The World Goes Round
Fri, 4 Oct 2002, 03:12 pmWalter Plinge4 posts in thread
The World Goes Round
Fri, 4 Oct 2002, 03:12 pmIn the 70s, a joke was making the rounds. It compared the Perth entertainment scene with the only yogurt then available - the product that was little more than sweetened sour milk with killed bacteria. Since then, with the arrival of such artists as Margaret Ford, Jenny McNae and Edgar Metcalf, to name only a golden few, the Perth cultural scene has become as bursting with life and health as the live-culture yogurts that have also proliferated. Perhaps the zenith was reached with the opening of the W. A. Academy of the Performing Arts (WAPAA).
On Wednesday night I was privileged to watch the latest sapling to grow from this rich mix - ‘The World Goes Round’ - presented by the newly-formed Yellow Glass Theatre and performed by the principals of that company assisted by four of Perth’s fine crop of glowing young talent.
Described in the advance publicity notes as ‘a celebration of the work of songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb’ the show has something for everyone. Most of the songs will be familiar - ‘My Coloring Book’, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Money, Money’. Those that are less familiar are so enthusiastically performed that you’ll want to book again so that they will become familiar.
The Yellow Glass Theatre is the brain-child of Simon Holt, a graduate of UWAÂ’s Bachelor of Music Education, and a member of the W. A. Opera Company, and Chris Kabay, a certificate of WAPAA.
In this, their first venture, Simon has taken the role of both musical director and performer, while Chris designed the show and also sings.
Chris must be given a ten out of ten for the design. This is the aspect of any show that first catches the audienceÂ’s attention, and the single most important part of any production, however subliminal this importance is. Chris has seen to it that every single detail is in place so that nothing detracts from the viewerÂ’s attention to the music and fun going on on stage. From the colour matching flowers worn by the women to the covers for the roller skates that appear at the end of the first act, the red and black theme is carried through flawlessly.
SimonÂ’s piano playing is masterful, and he has done a magnificent job of rehearsing his ensemble. Unfortunately - though possibly unavoidably - the piano is too loud, both for the acoustics of the venue itself and the trained-but-youthful voices that must make themselves heard over it. Sometimes it almost sounds as if the voices and the piano are competing to see who can be the louder.
Simon has assured that each cast member gets his or her chance to solo and, therefore, to shine. Chris is wonderful with the silly ‘Sara Lee’ and the poignant ‘Mr Cellophane’. He somehow manages to morph into each character, looking like a gleeful boy who got Sara Lee treats, and later embodying the sad and retiring man that everyone ignores.
Bree McGurk has a lovely voice, and it is displayed well in her solo pieces. The wistful ‘Colored Lights’ shows off her range, while ‘Ring Them Bells’ allows us to see her versatility. Bree is the youngest member of the cast - it will be interesting to see how her skills develop.
Amanda Chesterton is rapidly becoming known in Perth for her all-round acting ability. She is probably best remembered for her portrayal of Madame Thenardier in Les Mis at the Regal Theatre last October. A talented and very watchable dancer, Amanda’s batty ballet with a Zimmer frame during ‘Arthur in the Afternoon’ is a hoot, while her Fosse-esque dance to ‘All That Jazz’, combined with her strong ‘Broadway belt’ singing style are show stoppers.
Analisa Bell’s voice is a perfect foil for those of the other two women performers. Her voice is slightly smoky - almost but not quite bluesy - and I loved her rendition of ‘My Coloring Book’. I also admired the fact that none of the performers fell victim to copying those more famous who have sung the songs before them. They brought their own style and wit and ability to every song, and perhaps none better than Analisa in ‘Maybe This Time’.
Of the five voices, Stuart Laing’s is perhaps the least strong, but that is balanced by its excellent quality. His ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ is just wonderful, and would be made even more so if the piano were more muted, thereby highlighting the best bits of his singing.
While the individuals are all good at what they do, as an ensemble, this group is at its best.
