Category: Music

Events, Festivals, Music, Review, Theatre, Whats On

Review: SCHOOL DANCE for MICF

Welcome back to the 80s

By Myron My

I really wanted to love School Dance. Everything I had heard about it was positive, and it is set in the 80s – which I think was an awesome time.

School Dance

Sadly I didn’t love it, but I certainly didn’t hate it either. All the ingredients were there, but I felt like this production has just in the oven for too long.

It’s the night of the school dance and we follow the amusing adventures of three awkward high school friends as they try to break through the barrier of social acceptance at their school. Everything about School Dance screams 80s – in a good way.

The costuming and make-up are authentic, including the acid-wash jeans, the big hair and the t-shirt that has a suit print on it. The high school auditorium set design by Jonathon Oxlade helped in setting up the time and environment, and the lighting design by Richard Vabre is exceptional and feels like it has its own character on stage.

Then we have the music – one of the best eras of music in my humble opinion. The performance is liberally littered with snippets of classic songs that were the epitome of those times – think I Need a Hero by Bonnie Tyler, and the like. The accompanying crazy dance moves and choreography are taken straight out of those neon-lit clubs from the 80s.

The three actors – Oxlade, Luke Smiles and writer Matthew Whittet – were flawless. Clearly they have been performing this show for quite some time as their comic physicality was impressive and the presence of their characters was felt throughout. Their interactions and energy levels was the main reason that School Dance endeared itself to so many.

There were a few dark elements that felt out of place in School Dance, particularly as it is currently playing as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The premise of the show was so happy and comedic that the unexpected allusions to domestic violence, for example, went completely against that. There was no elaboration or ending to this sinister storyline which makes me wonder why it was included. Moreover a tighter script would have helped tremendously too as there seemed to be a few scenes that were there just for laughs and not to develop the story.

Upon discussion with a few others that had seen it, I found there were strongly polarised opinions about this show. There were people who loved it and wanted to see it again and people who wanted to leave halfway through. I enjoyed the nostalgia and it definitely took me on a journey I was not expecting, but for me, the narrative of School Dance still needed some work to really make this a slick production.

Venue: The Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd

Season: Until 20 April | Tues-Sun, 6:30pm

Tickets: $29 Full

Bookings: 1300 182 183, www.artscentremelbourne.com.au & at the door

Festivals, Late Night Shows, Music, Review, Stand-Up Comedy, Whats On

REVIEW: Paul Sings with PAUL MCDERMOTT

See him live

By Christine Moffat

Paul McDermott has built a successful TV career since Doug Anthony All Stars from occasionally singing a song, and fully exploiting his lovably evil personality.  Lots of people do this, but no one does it quite like ‘our Paul’.  When he is sharing funny anecdotes he gives you permission to have a guilt-free laugh at life’s darker points.  He brought this quality in spades last night: nothing was out of bounds, and every story he told was funny and very wrong.  As a comedian McDermott is a darker, edgier performer here than his television persona: perhaps a live show can give him licence to be ruder, even more irreverent and therefore even funnier.

Paul McDermott

Paul McDermott the singer is a something different and more emotionally involving.  His voice is a surprising blend of sweetness and maturity, and he sings with commitment – nothing is a throwaway line.  The songs that he performed ranged from touching ballads to high-energy soul numbers (all but one from his ‘back catalogue’), and also his own compositions.  The “band of real musicians” as it says in the show’s blurb, (led by the great Stu Hunter) is fantastic and musically re-made the songs into something fresh and new.

The crowd was a bit tame at first, perhaps quietened by the shade of his daunting TV personality.  He quickly built rapport, ironically by turning his acerbic wit on the audience, and soon had everyone stomping loudly in appreciation.  It goes without saying that he is a funny man, but what you may not realise is that he is also an incredibly generous performer.  When the show ran over time, he and the band led the crowd out of the band room, and performed a couple more songs on the stairs in the foyer!

Paul McDermott has a wickedly funny mind, a haunting voice, and an obvious love of performing and entertaining a crowd.  What more could you ask for on a night out?

