THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1914 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 31st of October and repeated at 11pm on Monday 1^st of November.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1914

1914’s musicals still included imported operettas but things were changing with the increasing reputation of local composers like Jerome Kern and Irving Berlin.  In addition, the war in Europe began to influence the content of some of the new shows.

Songs in this program include some that are still known today, such as ‘Sister Susie’s Sewing Shirts For Soldiers’ (sung by Al Jolson), ‘You’re Here And I’m Here’ and ‘They Didn’t Believe Me’ (both composed for different shows by Jerome Kern) and ‘Play A Simple Melody’ (composed by Irving Berlin). 

Listen Now: https://artsound.fm/shows/the-broadway-musicals-yearbook/

 

ROXANE (FILM REVIEW)

 

Written and directed by Mélanie Auffret

Streaming on SBS On Demand

 

Reviewed by Len Power 27 October 2021

Writer/director Mélanie Auffret’s 2019 movie ‘Roxane’ tells the story of a Brittany chicken farmer, Raymond Leroux, who likes to read excerpts from Edmond Rostand’s play, ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’, to his flock with his gorgeous pet hen, Roxane, by his side.  When the all-controlling egg co-op cancels the contracts with the small chicken farmers of the district, Raymond enlists Roxane’s help with a scheme using social media to solve their predicament.

We’ve seen ‘little guy against the big guys’ stories before, of course, but it’s the quirky nature of this one that makes it a real winner.  Roxane in ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ was the hero’s love interest and so it’s no surprise that in the movie, the hero’s much-loved companion is a hen named Roxane.

The characters of this farming community are finely drawn and well-played by the cast members.  Their eccentricities are real and not caricatured.  Guillaume de Tonquédec as Raymond Leroux wins us over with the warmth and genuineness of his character.  His love for Roxane and his other chooks makes him irresistible.

There are excellent comedy performances from Léa Drucker as Raymond’s wife, Anne-Marie, Lionel Abelanski as a farming neighbour, Poupou, and Kate Duchêne as Wendy, an initially critical Englishwoman and literature professor who is won over to help with Raymond’s unusual scheme.

Mélanie Auffret directs the movie at a deliberate pace with under-stated performances, keeping it all on a believable level.  The slightly supernatural responses from the hens and especially, Roxane, are very funny.  There is some computer-generated imagery involving the birds but it’s mostly achieved through clever editing and sound.

The film is reminiscent of those great Ealing comedies of the 1950s such as ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ and ‘Passport To Pimlico’ – gentle satirical comedies involving recognizably human characters and situations.

‘Roxane’ is a delight from start to finish.  You’ll want to have a pet like Roxane by the time it’s over, too.

‘Roxane’ is currently available for streaming on SBS On Demand.

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 6 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

‘The Gershwin Project’ is a 26 episode series about the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin.  Each episode runs for 30 minutes.

The series was first broadcast on Artsound FM in 2008.  The show was written and produced by Len Power and is narrated by Bill Stephens.

With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.

Part 6: More Broadway Hits - 1929 to 1931

George Gershwin continued to write the music for memorable shows like ‘Strike Up The Band’, ‘Girl Crazy’ and ‘Of Thee I Sing’.  The program includes performances by Ethel Merman, Ella Fitzgerald, ‘Red’ Nicholls and his Orchestra, Rosemary Clooney, Larry Kert and Maureen McGovern.

 Listen now: 

https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-episode-6/

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 2005 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 24th of October and repeated at 11pm on Monday 25^th of October.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 2005

2005 produced a number of musicals based on popular movies including ‘The Color Purple’, ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’, and ‘Spamalot’, based on ‘Monty Python And the Holy Grail’.  A new musical of Louisa May Alcott’s much-loved novel, ‘Little Women’, opened, as well as ‘Jersey Boys’, the story of the singing group, The Four Seasons.

Songs in this program include ‘What About Love?’ (from ‘The Color Purple’), ‘Find Your Grail’ (‘Spamalot’), ‘Can't Take My Eyes Off You’ (‘Jersey Boys’) and ‘Here Alone’ (‘Little Women’). 

Listen Now: https://artsound.fm/shows/the-broadway-musicals-yearbook/

 

 

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 5 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

‘The Gershwin Project’ is a 26 episode series about the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin.  Each episode runs for 30 minutes.

