WE WILL ROCK YOU
Sun, 2 Sept 2007, 11:59 amjeffhansen33 posts in thread
WE WILL ROCK YOU
Sun, 2 Sept 2007, 11:59 amKwinana Arts Centre 1/9/07
The time is the future. Live music has been banned. Globalsoft Computers generate all authorised music and dance steps to go with them....
Actually, go here for the synopsis..
http://www.theatre.asn.au/billboard_bulletins/we_will_rock_you_opens_this_week_end
No need for me to go through all that.
A disclaimer before I start - My brother Scott is in the show.
Firstly, it was a very enjoyable evening of escapism and a "Best of Queen" soundtrack.
The band were excellent, and considering they worked from a Piano/Vocal score, with no instrument scoring, a very creditable performance.
Congrats to the production team for what was a well put together show. A huge cast like that, multi venue performances - it must be a nightmare.
Chorus were excellent. It was great to see the chorus members as individual characters, which they are able to carry throught the performance. I wonder what Russell Baxters reaction was when he saw his Madonna costume? Also liked Monique Ashby as Charlotte 'Friggin' Church, and Cail Bennetts Cliff Richard - "Don't worry about Cliff. He's indestructible".
Great work from the chorus, both dramatically and vocally.
A show like this stands or falls on the strength of it's leads.
Jason Arrow as Gallileo was fantastic - great voice and could have carried the show on his own.
Ali Hill showed off her vocal talent as Meat - a much different character from when I last saw her as Sandy in Grease.
Scott Hansen as Pop was channeling Neil from 'The Young Ones' all night. A fun role which the audience appreciated.
Sky Ogier as Scaramouche ia a great actor, has a strong voice, but did struggle with her upper register and was not always on key.
I felt the other leads struggled vocally, and this did detract from an otherwise enjoyable evening.
One more thing - MICROPHONES MICROPHONES MICROPHONES!!!! AAARRRGGGHHH!
Mics not working, interference, actors having to use handhelds because their mics failed during the perfomance,
It really detracted from the whole show. It must be soul destroying to put in all that work, and have it go up in smoke because of technical hitches.
All in all, fifteen dollars well spent (and no booking agency fee!!)
It's on next weekend in Mandurah.
Yes it rocked me!
Wed, 12 Sept 2007, 10:18 amHere it is, 5 days after seeing Mandurah Little Theatre's production of WE WILL ROCK YOU and I am searching for downloads (legal of course!!!) of Queen's music and reliving the show in my mind! As an avid theatre goer, performer and aspiring drama teacher the production had all the things that make me shiver - talented young people loving being up on stage (my passion for the future);dedication and raw energy!
Due to family links with a certain casti member (of whom I'm very proud of!!! You CAN do the fandango sister!!! ahh thats my subtle disclaimer too) I had the privilege of seeing the show twice on Saturday - the matinee and night show. I left enthused after the matinee and pretty impressed with most of the casti. But Saturday night ROCKED!
Karen Francis would have loved to watch just how much the audiencei adored her casti and her vision but she's humble and allows her casti to recieve all the adoration. Here's some for you now. This has not been the easiest of journeys but wow what a destination! I hope that Mandurah Performing Arts Centre now has the vision to involve you in their inhouse productions. Your attention to the smallest of details shines through. Your ability to casti is inspirational and the results you create and mould are memorable. Each of your shows are displaying a development that Mandurah is so lucky to have.
Jason Arrow (Galileo) - a perfect name, as this boy is shooting for the stars and will reach them with the power of a flaming arrow! Sorry to be corny! He "has it all" talent, looks and an onstage presence that makes the audiencei drool - from 8 year olds to 88 year olds. Your delivery of Ben Elton's fabulous script was brave and it worked! Your voice flexible and so right for the part. Have you thought of auditioning for "RENT"?
Sky Ogier (Scaramouche) - to watch your journey has been amazing- your guts and passion is tangible. So proud of you - a very worthy lead role. Your characterisation of Scaramouche was hilarious and strong, your voice gutsy. Loved your costumes too!
Ali Hill (Meat) & Shem Le Scelle (Britney) were the perfect couple - so believable and lovable. Ali your voice is crystal clear and your character adorable. Shem the difference between the matinee performance and the night was amazing - you showed just how much talent you have in there in the final performance. Keep that consistency because you are a strong presence on stage and will be remembered well if you maintain it. Scott Hansen (Pop) can't be forgotten either- loved your characterisation which knitted the show together.
A quick congratulations must be made to Cail Bennet (Cliff Richard) for his characterisation after the Bohos were "zapped", fabulous intensity which you maintained throughout the rest of the show. That is hard going!
For any other company that is thinking of applying for WWRU and can get onto the extremely long waiting list of proposed productions - this show is a must if you have a large group of passionate young performers. The dialogue is clever and appeals to a wide audiencei - the music goes without need of explanation as simply sensational. MTC's seti (very reminiscent of Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" seti) proved that it can be done with simplicity and ingenuity. This show is written to embrace a whole new generation of theatre lovers and to remind present adorers just what we want to see!!
Congratulations Mandurah Little Theatre - you battled through the usual microphone issues of MPAC with grace. I have never seen an MPAC audiencei so impassioned, invigorated and refreshed by such a display of local talent and passion. Congrats to you all!
Rebekah Ozanne