Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Review

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Chatswood Musical Society
Zenith Theatre
10-18 May 2013

Reviewed by Benjamin Oxley
"Music by Andrew Lloyd-Webber, words by Tim Rice. Those names should ensure success. But not quite. The cast, crew and orchestra have to be full of vitality, recreate an all-singing, all dancing score.

There were debutants in roles, asking for distinct characterisation, accents and chutzpah. Children, animals and the old watchword of WC Fields to remember. Was this all that Chatswood Musical Society hoped for?

This was an excellent performance from the opening to the final reprise. There was energy infused throughout, showing Matt Cater's direction and Neil Shotter commonsense set design in effective use of the restricted space. Lighting from James Wallis gave us a sense of brilliance in the Egyptian scenes.

The cast was strongly lead by Nathan Stark in the title role, whose demeanor always captured the highs and lows of the boy made good. His lovely voice quality and tidy movement gave the lead for strong ensemble work from the men. Kathy Xenos brought tremendous life to the Narrator, negotiating the high notes in the storytelling, and leading the ensemble with professionalism. Pharaoh or The King aka Elvis played by Brian M Logan brought his rock n roll antics to his big number. Potiphar and Mrs Potiphar were well cast, and played their part in the tale. Jacob and his sons were consistently adept as Israelites and Egyptians, managing some quick changes and helping maintain the pace of the show. Some very secure top soprano singing from Kelly Cunningham gave the ladies' ensemble an enjoyable sheen. Children's chorus were very much engaged throughout, as were the fine orchestra well led by musical director Hayden Barltrop. Mention should also be made of the well-conceived choreography of Laura-Beth Wood. All in, a very enjoyable show that needs only an audience to make it come to life.

The Tap Pack - Review

The Tap Pack

Riverside Theatre Parramatta

22-23 March 2013

Starring Jesse Rasmussen, Kuki Tipoki, Thomas J Egan, Dion Bilios and Rohan Browne

Directed by Nigel Turner-Carroll

Reviewed by Lana Hilton

Is rat-ta-tap-tastic a word? Well it should be.

Five quadruple threat Australian actors (that’s dancing, singing, acting and being good looking) unite the swinging sixties with modern songs and dancing against a live brass band.

Inspired by the 1960s Rat Pack the creators and choreographers have designed a piece that has exquisite charm and songs that have everybody grooving in their seats with a great big smile plastered across their faces.

While the storyline is a little lacking the audience loved being involved in every scene. The characters openly spoke to us, threw (sometimes dirty) jokes and waited for a response, engaged us in a clapping frenzy and fed off our laughs and cheers when they exited from a perfect, solo or group tap performance.

The actors were clearly having the time of their lives and it was refreshing to see people who were thoroughly enjoying themselves and so dedicated to their art. Saying the men were excellent tap dancers is an understatement - each one has a CV a mile long and collectively they have performed in over 20 musical productions and countless in stage, television and film!

In their suave suits complete with pocket squares and a cheeky grin, the actors had great chemistry and were mesmerising in every performance. They turned modern pop music into jazz spectaculars, especially Cee Lo Green’s “Forget You”. It was amazing how despite their legs kicking and tapping furiously to every drum and trumpet beat they never seemed out of breath – how did they do it!

While the production brought to you by FORM Dance Projects only has four performances, keep your eye out for any production that mentions these actors as it is sure to be an entertaining winner!