The series was first broadcast on Artsound FM in 2008.  The show was written and produced by Len Power and is narrated by Bill Stephens.

With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.

Part 5: Broadway, London and ‘An American In Paris’ - 1924 to 1928

This program explores George Gershwin’s first massive hit Broadway show from 1924, ‘Lady Be Good’.  This busy period included the ‘Concerto in F’, more Broadway shows (‘Oh, Kay!’), a show in London (‘Primrose’) and ‘An American In Paris.’  The program includes interviews with Ira Gershwin and Michael Feinstein and songs by Fred and Adele Astaire, Christine Ebersole, Gertrude Lawrence and Blossom Dearie.

Listen now: 

https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-program-5/

 

CYRANO, MY LOVE (FILM REVIEW)

 

Cyrano, My Love

Written and directed by Alexis Michalik

Streaming on SBS On Demand

 

Reviewed by Len Power 18 October 2021

A movie based on real incidents and characters might not be historically true but sometimes you wish it was.  Such is the case with ‘Cyrano, My Love’, a hugely entertaining film from start to finish.

‘Cyrano, My Love’ is a 2019 French comedy/drama written and directed by Alexis Michalik.  It’s an adaptation of his highly successful 2016 play ‘Edmond’, which premiered in Paris in 2016.

In 1897 in Paris, the struggling young poet-playwright, Edmond Rostand, impetuously offers a role in a play to the famous actor, Constant Coquelin.  The only problem is that the play is not yet written.  He only has a title – ‘Cyrano de Bergerac’ – and only three weeks to complete it.  Distracted by the love stories of his best friend, temperamental actresses, the jealousy of his wife and the lack of enthusiasm of those around him, Edmond tries to write this play in which nobody believes.

The recreation of theatre life in 1890s Paris in this film is masterful.  Chaos reigns backstage with the casting of plays often for reasons other than skill or talent.  Temperamental stars rule the day and companies seem close to being shut down for financial and other reasons.  Against all odds, Rostand emerges triumphantly with a play that stands the test of time.

The performances in this film are delicious.  At the centre of the film, Thomas Solivérès gives an endearing performance as the anxious Edmond Rostand.  Olivier Gourmet is a charismatic Constant Coquelin, the first actor to play Cyrano and Maria Legault is delightful as the temperamental actress, Mathilde Seiner, playing the love interest, Roxanne.  The handsome Tom Leeb is perfectly cast as the actor Léo Volny, who plays the dashing but not very bright young lover, Christian.

Sarah Bernhardt, played with all stops out by Clémentine Célarié, darts in and out of the film as does Georges Feydeau, the famous French farce playwright, played by the director of the movie himself, Alexis Michalik.  A huge cast of character actors give great support to these leading performers.

It’s not surprising that many situations detailed in the play are inspired by Rostand’s day to day experiences with these colourful characters.  It’s great fun seeing how he incorporates them along the way.  It’s not necessary to know the play in detail but, if you do, you’ll have a wonderful time recognizing these incidents.

One of the highlights of this film is a laugh out loud scene involving a hotel reception clerk that is pure Feydeau farce.  Surprisingly, it’s a hapless Georges Feydeau himself who is caught up in it!

If you love theatre and the colourful characters that inhabit it, don’t miss ‘Cyrano, My Love’.   It’s streaming until December on SBS On Demand.

(The film was titled 'Edmond' when it played at the Alliance French Film Festival here in Canberra in 2020.)

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1956 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 17th of October and repeated at 11pm on Monday 18^th of October.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1956

1956 produced ‘My Fair Lady’ by Lerner and Loewe.  It’s still considered one of the greatest musicals of all time.  Frank Loesser’s ‘The Most Happy Fella’ also opened that year, as well as ‘Bells Are Ringing’ by Jule Stein and Leonard Bernstein’s ‘Candide’.

Performers featured in this program include Sammy Davis Jnr., Judy Holiday, Rex Harrison, Ethel Merman, Stubby Kaye and Julie Andrews. 

