THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1939 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 27 March and repeated at 11pm on Monday 28 March.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1939

1939 was a year of great variety.  Cole Porter produced ‘Du Barry Was A Lady’ and Jerome Kern’s last musical, ‘Very Warm For May’ opened.  Carmen Miranda exploded onto Broadway in ‘The Streets Of Paris’ and ‘Too Many Girls’ was the new musical from Rodgers and Hart.

You’ll hear songs from these shows and others including ‘Friendship’ (from ‘Du Barry Was A Lady’), ‘South American Way’ (‘Streets Of Paris’), ‘I Didn’t Know What Time It Was’ (‘Too Many Girls’), ‘I’ve Been To A Marvellous Party’ (Set To Music’) and ‘All The Things You Are’ (‘Very Warm For May’).

Performers include Ethel Merman, Bert Lahr, Carmen Miranda, Anthony Perkins, Gertrude Lawrence, Steve Ross, Rebecca Luker and Sarah Vaughan.

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

THE KING OF PIGS (THEATRE REVIEW)

 

Written by Steve Rodgers

Directed by Blazey Best

Red Line Productions & Critical Stages Touring

Q Theatre, Queanbeyan to 26 March

 

Reviewed by Len Power 24 March 2022

 

You’d probably expect a play about violence against women to be written by a woman, but ‘King of Pigs’ has been written by male award-winning Australian playwright, Steve Rodgers.

The play tells multiple stories of domestic violence.  If the stories seem familiar, it’s not surprising.  Domestic violence statistics in this country are shocking and partner abuse is still a massively unreported crime.  Many of us have experienced these crimes in our own families or know of friends, neighbours and work colleagues who have suffered through these situations.  Television and newspaper reports of particularly horrific incidents of abuse and deaths occur with appalling regularity.

The stories presented in Steve Rodgers’ play deftly show what a minefield a relationship between a man and a woman can become if the potential for violence is there.  The lies, the promises to change, the shifting of blame and contrite emotional appeals can make it very difficult for a woman in a violent relationship originally based on love and affection to make clear choices about her future.  The fact that the outcomes of the stories presented in the play are hard for the audience to predict mirrors these situations in real life.

One actress, Kate Skinner, plays all of the women subjected to abuse in these stories.  Playing women of various ages, she is totally convincing as each character.  The men in the stories are given sharp and believable characterizations by four actors, Jason Chong, Tom Stokes, Anthony Yangoyan and Sam Alhaje.  On opening night, Nate Sammut gave a fine performance that showed an understanding of the impact on a child caught up in domestic violence.  Kick McKinnon will play the boy at other performances.

Director, Blazey Best, has given the play a strong, controlled production in all aspects.  She has obtained in depth performances from each of her actors and has given the production a striking and original theatricality.  Each scene plays like a snapshot of life with fast blackouts and quick resets by the actors between scenes.  The action within the scenes is smooth and natural and the physical violence, while strong, is artfully performed by the actors and over quickly.

The excellent and complex lighting plot by Verity Hampson is an important element of the atmosphere created by the director.  The simple set and costumes designed by Isabel Hudson are exactly right.

Although the play is about a tough subject that many people prefer to avoid, it does not preach its message.  It is stimulating because it is well-written and structured and has been given a strikingly good production.  If you’re undecided because of the subject matter, go because this play is thoroughly engaging for lovers of good theatre.

 

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

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1976 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 20 March and repeated at 11pm on Monday 21 March.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1976

1976 saw two American Bi-Centennial musicals on Broadway – Stephen Sondheim’s ‘Pacific Overtures’ and Leonard Bernstein’s ‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’.  It was also the year of Richard Rodgers’ last musical, ‘Rex’, about Henry The Eighth.  And there was a musical whodunit called ‘Something’s Afoot!’

You’ll hear songs from these shows and others including ‘Chrysanthemum Tea’ (from ‘Pacific Overtures’), ‘Take Care Of This House’ (‘1600 Pennsylvania Avenue’), ‘From Afar’ (‘Rex’), ‘I Don’t Know Why I Trust You (But I Do)’ (from ‘Something’s Afoot’), ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ (‘Bubblin’ Brown Sugar’) and ‘The Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Boogie’ (‘Rockabye Hamlet’).

Performers include Barry Gibb, Patricia Routledge, Nicol Williamson, Colleen Hewett, Sab Shimono and Barry Bostwick.

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

 

 

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 26 (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.

