Post by Talissa on Jan 3, 2004 20:26:46 GMT 11
I was very impressed with how the performance was carried out. Scene changes were fluid, and overall it had an energy which was apparent from the first motion of the conductor's baton.
One performance which particularly stood out to me was Rodney Dobson, who had the role of Dave. He had a beautiful voice, and his acting drew much compassion from the audience.
Horse (Milton Craig Nealy) was another who evoked a large response from the audience, but this time from his comedic skill, and overall skill. His dancing was particularly noteable, being immensely impressive, while never losing sight of the fact that this is a character who is no longer young.
Along with Val Jellay (Jeanette), the audience was kept very amused throughout the performance. Val proved that size isn't a prerequisite for energy or presence, presenting a lovely, bouncy Jeanette. And her appearance in her final costume drew tremendous approval from the audience. After seeing this, I know that Toni Lamond will be just as good in the role.
David Harris as Malcom was my favourite of the six lead men. From the moment he appeared on stage, he was moving the audience alternately to laughter and tears, whilst constantly endearing himself to them.
Jerry (Matt Hetherington) was the least remarkable of the six. He was very good in all areas, definitely, but nothing spectacular. And really, that's fairly appropriate, seeing that the musical's power lies to a large extent in the fact that these are 'real men', and not manufactured gods like Keno, Richard O'Brien's character (who incidentally fitted the part perfectly. He had the look and the attitude down perfectly). If Jerry was played by some amazing musical god, some of the effect would be lost.
The one member of the six who seemed less than real was Paul Mercurio's Ethan, but he was loveable enough that it was forgiveable.
Overall, the only character who seemed to be pure stereotype was Tony Giordano (Scott Irwin), but that was such a tiny character that there was little alternative. In the couple of lines he had, it was necessary to draw on stereotype, or else risk the character being lost completely.
The reality of the wives was reflected in the ladies in the audience. Perhaps they might have appeared a little over the top at times, but when one looks around the audience and listens to the women seated there during certain scenes, you realise that those few women on the stage aren't the only ones of their types presence.
Georgie (Maryanne McCormack) was particularly memorable, having amazing energy and presence, yet still able to be gentle and moving.
Danielle Barnes did equally well as Jerry's ex-wife, Pam. She was adorable, yet strong.
Queenie Van De Zandt was brilliant as Harold's wife, Vicki. She has a fantastic voice, and was generally dazzling. She was really perfect for the role.
And of course, I have to mention Nathan, played by Joss Kasper when I saw the show. He was great. A very cute kid, who could act well.
The second act was brilliant. The timing of the scenes was perfect, so that you have barely finished getting past the sorrow of the last tear-jerker, when something else comes up to draw your sympathy once more. The funeral scene was particularly moving, with the song sung by Malcom and Ethan at that point, You Walk With Me being a highlight of the show.
Dave and Harold's You Rule My World was also moving, though also evoking gentle amusement at the tender moment between Dave and his stomach.
And the final scene? Masterfully done, drawing on a clever combination of hats, lighting and immaculate timing to conceal as they revealed.
One performance which particularly stood out to me was Rodney Dobson, who had the role of Dave. He had a beautiful voice, and his acting drew much compassion from the audience.
Horse (Milton Craig Nealy) was another who evoked a large response from the audience, but this time from his comedic skill, and overall skill. His dancing was particularly noteable, being immensely impressive, while never losing sight of the fact that this is a character who is no longer young.
Along with Val Jellay (Jeanette), the audience was kept very amused throughout the performance. Val proved that size isn't a prerequisite for energy or presence, presenting a lovely, bouncy Jeanette. And her appearance in her final costume drew tremendous approval from the audience. After seeing this, I know that Toni Lamond will be just as good in the role.
David Harris as Malcom was my favourite of the six lead men. From the moment he appeared on stage, he was moving the audience alternately to laughter and tears, whilst constantly endearing himself to them.
Jerry (Matt Hetherington) was the least remarkable of the six. He was very good in all areas, definitely, but nothing spectacular. And really, that's fairly appropriate, seeing that the musical's power lies to a large extent in the fact that these are 'real men', and not manufactured gods like Keno, Richard O'Brien's character (who incidentally fitted the part perfectly. He had the look and the attitude down perfectly). If Jerry was played by some amazing musical god, some of the effect would be lost.
The one member of the six who seemed less than real was Paul Mercurio's Ethan, but he was loveable enough that it was forgiveable.
Overall, the only character who seemed to be pure stereotype was Tony Giordano (Scott Irwin), but that was such a tiny character that there was little alternative. In the couple of lines he had, it was necessary to draw on stereotype, or else risk the character being lost completely.
The reality of the wives was reflected in the ladies in the audience. Perhaps they might have appeared a little over the top at times, but when one looks around the audience and listens to the women seated there during certain scenes, you realise that those few women on the stage aren't the only ones of their types presence.
Georgie (Maryanne McCormack) was particularly memorable, having amazing energy and presence, yet still able to be gentle and moving.
Danielle Barnes did equally well as Jerry's ex-wife, Pam. She was adorable, yet strong.
Queenie Van De Zandt was brilliant as Harold's wife, Vicki. She has a fantastic voice, and was generally dazzling. She was really perfect for the role.
And of course, I have to mention Nathan, played by Joss Kasper when I saw the show. He was great. A very cute kid, who could act well.
The second act was brilliant. The timing of the scenes was perfect, so that you have barely finished getting past the sorrow of the last tear-jerker, when something else comes up to draw your sympathy once more. The funeral scene was particularly moving, with the song sung by Malcom and Ethan at that point, You Walk With Me being a highlight of the show.
Dave and Harold's You Rule My World was also moving, though also evoking gentle amusement at the tender moment between Dave and his stomach.
And the final scene? Masterfully done, drawing on a clever combination of hats, lighting and immaculate timing to conceal as they revealed.