Dracula Triumphant Review
Thu, 6 Oct 2005, 04:24 pmWalter Plinge11 posts in thread
Dracula Triumphant Review
Thu, 6 Oct 2005, 04:24 pmThe Ocracy's latest production, Dracula Triumphant is now playing a limited season at the Theatre Royal in Sydney. Having attended opening night, I found the show to be a mixture of halves. The show is a contemporary reworking of the original Bram Stoker tale, which entwines itself with an unusual religious myth about Sebastian, the ill-fated saint. The production relies heavily on the minimilalist approach to theatre, with few props, no set changes and an odd use of the heavy stage curtain, which does little to aid in providing clarity for the audience, many of whom seemed baffled by the many twists and turns in the story. However, whilst the production values on stage are slightly questionable, there is much to be said about the majesty of composer Aaron Kernaghan's original music. Combined with powerhouse vocal performances from the four leads, the rock opera score was enormously textual, with the battle of good and evil graphically painted. Kernaghan's outstanding compositions seemed to envelop numerous themes, dancing a wonderfully exuberant dance with blinding flashes of elegant brilliance and seeming to channel influences from Meatloaf to Danny Elfman. Dracula Triumphant as a production is a night out which may leave you scratching your head about what your eyes witnessed, but leave you in no doubt about the fresh new musical talent that is Aaron Kernaghan; his music certainly the triumph in this show.
Walter PlingeThu, 6 Oct 2005, 04:24 pm
The Ocracy's latest production, Dracula Triumphant is now playing a limited season at the Theatre Royal in Sydney. Having attended opening night, I found the show to be a mixture of halves. The show is a contemporary reworking of the original Bram Stoker tale, which entwines itself with an unusual religious myth about Sebastian, the ill-fated saint. The production relies heavily on the minimilalist approach to theatre, with few props, no set changes and an odd use of the heavy stage curtain, which does little to aid in providing clarity for the audience, many of whom seemed baffled by the many twists and turns in the story. However, whilst the production values on stage are slightly questionable, there is much to be said about the majesty of composer Aaron Kernaghan's original music. Combined with powerhouse vocal performances from the four leads, the rock opera score was enormously textual, with the battle of good and evil graphically painted. Kernaghan's outstanding compositions seemed to envelop numerous themes, dancing a wonderfully exuberant dance with blinding flashes of elegant brilliance and seeming to channel influences from Meatloaf to Danny Elfman. Dracula Triumphant as a production is a night out which may leave you scratching your head about what your eyes witnessed, but leave you in no doubt about the fresh new musical talent that is Aaron Kernaghan; his music certainly the triumph in this show.
Walter PlingeSun, 9 Oct 2005, 10:53 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
You're kidding right? People were leaving in droves at half time. The music was boring, repetitive and the leads were not vocally strong at all. They were flat whenever they tried to hit any high notes.
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Oct 2005, 08:28 am
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
What can one say about this 'show'? Where to begin?....
Well lets start with music considering its advertised Rock opera title - Unfortunately this productions music is far from rock opera infact it was hard to find a melody throughout the entire train wreck. The acting was minimal and the fact that half of the audience left (most started leaving during the first act) Is a testiment to how horrid this production was. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse the second act starts... Luckily at that point everyone in the audience figures out that they all feel the same about it (Thank God for the hilarious moments in the foyer watching family and friends decide whether or not to stay) the second act starts and the brave people dont hold back the laughter mostly during inappropriate moments of 'drama' Of course this wasnt helped by they terrible horn lines and out of tune strings that made you want to hold on tight to whatever you could just to get through it. Also unbearable were the high notes far out of reach of each performer belted out oh too painfully on the ears.
Not only was Dracula Triumphant imposible to understand, never has there been a bigger waste of money. Why this was produced at the Theatre Royal is beyond me. And the only thing that comes to mind from seeing this show is what else your money could be spent on and more inportantly - what were they thinking.
Well lets start with music considering its advertised Rock opera title - Unfortunately this productions music is far from rock opera infact it was hard to find a melody throughout the entire train wreck. The acting was minimal and the fact that half of the audience left (most started leaving during the first act) Is a testiment to how horrid this production was. And just when you thought it couldn't get worse the second act starts... Luckily at that point everyone in the audience figures out that they all feel the same about it (Thank God for the hilarious moments in the foyer watching family and friends decide whether or not to stay) the second act starts and the brave people dont hold back the laughter mostly during inappropriate moments of 'drama' Of course this wasnt helped by they terrible horn lines and out of tune strings that made you want to hold on tight to whatever you could just to get through it. Also unbearable were the high notes far out of reach of each performer belted out oh too painfully on the ears.
Not only was Dracula Triumphant imposible to understand, never has there been a bigger waste of money. Why this was produced at the Theatre Royal is beyond me. And the only thing that comes to mind from seeing this show is what else your money could be spent on and more inportantly - what were they thinking.
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Oct 2005, 08:31 am
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
Surely, you are kidding us with this dribble. Who paid you to write that? It is unbelievable that you can say that there is any truimph of any sort in this show. The music was horrendous and that is being kind.
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Oct 2005, 02:53 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
Hey mate, maybe it's not your cup of tea but, the lead roles are more than professional.
Walter PlingeMon, 10 Oct 2005, 07:09 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
Totally agree with Donald. It wasn't good. We love musicals and have sat through some mediocre ones at times but never before have I wanted to leave in the middle of Act 1. I knew we were going at intermission in the first song. I did try to enjoy the rest of the act but about 2/3 of the way through I was ready to walk out.
I am sure there was a hell of a lot of work that went into this production on the part of the Director, Producer etc, not to mention the hard work of the cast......but please - we paid full price. Total shocker.
I am sure there was a hell of a lot of work that went into this production on the part of the Director, Producer etc, not to mention the hard work of the cast......but please - we paid full price. Total shocker.
Walter PlingeWed, 12 Oct 2005, 09:35 am
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
more than professional??? how do you mean...are they super professional...elite professional...a variation on the latter? prey tell, i believe its good to learn something new every day.
Patrick AbbottThu, 13 Oct 2005, 07:30 am
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
i saw the 'show' last week. i was so glad that i pcked up the story sheet before the show becuase without it i would have been completely confused as opposed to mostly. The show made no sense and the music was terrible. The actors could not hit the notes yet alone act. The tickets were rediculously over priced and the show did not deserve to be produced at a theatre as respected as the theatre royal. it was a complete waste of money and time. Overerlly homosexual acting and craps singing, acting and music saw half the audience leave at half time...i wish i had of.
Walter PlingeThu, 13 Oct 2005, 02:11 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
...so why didn't you?
Walter PlingeWed, 19 Oct 2005, 12:26 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
Somebody please satisfy my curiosity and tell me where this show was/is on!!
Stuart
Stuart
Walter PlingeWed, 19 Oct 2005, 04:28 pm
Re: Dracula Triumphant Review
It was on at the Theatre Royal, Sydney. And its already finished, bout 2 weeks ago.