 Program 26: Finale

 In the final program we hear personal insights and reflections from George Gershwin’s close friends and music contemporaries to complete the picture of the man and his music.  Kitty Carlisle Hart, Frances Gershwin, Richard Rodgers, Maurice Chevalier all offer heart-felt and amusing anecdotes about George.  Performers include Ella Fitzgerald, Kurt Ollman and Michael Feinstein.

 

Listen now: 

https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-episode-26/

 

 

THE DUKE (MOVIE REVIEW)

 

Screenplay by Richard Bean, Clive Coleman

Directed by Roger Michell

Coming to Canberra cinemas 31 March 2022

 

Previewed by Len Power 24 February 2022

 

In 1961, a 60 year old Newcastle, England taxi driver, Kempton Bunton, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke Of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.  It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history.  Why Bunton stole the painting and what happened afterwards forms the basis of a fine movie which is funny, surprising and sad.

Made in 2020, the film’s release was delayed until now due to the Covid pandemic.  It was the last film directed by Roger Michell before his death in 2021.  He is probably best known as the director of ‘Notting Hill’ in 1999 with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The film shows an impressive attention to period detail in its depiction of a run-down, poverty-stricken area of Newcastle.  Jim Broadbent gives a very fine performance as Kempton Bunton, a man who spends much of his time writing plays that never get produced.  Unable to keep a job for any length of time, he is slowly driving his wife, played by Helen Mirren, up the wall.

Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent pose with 'The Duke'

Mirren is almost unrecognizable as the downtrodden, hard-working and exasperated wife.  Her performance is superb and both she and Broadbent give an extraordinary realism in their playing of the years of frustration in this relationship.

There are some changes to the story for dramatic effect and the ending, in which Bunton is seen as a bit of a national hero, seems contrived but it is a very enjoyable film about a fascinating crime.

The film also explains a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Goya painting in the James Bond movie, ‘Dr. No’ which was not clear before.

‘The Duke’ is opening at multiple cinemas across Canberra from March 31.  You can view the trailer here:  https://youtu.be/xQIVUNP4SCs.

 

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.

 

THE WIDER EARTH (THEATRE REVIEW)

 

Written and directed by David Morton

Dead Puppet Society production

The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 12 March

 

Reviewed by Len Power 9 March 2022

It is well-known that Charles Darwin’s book, “On the Origin Of The Species” created quite a stir in the scientific and religious world when first published in 1859.  It presented a wealth of evidence that evolution had occurred and provided a mechanism for the process – natural selection.

Dead Puppet Society’s production, “The Wider Earth”, focusses on the story of Charles Darwin’s five year, around the world voyage on the ship HMS Beagle.  A young man of only 22 when he set sail in 1831, Darwin was employed as a naturalist on the ship, recording geology and collecting fossils and other natural history specimens of the lands they visited.  As the voyage proceeded, Darwin began to formulate his theory of evolution based on the evidence he was finding.

Charles Darwin (Tom Conroy - centre right) experiences the fires of Tierra del Fueggo - photo by Prudence Upton

This unique presentation uses actors, puppetry, cinematic projections, period costumes and an original music score to bring to life the strange landscapes and never before seen wildlife encountered on the voyage.

David Morton, the writer, director and co-designer (with Aaron Barton) has produced a beautifully atmospheric work that is visually and aurally exciting.  The clever and imaginative puppetry adds another dimension to this well-told, involving story.

Charles Darwin amongst the butterflies - photo by Guy Bell

The ensemble cast is led by Tom Conroy who gives a fine performance as the young Charles Darwin.  There are sharply etched characterisations from the other performers playing the various people in Darwin’s life on and off the ship.

This complex production has a huge creative team behind it who have all done superb work in creating this fascinating world onstage.  The original atmospheric music score by Lior and Tony Buchen, the original lighting design by David Walters and, for the tour, Lee Curran and the projections designs by Justin Harrison are all excellent.

Darwin discovers a giant turtle - photo by Guy Bell

The sound design by Tony Brumpton was generally well done but the Narrator’s voice was over-amplified and distorted.

Older children will enjoy this inspiring and entertaining show as much as adults.  The attractive souvenir program contains a wealth of extra detail about Darwin and his voyage that makes it a worthwhile purchase.

This is a beautiful, highly atmospheric and imaginative production of a landmark historical voyage.

 

This review was first published in the Canberra CityNews digital edition of 10 March.

