

• -5 votes

Bill I think you need to have another read, NOTHING in my original post was negative towards Nick. I have stated that 'there is a chance that Nick will be a great Director' and also that '....it is totally unlikely to matter how things go for Nick in his directorial debut'
I have also said that I am all for giving 'new blood' an opportunity but I stand by the fact that it should be an opportunity to learn from someone experienced before going it alone. Companies are charging people anywhere from $20-$50 these days and I don't think it is too much to expect that the person at the helm has some previous experience.
Furthermore, you have backed up my point perfectly by stating 'I have seen and been involved in some shows where the director has years of experience and have felt that a better show would could be directed by a monkey holding cue cards.' Anonomous Revelation will however want you to back that statement up with your CV otherwise you have no right to comment!
BTW Anonomous Revelation, I'm unsure where in my post I suggested that one should not have friends that praise them. You did a wonderful job of twisting just about everything I said. I was also not aware that I was required to post a CV along with my TP comment. You are correct on one point though, I have made an assumption that the review will be uninsightful before it has been written. This assumption is however based on the huge volume of appalling reviews that have been posted on TP in the past with the exception of the pro show reviews. The new JC review being a great example, no mention of Jesus or Judas!!!!! Constructive feedback; when reviewing a show, you should make mention of the title character and the major supporting leads. Tell us something about their performance, what you liked, what you didn't! Personally I would have expected that to be common sense but alas............

• 0 votes

Shall we all totes take some grammar lessons, and then all totes take an effing chill pill?

Nick will totes be amazing, so let's all totes relax and be friends. Totes?

• 2 votes

Anonymous, I think you need to have another read of MY comment. All I was saying was that you were questioning Nick's ability to direct a show, which you were.

"ALNM is a HUGE undertaking for a first time director!!!!!"

"I am all for giving people a go etc but this should be as an assistant director to someone with some skill, knowledge and previous experience at directing."

Am I wrong in reading this as questioning ability? Also, I have no problem in paying 20-50 dollars if I'm getting a good show. I don't care whether the director is first time or 100th time. Knowing Fab Nobs, I have no doubts that the show will be amazing.

BG

• -2 votes

I think it's very important not to misconstrue anything written here as a personal attack. It really isn't. I disagree with my mum all the time, vehemently at times, but she's still one of my favorite people in the world.

Despite his very cynical view, I agree with a lot of what "Anon" says. I've read countless reviews on this site that regurgitate plots and then write a sentence on each of the leads. And I know plenty of people who either aren't interested in honest feedback, or simply are unable to hear it without taking it personally. And while I personally think it should be embraced, i've learnt that Criticism is the ugliest of the "C" words you can use backstage.
But you know what? Who cares?!? the people who want to push themselves and learn, will do so. They'll listen and ask questions and build a list of people who's feedback they respect.
Most of the people in this little amateur theatre fishbowl of ours harbour no real ambitions to go on to greater things. They get involved because theatre is a fun place to be, and it makes them feel good about themselves. I know when I first got involved in theatre, it was for the parties.
The people writing reviews on this site aren't trained writers with qualified opinions. They're people with day jobs who wanted to contribute and said "Yeah, I'll have a go at that".

As for Nick, Maybe he'll F**K it up, but if he can't learn and make mistakes in a 100 seat factory/theatre in bayswater, on the tiniest of miniscule budgets. where can he?
I personally have a lot of confidence in him.

I'm quite proud of a lot of the stuff we've done at fabnobs. There's been some flops along the way. None of us have forgotten the entertainment vacuum that was 'disco inferno'. but we learnt from it and moved on.

Feel free to criticise my opinion. I won't take it personally.

• -1 votes

Alright kids, let's just calm the eff down for a minute.

Key points:
- ALNM is a daunting project for any director, let alone a first timer
- Nick is a first time director
- It is entirely valid for a company to stick with directors they know for as long as they bloody well like, as long as the company is happy as they're the one making the choices and signing the cheques
- No aspersions have been cast on his good name or his ability to direct this show - merely admitting that it is daunting
- Reviews for amateur musical theatre on TP are decidedly sub-par, particularly compared to those for professional and straight theatre
- People can't say anything negative without being considered a 'bitch' or 'diva'
- People can't say anything positive without being considered best friends with a person involved or angling to get into someone's good books
- Therefore, take everything said with the above two points into consideration and do not attack anyone for saying something positive or negative, just sigh, remember these two points, and go on your merry way or make a comment but do not condemn or criticise.
- And what the frick does 'totes' mean? Is it 'totally'? What the hell's wrong with saying 'totally'?

I think that wraps it up, so we can all move on and shut down this discussion.

• -1 votes

Totes is the "in" word (again) for people wishing to be current and trendy. Go buy yourselves a new shirt, or something, eff!!! You sound like morons and more annoying than your usual ADHD Shih Tzu dog on steriods. Totes understand? Love you all, love your faces and chookas! xxxxxxxxxxx

• -1 votes

PPPPPS- you all need to TOTALLY get a life. Let's not all forget what this is- community theatre... community projects for...FUN!!

Just like a walkathon, or tree planting day!

So maybe calm down, because it doesn't matter in the scheme of life, and remember that the community member directing the community project really doesnt matter, totes?

no, really, really, love you ALL, and gonna bitch behind your backs and find a few other BFF's for the weekend. omgggg full AS!!!

• -6 votes

Heya,

I don't really post here much... but guys seriously... stop ya whinging whining critiscism etc.... Look in your back yard and appreciate it. For what it is who does it.

Cause you know what... Fab Nobs are UNIQUE. Melbourne Theatrepeople are UNIQUE and the companies 'YOU' Melbourne Theatre people work for are UNIQUE.

Trust me... I'm in Sydney now and well let's just say... It's just not how Melbourne does Theatre here! I feel I am in a 20 time warp! That's right.... shotgun mics, town halls, flat seating, open white light....

** To Fab Nobs... LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MUCHLY!

Cheers,

Jonno

• -4 votes

hey jono
you havent moved to a slum in india calm down. dramatic much>??

• -4 votes

back on topic
does anyone have any thoughts on a better way companies can choose directors which seems less biased?

perhaps keeping in mind that community theatre is supposed to be not just about talent, but giving everyone a chance where they otheriwse may not have a chance to grow and devlop?

discuss...

• -1 votes

dra·mat·ic (dr-mtk)
adj.
1. Of or relating to drama or the theater.
2. Characterized by or expressive of the action or emotion associated with drama or the theatre: a dramatic rescue at sea.
3. Arresting or forceful in appearance or effect: a dramatic sunset.
4. Music Having a powerful, expressive singing voice: a dramatic tenor.

From the above I believe my comments were/are Dramatic... thanks for pointing out the obvious... "anonymous".... hiding behind a keyboard much??? Oh sorry that's obvious too...

Couldn't resist... hey... Melbourne Rocks!

• -1 votes

Thanks for all your feedback on The Fab Nobs 2011 season. This discussion has now closed. Please note that as a result of this conversation, or posting policy has now changed. Anonymous postings will no longer be posted on Theatre People.
Feedback is the breakfast of champions they say, but you need to choose your words carefully and most importantly, identify yourself. I'm sure most people don't mind getting some feedback, as long as it's put to them the right way and they know where it's coming from, but negative anonymous postings do absolutely nothing to further develop anyone's talents. In fact, they do the exact opposite. Before you make a posting, I ask you to ask yourself... Would I say this to the person's face? How would I like it if this was said about me? and How is this going to help anyone? If your answer to any of these questions is "no", then perhaps it's best you kept your opinion to yourself.
Thanks
The TP Team

• -5 votes