DOGFIGHT (MUSICAL)

Book by Peter Duchan

Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

Directed by Grant Pegg and Kelly Roberts

Dramatic Productions

Gunghalin College Theatre to 4 February

 

Reviewed by Len Power 27 January 2023

 

A movie in 1991, ‘Dogfight’, the musical, opened off-Broadway in 2012.  It’s an early show by music and lyric writers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who would go on to have a big success with the movies, ‘La La Land’ and ‘The Greatest Showman’ and the hit Broadway musical, ‘Dear Evan Hansen’.

The first thing to say about ‘Dogfight’ is that, though you may doubt if it’s the show for you, given its unsavoury central idea – a marine in 1963 takes a girl to a party just to compete in a competition to see who has brought the ugliest date – it does not celebrate this appalling situation and the aftermath is handled with great sensitivity.

Much of the success of the production is due to the performances of the two leads – Alexander Clubb as the marine, Eddie, and Taylor Paliaca as the girl, Rose.

Alexander Clubb and Taylor Paliaca

Clubb captures the essence of the part of the marine who is young, inexperienced and full of bravado in front of his foul-mouthed buddies, but with a streak of sensitivity that makes him understand the hurt he has caused.  He sings the role very well, especially his final song, ‘Come Back’.

Taylor Paliaca is very real as Rose.  There is a great depth to her characterization and she is particularly touching in her songs, ‘Pretty Funny’ and ‘Before It’s Over’.  Hers is an excellent and memorable performance in a difficult role.

Kit Berry also scores as the very street-wise Marcy.  Her song, ‘Dogfight’, is a true highlight of the show.

Alexander Clubb as Eddie (seated) with his marine buddies

The actors playing the marines have been cast very well.  There are believable performances from all of them.  Pippin Carroll makes a charismatic impression with his secondary role of the Lounge Singer.  The ensemble sings and dances very well.

The clever choreography by Nathan Rutups suits the period and helps to cover the numerous scene changes.  Music direction by Caleb Campbell is masterful and the members of the small orchestra play the score very well.

The set design by Chris Zuber suggests the locale of San Francisco with elements of the Golden Gate Bridge.  It was an inspired idea that is simple and attractive and works very well.  Lighting and sound successfully add considerable atmosphere to the show.

The directors, Grant Pegg and Kelly Roberts have more than achieved their vision and concept for this show.  In the wrong hands it might not have worked so well.

Photos by Janelle McMenamin

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

CIRCUS OF ILLUSION (CIRCUS)

Michael Boyd, illusionist

Idris Stanton, ringmaster

Sascha Williams, circus performer

Sarah Bloom, circus performer

Canberra Theatre to 15 January

 

Reviewed by Len Power 14 January 2023

 

Magic tricks and illusions bring out the child in us, regardless of our age.  We say that we want to know how the tricks are done but deep down we don’t really want to know because the magic will be lost.  Magic and illusion helps us retain that remembered innocence of childhood.

‘Circus Of Illusion’ is a show that delivers the magic of both circus and illusion.  It’s a high energy, fast-moving show that is sure to delight adults and children.

Australia’s Got Talent finalist, Michael Boyd, the headliner, is an extraordinary illusionist.  With one elaborate trick after another he leaves us breathless with amazement.  You’ll have no idea how he does it.

Michael Boyd and company with a levitation illusion

Ringmaster, Idris Stanton, originally from Canberra, keeps the show moving with amusing banter involving the audience and displays his circus background with several clever tricks.

Sascha Williams, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist, does a rola bola act that looks risky at the start and then just looks even more risky as it goes on.  Sarah Bloom does a fine act with multiple spinning hoops as well as aerial work that is both beautiful and accomplished.  Two showgirls assist with the magic and show their dancing skills in very attractive costumes.

One of the strengths of the show is the audience participation.  Two youngsters were invited on stage and became a part of the magic being performed.  I’m sure those children are now likely to become the magicians of tomorrow!

Michael Boyd with audience participant

Lighting and sound on the show was expertly done, creating a fine atmosphere throughout.

This was an enjoyable show that delivered what it promised.  It was no illusion that the audience enjoyed it.

Photos supplied prior to the Canberra performances by the company. 

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/

 

PIAZZOLLA & TANGO (CONCERT)

Ayşe Göknur Shanal, Soprano

John Martin, Piano

Pedro Florentino Alvarez, Tango Master

Overture Hall, Orana Steiner School Weston 8 January

 

Reviewed by Len Power

 

It was a sublime early evening concert of tango music and dancing with Turkish soprano, Ayşe Göknur Shanal, pianist John Martin and tango master of dance, Pedro Florentino Alvarez.