‘Coffee in a Cardboard Cup’, which opens the show, definitely gives advance warning that you’re in for a delightfully bumpy ride, and ‘The Rink’, which closes the first act, is hilarious, including a tap routine on roller skates, undoubtedly a nod to everybody’s favourite scene in Funny Girl , and general mad skating around the stage. ‘Money, Money’ and ‘Cabaret’ were pace-y and fun, without forcing any comparison with other versions, while the closing number, ‘New York, New York/The World Goes ‘Round’ was gutsy and loud.
There are many subtleties to be enjoyed throughout, but perhaps most especially in the very fast-paced ‘Ring Them Bells’ sequence, which includes a terrorist chasing a Muslim woman across the stage when the main character (Bree) tells us about her holiday in the Balkans.
From the outset, it is clear that a lot of heart went into this production from every member of the group, including the voluntary technical people. Frankly, if you are a theatre goer, or even if you are not, you should go and see this production. It is a donÂ’t miss, for sure.
Referring once again to the publicity notes, the production is described as, ‘black, rich, steamy, strong, fast, sweet, creamy, yum’. I couldn’t say better - and perhaps not even as good - myself.
Elaine
On Wednesday night I was privileged to watch the latest sapling to grow from this rich mix - ‘The World Goes Round’ - presented by the newly-formed Yellow Glass Theatre and performed by the principals of that company assisted by four of Perth’s fine crop of glowing young talent.
Described in the advance publicity notes as ‘a celebration of the work of songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb’ the show has something for everyone. Most of the songs will be familiar - ‘My Coloring Book’, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Money, Money’. Those that are less familiar are so enthusiastically performed that you’ll want to book again so that they will become familiar.
The Yellow Glass Theatre is the brain-child of Simon Holt, a graduate of UWAÂ’s Bachelor of Music Education, and a member of the W. A. Opera Company, and Chris Kabay, a certificate of WAPAA.
In this, their first venture, Simon has taken the role of both musical director and performer, while Chris designed the show and also sings.
Chris must be given a ten out of ten for the design. This is the aspect of any show that first catches the audienceÂ’s attention, and the single most important part of any production, however subliminal this importance is. Chris has seen to it that every single detail is in place so that nothing detracts from the viewerÂ’s attention to the music and fun going on on stage. From the colour matching flowers worn by the women to the covers for the roller skates that appear at the end of the first act, the red and black theme is carried through flawlessly.
SimonÂ’s piano playing is masterful, and he has done a magnificent job of rehearsing his ensemble. Unfortunately - though possibly unavoidably - the piano is too loud, both for the acoustics of the venue itself and the trained-but-youthful voices that must make themselves heard over it. Sometimes it almost sounds as if the voices and the piano are competing to see who can be the louder.
Simon has assured that each cast member gets his or her chance to solo and, therefore, to shine. Chris is wonderful with the silly ‘Sara Lee’ and the poignant ‘Mr Cellophane’. He somehow manages to morph into each character, looking like a gleeful boy who got Sara Lee treats, and later embodying the sad and retiring man that everyone ignores.
Bree McGurk has a lovely voice, and it is displayed well in her solo pieces. The wistful ‘Colored Lights’ shows off her range, while ‘Ring Them Bells’ allows us to see her versatility. Bree is the youngest member of the cast - it will be interesting to see how her skills develop.
Amanda Chesterton is rapidly becoming known in Perth for her all-round acting ability. She is probably best remembered for her portrayal of Madame Thenardier in Les Mis at the Regal Theatre last October. A talented and very watchable dancer, Amanda’s batty ballet with a Zimmer frame during ‘Arthur in the Afternoon’ is a hoot, while her Fosse-esque dance to ‘All That Jazz’, combined with her strong ‘Broadway belt’ singing style are show stoppers.
Analisa Bell’s voice is a perfect foil for those of the other two women performers. Her voice is slightly smoky - almost but not quite bluesy - and I loved her rendition of ‘My Coloring Book’. I also admired the fact that none of the performers fell victim to copying those more famous who have sung the songs before them. They brought their own style and wit and ability to every song, and perhaps none better than Analisa in ‘Maybe This Time’.
Of the five voices, Stuart Laing’s is perhaps the least strong, but that is balanced by its excellent quality. His ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ is just wonderful, and would be made even more so if the piano were more muted, thereby highlighting the best bits of his singing.
While the individuals are all good at what they do, as an ensemble, this group is at its best.