 
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.

 

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 2012 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 13 March and repeated at 11pm on Monday 14 March.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 2012

 Musicals adapted from popular movies were big on Broadway in 2012 with shows like ‘Once’, ‘Newsies’ and ‘Ghost’.  There was also the controversial ‘The Gershwins’ Porgy And Bess’ and a biographical musical, ‘Chaplin’.

You’ll hear songs from these shows and others including ‘Unchained Melody/The Love Inside’ (from ‘Ghost’), ‘Falling Slowly’ (‘Once’), ‘I Loves You Porgy’ (‘The Gershwins’ Porgy And Bess’) ‘Where Are All The People’ (‘Chaplin’) and ‘Something To Believe In’ (‘Newsies).

Performers include Matthew Broderick, Kelli O’Hara, Audra McDonald, Norm Lewis, Caissie Levy, Steve Kazee, Cristin Milioti and Rob McClure.

 

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

 

 

THE GERSHWIN PROJECT - EPISODE 25 (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.

Program 25: Continuing the Gershwin Legacy

A number of contemporary artists have ensured that George Gershwin’s music continues to be heard to this day.  Michael Feinstein talks about his work as Ira Gershwin’s discographer and being an international performer of Gershwin songs.  We hear George Gershwin playing piano rolls from as early as 1916 and Michael Tillson Thomas provides fascinating insights into George Gershwin’s music.

Listen now: 

https://www.mixcloud.com/artsoundfm/the-gershwin-project-episode-25/

 

 

ROMANTIC MISFITS & QUARTETS: WINTHER QUARTET (MUSIC CONCERT REVIEW)

Bicentennial Hall

Queanbeyan 4 March 2022

 

Reviewed by LEN POWER

 

You certainly got your money’s worth with this big program performed by the Winther Quartet.  Entitled “Romantic Misfits & Quartets”, the program included music by Mozart, Fanny Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky as well as a world premiere of a new work by Andrew Howes.

As explained by Kristian Winther during the concert, the three misfits were works not frequently heard or had been overshadowed by other more well-known works.

The first work, Mozart’s Divertimento in D, in three movements, was given a crisp and nicely polished performance that brought out the warmth of the second Andante movement especially well.  They finished with a rousing performance of the third movement.

Australian composer, Andrew Howes’ new work “Change” is described as “a reflection on the effects of the changing climate on our landscape”.

This short work was brooding and edgy indicating uncertainty and doubt as well as concern about climate change issues.  A quiet lull mid-work, signalled by the lone cello, gave a brief respite until the edginess of the first part returned, showing that climate change is real and must be dealt with.  The quartet gave it an excellent performance full of colour with just the right amount of tension.

Fanny Mendelssohn’s String Quartet, although composed in 1834, was not published until 1988.  It is considered to be one of the first surviving string quartets written by a woman.  This beautiful work in four movements was given a fine performance by the quartet, especially the third movement entitled “Romanze”.

After interval, the quartet presented Tchaikovsky’s Second String Quartet.  Premiered in 1874, Tchaikovsky declared at the time that it was the finest work he had written.

The quartet gave a very good performance of this long work in four movements.  The playing of the third movement nicely captured the emotions under the music and the anthem-like finale was also very well played.

Judging by the sustained applause at the end, this concert of mostly lesser known works was clearly enjoyed by the large audience.

 

Photo by Peter Hislop

 

This review was first published in the Canberra CityNews digital edition of 5 March.

 

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

 

ON STAGE: SPOTLIGHT ON OUR PERFORMING ARTS (EXHIBITION REVIEW)

 

On Stage: Spotlight On Our Performing Arts

Curated by Dr Susannah Helman, NLA Curator of Rare Books and Music

National Library Of Australia to 7 August 2022

 

Reviewed by Len Power 3 March 2022

 

For anyone interested in theatre and Australian history, the National Library of Australia’s new exhibition ‘On Stage: Spotlight On Our Performing Arts’ is a delight.

Drawing exclusively from the collections of the National Library, the exhibition features items that have never before been on display.  Highlights include the earliest surviving Australian printed document, selections from the JC Williamson theatre archives, and other contemporary live music and theatre posters.  It features household names like Sir Robert Helpmann, Dame Nellie Melba, Peter Allen, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Tim Minchin and the Hilltop Hoods.