Venue: The Forum – Downstairs

Dates: 10 – 14 April, 16 – 20 April

Times: Tues – Sat 9.45pm/Sun 8.45pm

Price: $34 (U18 must be accompanied by an adult)

Bookings:

www.ticketmaster.com.au

Ticketmaster 1300 660 013

At the door

Events, Festivals, Music, Review, Theatre, Whats On

Review: CHOIR GIRL for MICF

Choir politics prove to be worth singing about

By Myron My

A young girl sits on stage with her back to us. Her name is Susan (Sarah Collins) and she is desperate to join a choir. Again. This is the dark comedic story of a choir’s most dedicated member and the politics of community choral singing. This is Choir Girl presented by Attic Erratic and marks its return performance for this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Sarah Collins

What sets this comedy show apart from anything else you might see this festival is that Collins is accompanied by a 13-member all-girl choir live on stage. Dressed in very conservative outfits and with their hair tied back in tight buns it’s quite hilarious to see them launching into songs like “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You” and the vocal highlight of the show “Hit Me Baby One More Time” when they get all sultry and as sexy as can be in their demure dresses. It’s a great comedic and narrative device using the choir as Greek chorus to help convey and commentate on Susan’s inner thoughts.

The narrative could have been quite confusing had it not been for the techniques and the skills Collins possesses for storytelling. It also says something about Collins’ wonderful stage presence that she can perform in front of 250 people on opening night and have everyone’s attention and yet be able to create a sense of intimacy in the large venue she’s performing in.

Some great lighting design is apparent throughout Choir Girl, including warming reds to show Susan’s “passionate” moments and the delicate use of the lonely spotlight at the end to impart a sense of vulnerability and humanity to her.

My only issue with the performance was that it did feel like it dragged just a little bit, where even shaving five minutes of the running time would have made a world of difference for pace and comic timing. However, Choir Girl is still a thoroughly entertaining show and it’s a nice change from the usual stand-up formula and familiar comedy shows on display this festival.

Venue: The Supper Room, Melbourne Town Hall. Cnr Swanston & Collins Sts, Melbourne

Season: Until 15 April | Monday 7:00pm

Tickets: $23 Full | $20 Concession

Bookings: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au,http://www.comedyfestival.com.au, 1300 660 013 or at the door

Cabaret, Cabaret Review, Events, Music, Performances, Whats On

Review: AMY ABLER is Pianodivalicious

Piano-playing punch and pizzazz

By Christine Moffat

Amy Abler – the woman who can play the piano with every part of her body!

While this statement is titillating (and true!), it does not do justice to Amy Abler’s talent or sense of fun.  The audience entered the theatre, and Abler was already on stage playing.  Explaining she’d hired herself as the pre-show performer, she began chatting with the crowd.  Once we were all in, and ready to go, Abler discovered we were unprepared – no feathers!  It’s true, not one of us had thought to bring along a big, fluffy feather.  Luckily the Piano-Diva had spares.

Pianodivalicious

This piano-confessional style show is old school, and ironically this makes for a refreshing change.  Abler is an accomplished pianist, and plays any style of music from classical to blues with passion and panache.  She reveals that for the better part of the last twelve years she has been a headline act on various cruise ships.  Happily, in the lovely intimate cabaret venue The Butterfly Club, not a hint of big-ship dinner theatre peeked through.

Abler’s stories are sometimes funny, sometimes sad, always interesting.  Her piano playing is faultless, and more importantly, got the whole audience bobbing and swaying and subconsciously ‘emoting’ with their feathers.  This is a seasoned entertainer who has not forgotten how to entertain.

Abler is based in Chicago, but when this show (hopefully) returns to Melbourne, head along for a slice of truly universal fun.  Her audience rapport is wonderful, and the show’s retro style fits like a comfy (albeit heavily sequinned) shoe.  Lovely.

Show information:

Pianodivalicious

Wednesday 20th March 2013

The Butterfly Club

Carson Place (just off Little Collins Street in the Melbourne CBD)

www.thebutterflyclub.com

www.pianodivalicious.com

Events, Music, Performances, Review, Whats On

Review: KATE MILLER-HEIDKE for Melbourne Zoo Twilight Concerts

The iconic Melbourne summer experience

By Jess Cornish

The 2013 Twilight Concerts kicked off last week at the Melbourne Zoo for its annual ‘Summer of Music’ season.The profits of the ongoing event go towards fighting against animal extinction, as well as supporting an incredible array of talented Australian artists.