‘Coffee in a Cardboard Cup’, which opens the show, definitely gives advance warning that you’re in for a delightfully bumpy ride, and ‘The Rink’, which closes the first act, is hilarious, including a tap routine on roller skates, undoubtedly a nod to everybody’s favourite scene in Funny Girl , and general mad skating around the stage. ‘Money, Money’ and ‘Cabaret’ were pace-y and fun, without forcing any comparison with other versions, while the closing number, ‘New York, New York/The World Goes ‘Round’ was gutsy and loud.
There are many subtleties to be enjoyed throughout, but perhaps most especially in the very fast-paced ‘Ring Them Bells’ sequence, which includes a terrorist chasing a Muslim woman across the stage when the main character (Bree) tells us about her holiday in the Balkans.
From the outset, it is clear that a lot of heart went into this production from every member of the group, including the voluntary technical people. Frankly, if you are a theatre goer, or even if you are not, you should go and see this production. It is a donÂ’t miss, for sure.
Referring once again to the publicity notes, the production is described as, ‘black, rich, steamy, strong, fast, sweet, creamy, yum’. I couldn’t say better - and perhaps not even as good - myself.
Elaine
Walter PlingeFri, 4 Oct 2002, 03:12 pm
In the 70s, a joke was making the rounds. It compared the Perth entertainment scene with the only yogurt then available - the product that was little more than sweetened sour milk with killed bacteria. Since then, with the arrival of such artists as Margaret Ford, Jenny McNae and Edgar Metcalf, to name only a golden few, the Perth cultural scene has become as bursting with life and health as the live-culture yogurts that have also proliferated. Perhaps the zenith was reached with the opening of the W. A. Academy of the Performing Arts (WAPAA).
On Wednesday night I was privileged to watch the latest sapling to grow from this rich mix - ‘The World Goes Round’ - presented by the newly-formed Yellow Glass Theatre and performed by the principals of that company assisted by four of Perth’s fine crop of glowing young talent.
Described in the advance publicity notes as ‘a celebration of the work of songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb’ the show has something for everyone. Most of the songs will be familiar - ‘My Coloring Book’, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Money, Money’. Those that are less familiar are so enthusiastically performed that you’ll want to book again so that they will become familiar.
The Yellow Glass Theatre is the brain-child of Simon Holt, a graduate of UWAÂ’s Bachelor of Music Education, and a member of the W. A. Opera Company, and Chris Kabay, a certificate of WAPAA.
In this, their first venture, Simon has taken the role of both musical director and performer, while Chris designed the show and also sings.
Chris must be given a ten out of ten for the design. This is the aspect of any show that first catches the audienceÂ’s attention, and the single most important part of any production, however subliminal this importance is. Chris has seen to it that every single detail is in place so that nothing detracts from the viewerÂ’s attention to the music and fun going on on stage. From the colour matching flowers worn by the women to the covers for the roller skates that appear at the end of the first act, the red and black theme is carried through flawlessly.
SimonÂ’s piano playing is masterful, and he has done a magnificent job of rehearsing his ensemble. Unfortunately - though possibly unavoidably - the piano is too loud, both for the acoustics of the venue itself and the trained-but-youthful voices that must make themselves heard over it. Sometimes it almost sounds as if the voices and the piano are competing to see who can be the louder.
Simon has assured that each cast member gets his or her chance to solo and, therefore, to shine. Chris is wonderful with the silly ‘Sara Lee’ and the poignant ‘Mr Cellophane’. He somehow manages to morph into each character, looking like a gleeful boy who got Sara Lee treats, and later embodying the sad and retiring man that everyone ignores.
Bree McGurk has a lovely voice, and it is displayed well in her solo pieces. The wistful ‘Colored Lights’ shows off her range, while ‘Ring Them Bells’ allows us to see her versatility. Bree is the youngest member of the cast - it will be interesting to see how her skills develop.
Amanda Chesterton is rapidly becoming known in Perth for her all-round acting ability. She is probably best remembered for her portrayal of Madame Thenardier in Les Mis at the Regal Theatre last October. A talented and very watchable dancer, Amanda’s batty ballet with a Zimmer frame during ‘Arthur in the Afternoon’ is a hoot, while her Fosse-esque dance to ‘All That Jazz’, combined with her strong ‘Broadway belt’ singing style are show stoppers.
