Hats Off Melbourne 2006

[jackjackjack]

Another year, another Hats Off. This year it seemed to be various items of clothing off. And I'll never be able to hear the song Fever with out a certain mental image, but I'd prefer that to the mental image I'll get next time I hear ABBA. I hope that got the point across cos I'm not going into any more detail.

It was a good mix of musicals, comedy and miscellaneous this year. It was good to see refreshers on The Last Five Years and Thoroughly Modern Millie, but it would also have been good (perhaps better) to see those guys doing something different.

To those who were there, Marty's list of countries was ripped of from Animaniacs. Yakko Warner did that to the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance. Marty did it without the tune of the Mexican Hat Dance, but still...kudos.

And we need a new Julia. The one we have has not been paying any attention to what's going to be going on in Melbourne while she's away. West End snob!

James

[Talissa]

I've been paying some attention. It's just blooming hard when you're rushed off your feet with exams, work, trip planning, job interviews and the occasional food and sleep.

I promise the Julia you know and...well, know... will be back to her usual programming from December, once safely back from London.

Now, though, my notes about Hats, which are possibly longer than the actual night

The word for Hats Off 2006? Slick. They'd taken to heart what had (rightly) been said about last year's Hats and worked with it, meaning a much smoother show on a much cooler evening. (Because yes, they are responsible for the weather) Why, the Ticketek website mentioned a 10:30 finishing time, and what time did the curtain go down? 10:30 on the dot.

So, we've got full points for timing, and how about content? Well, we knew from the media release that it was going to be a little different, with a greater emphasis on 'variety' performances than previous years. So, interspersed with our musical theatre stars we had magicians, trapeze artists, comedians... It was good. It was fun. It was nice to have something different.

However, a couple of times during the night we were reminded that the night is about celebrating our musical theatre talent, and I felt the balance wasn't quite right. I don't mean to say we can't have the other types of performances, because I'm definitely not. It was fun having something different. But we need something to be really excited about, as well. There was too much emphasis on the past year, with not enough on what's to come. David Harris was there - Why nothing from Miss Saigon? Ditto Alex Rathgeber and Sideshow Alley, especially given the general theme of the night! And Mitchell Butel for Tomfoolery, considering that opens this weekend. (Although his song was fabulous, but a taste of the Masochism Tango would have been perfect. Was Melissa Madden Gray available for the evening?)

So there wasn't really anything to whet our appetites. We're in theatre, after all, so something like this should be an opportunity for plugging, the more shameless the better. That was one thing they did get right last year, at least, although to the point where they were plugging anything and everything within reach, culminating in... well, we all know the faults of last year.

But I'm being brutal, and overall, yes, I did have a fantastic night; Yes, it was a definite improvement on last year, and there were some great ideas; And yes, there is work still to be done, and I know we'll be blown away next year.

[wannabeaboxer]

Alex Rathgeber should never wear shirts with sleeves. EVER.

[Talissa]

And there, ladies and gentlemen, we're getting into the really in-depth reviews.

Welcome, wannabeaboxer. I'm sure you'll be there at Sideshow Alley, then?

[accentuate]

talissa- I'm sure theyll be more than just at sideshow alley. when are we going to see some posters or something instead of actors on wayakka doing show publicity here? get some info and post it on here instead

[jackjackjack]

accentuate said:

I'm sure theyll be more than just at sideshow alley.

I think it was a reference to Sideshow Alley being an opportunity to see Alex without sleeves.

I'm not sure what the rest of your post is supposed to mean. People generally post everything they know about shows and anyone is welcome to publisize a show.

If there's any info in particular you want, ask and somebody might be able to help.

James

[accentuate]

The mood of the post was playful. It sounded like a performer because it was a new nickname and one that related only to Sideshow Alley. That is, being about boxers and all. Yes I would like to start seeing some info about Sideshow Alley. Where and when is it in Melbourne

[Talissa]

My impression was that we'll be getting it in March. Along with everything else. Busy busy month for my birthday.

(Like the rest of my life right now, so running off to work before am late)