Last night I had the privilege of experiencing Kate Miller-Heidke perform live. She was amazing, and sounded just as good as any of her recordings, if not even better somehow in the open air! The quirky queen delivered her colloquial pop songs with a dash of opera sprinkled throughout, with ample character and perfect pitch through the overcast night.

Kate Miller Heidke

Her distinctive voice cut through the cold evening air, and had her fans eagerly hanging on every word. Highlights of the evening included the popular hit, Can’t Shake It. The tune brought the crowd to life in  replicating the dance moves from her video clip. Another stand-out moment was Caught in the Crowd, which has interestingly become a tool schools are using to  explore schoolyard bullying.

My only possible complaint about Miller-Heidke’s set was that she didn’t perform an hour longer!

However finger-tapping support act, Kim Churchill was extremely entertaining to watch. Armed with a mixture of acoustic guitars, a harmonica, kick drum, a New Caledonian electric violinist and French Canadian trumpeter his music reminded me of a younger Xavier Rudd with a shot of caffeine injected into the set.

It even seemed fitting that his first song for the evening was one about the falling rain, whilst the audience, my self included, sat firmly on the grass with the heavy clouds slowly splattering light drops of water onto us.

I had a great night but here are some crucial tips for all you future Zoo Twilighters:

If you’re meeting people make sure you clarify where you intend to meet at to avoid confusion. For the summer concerts it’s best to meet at the ‘rail gate entrance’, as it’s a quick and easy walk to the stage from there.

Secondly, this is Melbourne, so while the concerts are advertised as a summer event it could be 42 degrees or 10! So bring everything: sunscreen, hats, beanies and blankets. This is a must so your plus-one doesn’t end up begrudgingly jacketless for the night in the spirit of kindness for their unweather-savvy girl friend…

Thirdly, consider bringing a picnic. Only one food outlet had card facilities and food choices were limited and expensive.

Overall, these iconic Melbourne concerts are definitely an amazing concept with an incredible variety of artists, and support a great cause. What more could you ask for?

If you haven’t already been – get on it!

Where: Melbourne Zoo

When: 25 Jan- 9 March, 7pm start.

Cost: Adults from $45.00-$49.10, Children: $22.50- $26.10

Bookings: online or phone 1300 966 784

Events, Music, Performances, Review, Theatre, Whats On

REVIEW: The Giraffe’s Uncle at LA MAMA

Local Aussie theatre at its best

By Tania Herbert

For those who came of age in Carlton, a return to La Mama Theatre is like coming home. And what better to come home to than a good old Aussie yarn. The Giraffe’s Uncle is the story of Sydney writer Les Robinson, a self-proclaimed  “cave-dwelling fantasist” who stumbles through the 20s to the 60s in the Sydney fringes.

Photo by Cynthia Sciberras

Well in command of this one-man show, Martin Portus’ background as a former Radio National arts broadcaster places him in good stead. His impressive command of voice really does capture an old school spirit and you could have happily close your eyes and feel that you were listening to an old-time Australian radio serial.

Although clearly portraying a very colourful Australian character– who is, in his own words ,”basking in a sense of the florid”- Portus’ performance is somewhat lacking in naturalism, and is choreographed down to every gesture.

The Giraffe's Uncle

However, this is certainly part of the reason this was a strong execution of an entertaining piece of theatre.  The show is punctuated with historic projections and chuckle worthy snippets of letters from Les’ life. Singer Darryl Emmerson also steps in to give us a couple of good old Aussie folk tunes that will leave you feeling like you’ve just had a beer with your granddad.

Very approachable, very Australian, and just very La Mama this is indeed a show which is, as Les found himself amusingly described, “not without a mild form of talent.”

Dates: January 31 – February 10, Wed, Fri, Sun 8.30pm, Thur, Sat 6.30pm

Venue: La Mama Theatre, Level 1, 205 Faraday St Carlton

Tickets: $25 full/ $15 conc, online at www.lamama.com.au or 03 9347 6142

Cabaret, Cabaret Review, Events, Music, Performances, Review, Theatre, Whats On

REVIEW: Camille O’Sullivan in THE RAPE OF LUCRECE

Disturbing and superb

By Bradley Storer

“We’re going to tell you the story of the Rape of Lucrece, a tale full of both beauty… and violence. Be warned – there may be a bit of singing.” With this simple introduction, Irish cabaret star Camille O’Sullivan launched us headfast into an evening of hearty and full-blooded (in more ways than one) story-telling. O’Sullivan, along with her collaborator and accompanist Feargal Murray, has taken Shakespeare’s classic poem and transformed it into what feels like a chamber opera written for a single voice. The performance, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company, combines Shakespeare’s text in both spoken form and as songs set to original music by O’Sullivan and Murray.