Analisa Bell’s voice is a perfect foil for those of the other two women performers. Her voice is slightly smoky - almost but not quite bluesy - and I loved her rendition of ‘My Coloring Book’. I also admired the fact that none of the performers fell victim to copying those more famous who have sung the songs before them. They brought their own style and wit and ability to every song, and perhaps none better than Analisa in ‘Maybe This Time’.
Of the five voices, Stuart Laing’s is perhaps the least strong, but that is balanced by its excellent quality. His ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ is just wonderful, and would be made even more so if the piano were more muted, thereby highlighting the best bits of his singing.
While the individuals are all good at what they do, as an ensemble, this group is at its best.
‘Coffee in a Cardboard Cup’, which opens the show, definitely gives advance warning that you’re in for a delightfully bumpy ride, and ‘The Rink’, which closes the first act, is hilarious, including a tap routine on roller skates, undoubtedly a nod to everybody’s favourite scene in Funny Girl , and general mad skating around the stage. ‘Money, Money’ and ‘Cabaret’ were pace-y and fun, without forcing any comparison with other versions, while the closing number, ‘New York, New York/The World Goes ‘Round’ was gutsy and loud.
There are many subtleties to be enjoyed throughout, but perhaps most especially in the very fast-paced ‘Ring Them Bells’ sequence, which includes a terrorist chasing a Muslim woman across the stage when the main character (Bree) tells us about her holiday in the Balkans.
From the outset, it is clear that a lot of heart went into this production from every member of the group, including the voluntary technical people. Frankly, if you are a theatre goer, or even if you are not, you should go and see this production. It is a donÂ’t miss, for sure.
Referring once again to the publicity notes, the production is described as, ‘black, rich, steamy, strong, fast, sweet, creamy, yum’. I couldn’t say better - and perhaps not even as good - myself.
Elaine
On Wednesday night I was privileged to watch the latest sapling to grow from this rich mix - ‘The World Goes Round’ - presented by the newly-formed Yellow Glass Theatre and performed by the principals of that company assisted by four of Perth’s fine crop of glowing young talent.
Described in the advance publicity notes as ‘a celebration of the work of songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb’ the show has something for everyone. Most of the songs will be familiar - ‘My Coloring Book’, ‘All That Jazz’, ‘Money, Money’. Those that are less familiar are so enthusiastically performed that you’ll want to book again so that they will become familiar.
The Yellow Glass Theatre is the brain-child of Simon Holt, a graduate of UWAÂ’s Bachelor of Music Education, and a member of the W. A. Opera Company, and Chris Kabay, a certificate of WAPAA.
In this, their first venture, Simon has taken the role of both musical director and performer, while Chris designed the show and also sings.
Chris must be given a ten out of ten for the design. This is the aspect of any show that first catches the audienceÂ’s attention, and the single most important part of any production, however subliminal this importance is. Chris has seen to it that every single detail is in place so that nothing detracts from the viewerÂ’s attention to the music and fun going on on stage. From the colour matching flowers worn by the women to the covers for the roller skates that appear at the end of the first act, the red and black theme is carried through flawlessly.
SimonÂ’s piano playing is masterful, and he has done a magnificent job of rehearsing his ensemble. Unfortunately - though possibly unavoidably - the piano is too loud, both for the acoustics of the venue itself and the trained-but-youthful voices that must make themselves heard over it. Sometimes it almost sounds as if the voices and the piano are competing to see who can be the louder.
Simon has assured that each cast member gets his or her chance to solo and, therefore, to shine. Chris is wonderful with the silly ‘Sara Lee’ and the poignant ‘Mr Cellophane’. He somehow manages to morph into each character, looking like a gleeful boy who got Sara Lee treats, and later embodying the sad and retiring man that everyone ignores.
Bree McGurk has a lovely voice, and it is displayed well in her solo pieces. The wistful ‘Colored Lights’ shows off her range, while ‘Ring Them Bells’ allows us to see her versatility. Bree is the youngest member of the cast - it will be interesting to see how her skills develop.