Ayşe Göknur Shanal has won many prestigious awards and scholarships here in Australia and overseas.  She has performed widely in the USA, UK, Europe and Asia including Opera Australia, Turkish State opera and Opera Queensland.

Ayşe Göknur Shanal

Astor Piazzolla was an Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger.  His work revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style termed nuevo tango, incorporating elements from jazz and classical music.

The program contained many songs of Astor Piazzolla and his contemporaries.  Shanal’s vocal range and delivery was perfect for these passionate, emotional and deeply personal songs.  There are driving, changing rhythms that require great technical expertise and Shanal made them seem effortless.  We were willingly swept up into the sensuous world she was creating.

There were songs of love and loss, of great longing and regret.  Outstanding among them were Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” as well as “Adios Nonino”, written on the death of his father.  There were also the popular tunes “Por un Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel, heard in the 1992 film “Scent Of A Woman”, and "Quizás, quizás, quizás" by Cuban songwriter Osvaldo Farrés, so memorable from the film “Strictly Ballroom”.

John Martin, piano, Ayşe Göknur Shanal, soprano, Pedro Florentino Alvarez, tango master with partner Teresa Chau

Another dimension to the concert was the appearance of tango master, Pedro Florentino Alvarez.  Alone and with his partner, Teresa Chau, his dancing complemented Shanal’s songs.  His sudden appearances were often haunting and dreamlike and his dancing was superb.

Audience members were also invited to dance and four couples, who were clearly excellent tango dancers, were soon swirling around the singer and pianist, adding to the romantic and sensuous mood.

Pianist, John Martin, provided an excellent accompaniment throughout.  His contribution to the success of the concert was considerable.

 

Photos by Peter Hislop

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 9 January.

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

 

THE WIZARD OF OZ (MUSICAL)

 

By Frank L. Baum

Adapted by John Kane

Music and lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg

Director: Justin Watson

Ickle Pickle Productions

The Belconnen Theatre to 21 January

 

Reviewed by Len Power 06 January 2023

 

First published in 1900, Frank L. Baum’s novel, ‘The Wonderful Wizard Of Oz’, has been a favourite children’s story ever since.  Most people know it from the classic 1939 musical film with Judy Garland.

It relates the story of Dorothy, an unhappy girl who lives in a farming community in Kansas and is swept up by a tornado that deposits her in the strange land of Oz.  The friendships she makes with a scarecrow, a tin man and a cowardly lion enables her to learn the joy in helping others.  She develops the power to overcome life’s challenges and ultimately realizes that there’s no place like home.

The director, Justin Watson, has produced a visually pleasing production with practical, colourful sets by Ian Croker, eye-catching costumes by Janette Humphries and a good lighting design by Watson himself.  It also moves at a cracking pace and has some very good performances.  The music written for the film is used in this stage production.

Kellee-Rose Hand plays Dorothy with an appealing sweetness and sings ‘Over The Rainbow’, the most famous song in the show, very well.  Her interaction with other cast members is lively, warm and believable.

Jack Morton as the Scarecrow gives an excellent physical performance.  He is constantly believable as a wobbly man of straw.  Sam Dietz as the Tin Man was comical and sang well.  His costume was particularly well-designed.  Meaghan Stewart gave a powerful, confident and funny performance as the Cowardly Lion.  Their songs were well sung and they proved to be very endearing characters.

From left: Kellee-Rose Hand (Dorothy), Sam Dietz (The Tin Man), Meaghan Stewart (The Cowardly Lion) and Jack Morton (The Scarcrow)

Other cast members had their opportunity to shine.  Debra Byrne was a terrific Wicked Witch of The West, Aleesha Boye was a sweet Glinda The Good Witch, Kristopher Patston-Gil was believable in the dual roles of Professor Marvel and the Wizard and Elliott Cleaves gave both of his characters, Uncle Henry and the Emerald City Guard plenty of colour and energy.

The sizeable chorus, which included quite young children, sang and danced very well.  The show has lots of quick costume changes and numerous dances and songs and it was all played with confidence.  The song ‘The Merry Old Land Of Oz’ was particularly well done by the company.  Musical director, Jenna Hinton, and choreographer, Jodi Hammond, have achieved great results from everyone involved.

This is a very good production and suitable for children and adults of all ages.  If you would like to introduce young children to the magical world of Oz and have a good time yourself, this is a very good way to do it.

Photo: Cathy Breen

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