Listen Now: https://artsound.fm/shows/the-broadway-musicals-yearbook/

 

 

HAMILTON (FILM REVIEW)

Book, Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Directed by Thomas Kail

Streaming via Disney+

‘Hamilton’, the musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired by the 2004 biography ‘Alexander Hamilton’ by Ron Chernow.  It opened on Broadway in 2015 to great critical and audience acclaim, winning 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama.  Since then it’s become a ‘must-see’ phenomenon and the Sydney production is due to reopen on the 19^th October after closing due to the Covid lockdown.

The Broadway production with its original cast was filmed live on stage in 2016 for an expected theatrical release in 2021.  However, Disney + reportedly paid $75 million dollars for the rights to show it world-wide on their streaming service where it is now available.

It tells the story of American Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton.  He’s pushy and abrasive which is OK because he’s just following the American Dream and, when he gets shot dead at the end of the show, we’re meant to feel sorry that his dream was shattered.

The music of the show draws heavily from hip hop, as well as R&B, pop, soul, and traditional-style show tunes.  It also casts non-white actors as the Founding Fathers and other historical figures.  This gives the show an added interest but it’s hardly revolutionary.  Anachronistic music scores are not new and colour-blind casting has rightly been around for a while now.

It’s superbly performed by the large cast, all of whom sing the very tricky score extremely well.  The direction by Thomas Kail keeps it all fast moving and it looks terrific – colourful and full of life.  The lighting plot is extraordinary, creating fast changes in atmosphere and mood.  There is constant choreography in the background by accomplished dancers that adds to the energetic feel and excitement of the show.

The lyrics are especially smart and incisive.  Not a big fan of hip-hop, I found that aspect of the music repetitive and wearying, especially in the second act.  Occasional flashes of harmony and various changes in music styles were a welcome relief.

If you are not familiar with this period of American history, it can be confusing to keep track of many of the characters being played by non-white actors.  I can understand Americans finding the subject matter enthralling as it celebrates their own history but I wonder how interesting it really is for Australians and others around the world.

There has been a vast improvement over recent years filming live shows for broadcast on television.  The filming and editing of ‘Hamilton’ is excellent.

I was satisfied to see the show via streaming.  It’s a fine show but not emotionally involving and I can’t see why it’s considered such an outstanding event when compared to other successful Broadway shows of the past few years.

‘Hamilton’ can be viewed currently on the Disney+ streaming service.

 

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 4 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

‘The Gershwin Project’ is a 26 episode series about the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin.  Each episode runs for 30 minutes.

The series was first broadcast on Artsound FM in 2008.  The show was written and produced by Len Power and is narrated by Bill Stephens.

With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.

Part 4: ‘Rhapsody in Blue’

George Gershwin wrote a one-act opera for ‘George White’s Scandals of 1922’ called ‘Blue Monday’.  It wasn’t a success but Paul Whiteman, the musical conductor of the ‘Scandals’, invited George Gershwin to write a work for a jazz concert.  He produced the ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, one of the most well-known orchestral works of the 20th century.  This program showcases performances by Oscar Levant, Alicia Zizzo and George Gershwin himself.

Listen now: 

https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-program-4/

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1997 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1997

 “The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 10th of October and repeated at 11pm on Monday 11^th of October.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1997

1997 was the year that everyone laughed about an impending new musical called ‘Titanic’.  It went on to win the Tony Award for Best Musical.  It even beat ‘The Lion King’ which also opened that year.  1997 was also the year of Frank Wildhorn’s ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ and another Kander and Ebb musical, ‘Steel Pier’.

Songs in this program include ‘Circle Of Life’ (‘The Lion King’), ‘No-one Knows Who I Am’ (‘Jekyll & Hyde’), ‘The Proposal/The Night Was Alive’ (‘Titanic’) and ‘Everybody Dance’ (‘Steel Pier’.

 Listen Now: https://artsound.fm/shows/the-broadway-musicals-yearbook/

 

DIANA:THE MUSICAL (FILM REVIEW)

 Book by Joe DiPietro

Music and lyrics by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro

Directed by Christopher Ashley

Streaming on Netflix

Reviewed by Len Power 4 October 2021

‘Diana: The Musical’ covers the life of Diana, Princess of Wales from her first meeting with Prince Charles, through their marriage, divorce and her death in Paris.