Photo by Keith Pattison

The set is simple, consisting of a backdrop of several windows and the stage floor littered with numerous piles of manuscript. The only other element is the touching presence of two pairs of shoes at opposite ends of the stage – a pair of delicate white slippers, and a large pair of dark leather military boots, representing cleverly the characters of Lucrece and her rapist Tarquin.

O’Sullivan as a storyteller and actress is magnificent, beginning simply telling the narrative but slowly transforming before our eyes into both the menacing and malevolent Tarquin, and the innocent, tragic Lucrece. Filling the stage with her gargantuan presence, O’Sullivan paints the picture of the story and each of its characters effortlessly. With just a sardonic flick of her hand, she can make Shakespeare’s poetry as achingly and horrifically relevant as anything written today. Her wondrous singing voice can soothe and terrify in equal measure, ranging from a low seductive murmur to a full-bodied shriek of agony.

This is not an evening for the faint-hearted – the performance does not shy away from displaying the full horror of events, O’Sullivan so committedly and perfectly embodying the pain of rape and its aftermath that at times it is almost too horrible to watch. Even in Tarquin’s part of the narrative, O’Sullivan shows us the deep ambivalence and disgust which co-exists with the man’s darker impulses. The amazing lighting design throughout contributes massively to the many worlds, interior and exterior, within which the story plays out.

Do not come to this show looking for a relaxing night at the theatre – however at the end of the harrowing tale, we are left with not only sadness but also the deep, primeval pleasure of an epic tale told with immaculate skill.

Directed by Elizabeth Freestone

Dates: January 31st – February 10th , 8pm

Venue: The Sumner, Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard

Tickets: $85 / Conc $77 / Youth $33

Bookings: www.mtc.com.au or 03 8688 080

Events, Music, Performances, Review, Whats On

REVIEW: Albert Salt and Wintercoats

An exceptional double act wow the crowd

By Myron My

Performing as a double set at Chapel Off Chapel and presented by Fly-On-The-Wall Theatre were two extremely talented Melbourne musicians, Albert Salt and Wintercoats. Despite their two unique and different sounds, the evening still proved to be very successful, if the warm response from the audience is anything to go by.

Albert Salt

Taking the stage first was Albert Salt who entertained the audience with his combination of alternative rock, electronica and jazz music. Salt was supported by Noah Harris and Lachie Bubb, and the latter who was particularly great to watch on the drums. There was much ease and grace in the way he played, despite the obvious level of skill and concentration needed.

The set list played was a great example of the varying skill that Salt has as a singer and musician with the standout tracks being Fear & Loathing and Salt’s closing track This Is Her. The foot-tapping amongst the audience was evident and at times I wished that Salt were simply performing at a pub so that I could get up and dance! There is definitely a bright future for this Triple J Unearthed finalist from 2011.

The second half of the evening was quite a contrast to Salt, where we were treated to a great set by Wintercoats aka James Wallace. Wintercoats took to the stage with nothing but a violin and created a beautiful experience for the audience to take part in.

Wintercoats

Finding every conceivable way to produce sound from a violin, Wallace uses the bow, strums the instrument like a guitar, strikes it with his hands and even blows into it. Wintercoats created a complex experience of overlapping music and sound that had everyone on their own personal journey throughout it.

The backdrop for Wintercoats’ gig was a visual stream of nature imagery, including fires, water, skies and epic landscapes that were filmed in Ireland, Scotland and Iceland. This blended in magically with Wintercoats’ nostalgic and whimsical music.

As we approached his last song, Wintercoats admitted he had never played it before and it could end up sounding like cats meowing, but the risk paid off as we ended a great night on the highest note possible.

The evening was another reminder of the talent that resides throughout Australia and Fly-On-The-Wall Theatre provided these remarkable artists the opportunity to play for audiences who might not have necessarily headed down to a pub to see a local live music gig. Hopefully there’ll be more performances like this coming soon.

Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran

Season: Until 15 December | 8:00pm

Tickets: $15 Full

Bookings: www.chapeloffchapel.com.au

Events, Music, Performances, Review, Whats On

REVIEW: The Song Company Presents SHIP TO SHORE

Be sure to get on board for their next stunning concert

By Anastasia Russell-Head

Once again The Song Company triumphs with an innovative and engaging performance at the Melbourne Recital Centre. As part of their year-long exploration of the theme of “water”, the final concert in their 2012 series was devoted to sea shanties and other songs about sailors and sea-faring.

Of course, many of these songs are folk songs – like Cockles and Mussels, What Shall we do with the Drunken Sailor? and Blow the Wind Southerly – which, with their simple form of repetitive verses, presents a challenge for an “art music” ensemble – how to make this material consistently musically engaging?

The Song Company rose to this challenge in fine form, with expert arrangements incorporating interesting harmonies, stunning solos and delicious humour. It was refreshing to see a group of ostensibly classical musicians really relishing being funny!

Guest Director Ruth McCall is to be congratulated on the superb and very effective blend of fun, pathos, rowdiness and simplicity in this performance.

Of course, as is to be expected from an ensemble who brands themselves “Australia’s leading vocal ensemble” the singing was faultless. Sopranos Anna Fraser and Susannah Lawergren were stunning, and guest mezzo Virna Sanzone’s jazz training came to the fore in an inspired version of Bobby Shaftoe.

Accompanying the singers were favourites of the classical guitar scene Slava and Leonard Grigoryan, providing harmonic support throughout and punctuating the vocal numbers with virtuosic instrumental duos.

As always, these two stellar performers did not disappoint – showing supreme mastery of their instruments and musical sensitivity.  For the audience, it was a real highlight to have these two brilliant musicians sharing the stage.

It was a pity that this performance was not particularly well-attended, with many empty seats in the (albeit rather large) Elisabeth Murdoch Hall. The Song Company is new to Melbourne, having built up a devoted following in their home town of Sydney, but they are well worth seeing, and I encourage you to take the opportunity to see them next time they are around.

The Song Company’s Ship to Shore was performed on 14 November 2012 at the Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall

Cabaret, Cabaret Review, Events, Music, Performances

REVIEW: EP Launch with Spanky in CANDICE MCQUEEN – NASTY

His/her hit show is now on EP

By Jessica Cornish

On  Sunday November 4 in the iconic Spiegeltent nestled beside that giant ferris wheel, the outrageous artist Spanky morphed into Candice McQueen to launch her 5 track EP as produced by the Melbourne Cabaret Festival.

As always, the high-heeled Candice, draped in fluorescent pink and with blue eyelashes did not disappoint. But nor did WAAPA graduate support act, Gillian Cosgriff who kicked off the launch wonderfully, and quickly captivated the audience with her quirky songs about past relationships and bad experiences with shaving her legs and a lack of band aids in her life.

The feature show Nasty, fresh from its previous run a few months ago in the Melbourne Cabaret Festival, stars the bizarre Candice McQueen, ‘fluent in the language of fag,’ who tells epic tales of her life including a birth surrounded by a circle of gorillas, an hiatus in the Middle East where she was present for the crucifixion of Jesus, and a move to West Hollywood where she meet her lover, River Phoenix…

The  ‘Mr Sister’  has eternally strong stage presence, great comedic timing and an ability to draw you in to her bizarre world: however it was sometimes easy to get lost with some of her songs towards the end. But like the guy next to me said, ‘I have no idea what she’s talking about, but it’s funny’, so maybe it’s okay to be a little bemused sometimes.

Throughout the night Candice was accompanied by her extremely talented guitarist/pianist/back-up vocalist Robert Tripolino. Dressed in a pair of worn-out red converse shoes and sunnies, he was incredible, consistently nailing every harmony, including the tricky More Than Words classic, and demonstrating his skill on the guitar.

My only concern with the launch was that  I felt the production side was slightly lacking. Candice made great use of the difficult circular space in her initial stage appearance; however she was in darkness for most of the first number and throughout the performance there were other instances where I felt the show could have benefited from greater use of light.

However, that being said Nasty the EP launch was a great night. Once again Spanky delighted a crowded venue and the funds raised from this event will contribute to future international tours for the star and her sidekick.