CHESS

I'd just like to thank Jason for his 'oh so helpful' comments on the show. One thing I cant understand is why its still being talked about when it closed nearly a month ago already.

But there were just a few things that were said that have bothered me a little. Im not gonna sit here and talk the show up, because when I was first given the score I thought it sounded kinda lame (I was in the orchestra), but if you listen to the show musically, its got some great stuff and afterall, this was its purpose was it not? I dont understand why such a fuss was made when some of the characters werent running around the stage dancing their feet off, but Jason, you say you'd prefer to see it done in a recital style - I might only be a musican that has to put on recitals quite alot, but doesnt that mean just standing there presenting the music???

Yes, there were faults in Andy's singing, but for a guy that took on extra teachers for the role to bring his voice from a bass to a high tenor I think he did a pretty fantastic job and if you're gonna make a mistake, make it big! I can tell you there were plenty made by all, actors, orchestra and techies alike. I dont get how anyone would think Christina was singing to her pet dog in the Mountain Duet, when Nick was standing right infront of her playing with her hair and singing back to her, but who knows, maybe where some people come from they sing lovely duets with their animals (I thought that sort of thing was illegal thats all). I've also seen many 'professional' shows that didnt come off perfectly that I've still loved, mistakes dont make a show a disaster. Last time I checked, a split note didnt mean you're life was over.

And as for people being too good for WAAPA haha that makes me laugh, I think thats the first time I've ever heard anyone say that they were too good for an academy or a role in a musical so they had to turn it down!! Must be tough being that good. Its nice to see that you can use all ur talent reviewing kids less great than you on a theatre forum. Way to go!! Also, last time I checked the academy didnt get its name as the greatest in this country for Musical Theatre by putting on shows that people know and love. I can garantee that this is not what the MTs are striving to do, nor what the lecturers are teaching them. If thats what you want I suggest you stick to community theatre or go to the video shop - its usually cheaper than a ticket ;-)

Im all for people having their opinion, and I think that performers can only get stronger by recieving criticism whether its constructive or not, but when all you can do is pick at people on stage and off that know what they're doing and obviously havent been picked for a role because they're a big name star and are graduating at the end of the year then clearly you havent done your research (peoples name's were not even known) and you cant possibly make accurate judgement, well informed judgement. I've had feedback from some of the lecturers that were involved in this production and some of the audience members and have heard nothing but positives. Many saying it came off better then expected.

All I can think of is that you've come to a 'bad' night, in a not much better mood. Or maybe its just the green-eyed monster coming out to say hello.

For those of you that liked it, Im glad you did, cause we all had a good time putting it on. For those of you that didnt, maybe next time you come, if you plan to, the next show will be up to your standard....

I just feel sorry for those unhappy few that you may have let your egos get in the way of seeing the best new talent in Oz for possibly the last time all together, afterall, they all got in for a reason right?

Or maybe this is just my opinion, and WAAPA works this way to make all their students look ridiculous - maybe its all part of a master plan....

Have fun kids xx