The show had been due to open on Broadway in March 2020 but the production was suspended due to the Covid epidemic.  Now expected to open on Broadway on November 2^nd 2021, a film of the live stage production has just been released on Netflix, giving the world a unique opportunity to see the show before its Broadway run.

The show looks good with a sumptuous scenic design by David Zinn and great costumes by William Ivey Long.  Director, Christopher Ashley, who previously guided the hit show ‘Come From Away’, has given it polish, energy and some surprising theatrical moments that work well.  It’s been filmed very professionally but without an audience due to Covid restrictions.  It would have been good to hear a live audience’s reaction to it.

The trouble with the show is the over-familiar story, the script’s tabloid approach and the condescending portrayal of the British as amusingly eccentric.  In under two hours, there isn’t time for the show to give any of the characters or incidents much depth, so it’s an unsatisfying and often inaccurate whistle-stop tour through Diana’s life.  Significantly, prolific author of romantic novels of the time, Barbara Cartland, is also a character in the musical.  Maybe intentionally, the show plays like the plot in one of her novels.

It’s also not helped by the pedestrian rock score and banal lyrics of David Bryan and Joe DiPietro, who were previously known for the score of ‘Memphis’.  We’re treated to lyrical gems like ‘I could use a prince to save me from my prince’, ‘A fecky, fecky, fecky dress’ and ‘Thriller in Manila with Camilla’.  The composers also couldn’t resist the obvious rhyme of ‘callous’ with ‘palace’.

As Diana, Jeanna de Waal gives a confident star performance.  She sings well and looks good but never for a moment convinces us as Diana.  Roe Hartrampf as Prince Charles is hamstrung with a character written as just an ineffectual, petulant clown and Erin Davie does what she can with a role that portrays Camilla Parker-Bowles as a two dimensional scheming bitch.

Judy Kaye plays Queen Elizabeth II like a cross between Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell and the Queen of Hearts in ‘Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland’.  She also doubles pointlessly as a cartoonish Barbara Cartland.  There is some fine singing from the chorus but the choreography generally looks like movement just for the sake of it.

Premiering a new stage musical on a streaming service prior to its Broadway opening is an interesting and innovative approach.  Will this strategy create a ready-made and critic-proof audience for the show on stage?  Only time will tell. 

This review was first published on the Canberra Critics Circle blog.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’, ‘Arts About’ and ‘Arts Starter’ programs.

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 3 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 3

‘The Gershwin Project’ is a 26 episode series about the life and works of the 20th Century American music composer, George Gershwin.  Each episode runs for 30 minutes.

The series was first broadcast on Artsound FM in 2008.  The show was written and produced by Len Power and is narrated by Bill Stephens.

With access to the vast music library of local Gershwin collector, Bert Whelan, the programs include not only Gershwin’s well-known music but also an extraordinary number of Gershwin rarities.

Part 3: The Early Shows and a Rhapsody - 1919 to 1924

In 1919, George’s song ‘Swanee’ became a huge hit.  This program includes the original arrangement of ‘Swanee’ as it was before Al Jolson made it a hit.  There are songs from ‘George White’s Scandals’, including ‘I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise’ and there are rare recordings from George’s long-forgotten early musicals.

Paul Whiteman, the conductor, describes how he encouraged George to write ‘Rhapsody in Blue’.  Elaine Stritch, Barbara Cook, Al Jolson, Georges Guetary and Anthony Perkins sing well-known and rare songs. 

Listen now:

 https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-episode-3/

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 2017 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 3^rd of October and repeated at 11pm on Monday 4^th of October.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 2017

In 2017, musicals based on popular movies included Disney’s ‘Anastasia’, ‘The Band’s Visit’, ‘Amelie’ and ’Groundhog Day’.  There was also ‘War Paint’ about the rivalry between two cosmetic giants and the post-9/11 musical, ‘Come From Away’.  Bette Midler opened on Broadway in a revival of ‘Hello, Dolly!’

You’ll hear performances from all of these shows as well as ‘Prince of Broadway’, ‘Bandstand’, ‘SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical’ and ‘Charlie And The Chocolate Factory’.

 

Listen Now: https://artsound.fm/shows/the-broadway-musicals-yearbook/