Amanda Chesterton is rapidly becoming known in Perth for her all-round acting ability. She is probably best remembered for her portrayal of Madame Thenardier in Les Mis at the Regal Theatre last October. A talented and very watchable dancer, Amanda’s batty ballet with a Zimmer frame during ‘Arthur in the Afternoon’ is a hoot, while her Fosse-esque dance to ‘All That Jazz’, combined with her strong ‘Broadway belt’ singing style are show stoppers.
Analisa Bell’s voice is a perfect foil for those of the other two women performers. Her voice is slightly smoky - almost but not quite bluesy - and I loved her rendition of ‘My Coloring Book’. I also admired the fact that none of the performers fell victim to copying those more famous who have sung the songs before them. They brought their own style and wit and ability to every song, and perhaps none better than Analisa in ‘Maybe This Time’.
Of the five voices, Stuart Laing’s is perhaps the least strong, but that is balanced by its excellent quality. His ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ is just wonderful, and would be made even more so if the piano were more muted, thereby highlighting the best bits of his singing.
While the individuals are all good at what they do, as an ensemble, this group is at its best.
‘Coffee in a Cardboard Cup’, which opens the show, definitely gives advance warning that you’re in for a delightfully bumpy ride, and ‘The Rink’, which closes the first act, is hilarious, including a tap routine on roller skates, undoubtedly a nod to everybody’s favourite scene in Funny Girl , and general mad skating around the stage. ‘Money, Money’ and ‘Cabaret’ were pace-y and fun, without forcing any comparison with other versions, while the closing number, ‘New York, New York/The World Goes ‘Round’ was gutsy and loud.
There are many subtleties to be enjoyed throughout, but perhaps most especially in the very fast-paced ‘Ring Them Bells’ sequence, which includes a terrorist chasing a Muslim woman across the stage when the main character (Bree) tells us about her holiday in the Balkans.
From the outset, it is clear that a lot of heart went into this production from every member of the group, including the voluntary technical people. Frankly, if you are a theatre goer, or even if you are not, you should go and see this production. It is a donÂ’t miss, for sure.
Referring once again to the publicity notes, the production is described as, ‘black, rich, steamy, strong, fast, sweet, creamy, yum’. I couldn’t say better - and perhaps not even as good - myself.
Elaine
Walter PlingeSun, 6 Oct 2002, 01:56 pm
Re: The World Goes Round
Thanks Elaine for that touching critique. We're so glad you enjoyed it.
Anybody else wish to comment? I hope you're coming Review Master!
Anybody else wish to comment? I hope you're coming Review Master!
BrigidaFri, 11 Oct 2002, 07:57 am
Re: The World Goes Round
There is not much I can add to the wonderful reviews already posted but I urge you all to go to see this show. Please everyone - go and support these talented young performers. It is a fantastic debut for Yellow Glass Theatre .... can't wait for the next production.....
Only two days left - tonight and tomorrow at Camelot Theatre in Mosman Park at
8 pm. Bookings on 9371 8074.
Congratulations to all involved - you should be really proud of yourselves.
Brigida
Only two days left - tonight and tomorrow at Camelot Theatre in Mosman Park at
8 pm. Bookings on 9371 8074.
Congratulations to all involved - you should be really proud of yourselves.
Brigida
Mark DesebrockFri, 11 Oct 2002, 01:25 pm
Re: The World Goes Round
Saw this show on Thursday night and had a thoroughly enjoyable time! Was EXTREMELY impressed with yellow glass theatre inc's first production - keep your eyes on this company people, they're heading for bigger and better things, I assure you!
This was such a fun show to watch! I enjoyed every second of it. The cast members were all suberb! They are all extremely talented and worked so well as a team. It was very obvious they were having a really enjoyable time on stage.
Don't think it's nessessary to single out any one in particular as they were all excellent, but Simon Holt as the musical director, was great. I have seen a couple of his shows in which he's directed and the ensemble pieces especially are always a joy to listen to!
The only disappointment was to find that there were many unsold seats! I urge everyone to go and see this show - it's only on for two more nights and they deserve all the audience members they can get - and this is a show that's worth every penny! I can not stop saying positive things about this show!
Go see it!