The curator, Dr Susannah Helman, has undertaken the formidable job of selecting items from the vast store of Australian theatre artifacts held by the library to give a rich and fascinating picture of the history of theatre in this country.  Deciding what to include and what to leave out must have been very difficult.

This large, clearly designed and attractively presented exhibition is on show in a number of connecting rooms in the National Library.  Commencing with items from ‘Early Colonial Times’, it moves on to ‘Gold Rush To Federation’, ‘Federation To the 1940s’, ‘Postwar To The New Wave’ and ‘New Wave To Today’.

As well as each item being clearly labelled and described, there are also QR codes that link you to videos providing even more information.  Don’t forget to bring your phone’s headphones.

For those of us of a certain age, various items suddenly produce nostalgic memories of past theatre-going.  Clicking on a QR code, you can hear the great Evie Hayes again.  She starred in JC Williamson’s production of the musical, ‘Annie Get Your Gun’, back in the early 1950s and later worked in early television variety productions.  Another QR code gives you the much-loved honky tonk pianist, Winifred Atwell, playing ‘The Black And White Rag’.

As you work your way through this exhibition, you’ll quickly realize that one visit won’t be enough to absorb everything on view.  Luckily, admission to the exhibition is free and you’ll have until August to get back and see it again.

 

This review was first published in the Canberra CityNews digital edition of 5 March.

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

JOSEPH TAWADROS QUARTET (MUSIC CONCERT REVIEW)

 

The Street Theatre

Sunday 27 February

 

Reviewed by LEN POWER

 

Joseph Tawadros is an Egyptian-born Coptic Australian multi-instrumentalist and oud virtuoso.  The oud is a short-neck lute-type, pear-shaped, fretless stringed instrument, usually with 11 strings.

Tawadros’ family emigrated from Egypt to Australia when he was three. Initially attracted to the trumpet, he decided to learn the oud when he was eight, after seeing a movie about Egyptian musician Sayed Darwish.  He completed a bachelor of music at the University of New South Wales and has subsequently studied in Egypt and has learned to play other instruments as well.

A five time ARIA Award winner, Joseph Tawadros is established as one of the world’s leading oud performers and composers.  His original works take inspiration from Arabic music forms blended with elements of western classical jazz, world, folk, bluegrass and others.

In his concert at the Street Theatre, he presented a selection of works, many of which have been previously recorded.  He was joined by Matt McMahon on piano, bassist Karl Dunnicliff and his brother, percussionist James Tawadros.

Commencing with “The Light of Your Being” from his album “Hope In An Empty City”, this atmospheric work set the mood for the concert.  The individual members of the quartet showed their extraordinary musicianship with their playing of this complex music.  It was followed by several works that were fiery, passionate and introspective.  “Sleight Of Hand” played by the quartet was especially memorable.

The highlights of the concert were two solo works on the oud – ‘”Constellation” and “Point Of Departure”.  Watching Tawadros play these is to see a musician for whom his music is such a part of his being.  He makes us feel what he is feeling.

The concert at over two hours felt a bit long and could have been shortened by less comedy banter.  Joseph Tawadros is a naturally funny man but, as the concert went on, the lengthy free-wheeling chats between numbers became a bit wearing.

Photos by Peter Hislop

This review was first published in the Canberra CityNews digital edition of 28 February.

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

THE BROADWAY MUSICALS YEARBOOK 1929 (RADIO PROGRAM PROMO)

 

“The Broadway Musicals Yearbook” will be heard on Artsound FM 92.7 at 5pm on Sunday 6 March and repeated at 11pm on Monday 7 March.  The show is produced and narrated by Len Power, Canberra theatre critic, music critic and radio presenter.

This week – the musicals of 1929

In 1929, Cole Porter produced ‘Fifty Million Frenchmen’.  George and Ira Gershwin composed the score for ‘Show Girl’ and Rodgers and Hart came up with ‘Spring Is Here’.  Jerome Kern also had a new show on Broadway called ‘Sweet Adeline’.

These and other shows from that year may not be known well today but many of their songs became standards like ‘With A Song In My Heart’ (from ‘Spring Is Here’), ‘Liza, All The Clouds’ll Roll Away’ (‘Show Girl’), ‘You Do Something To Me’ (Fifty Million Frenchmen’) and ‘Why Was I Born’ (‘Sweet Adeline’).  You’ll hear all of these and more.

Performers include Rosemary Clooney, Helen Kane, Billie Holiday, Al Jolson, Jane Froman, Helen Morgan and Marlene Dietrich.

 

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