"NEVERMORE" - One seriously twisted musical.

Sun, 5 May 2013, 03:36 am

Taurean9 posts in thread

PLAYLOVERS are known far and wide for delivering some of the best community musical theatre shows that Perth has seen and I am pleased to say that they have done it yet again with their current offering.

Music by Matt Conner, lyrics adapted from Poe's own writings and the book by Grace Barnes, "Nevermore" is a musical journey through the life and mind of the poet and novelist Edgar Allen Poe.

Director Jenny M. (for "macabre"?) Ferguson, previously known for her direction of "Maul of The Dead" (2011) and "Mindgames" (2012), has brought yet another Australian Premiere to Perth and added her own special brand of genius to this powerfully dark musical.

From the moment you walk into the eerily lit (Design by John Woolrych, Operation by Jamie Graham) auditorium, you are aware that this is going to be a show that will linger in your mind for some time to come.

The casts entry to the stage (costumed superbly in stylised "Steam Punk" style by Terry McAuley and ably assisted by David Young) past the backdrop of panels and furniture that are as violent as they are wonderful (Set design by Jenny with art work and decorations by herself, Jezzelle Bennett & Madeleine Brown. Built by Noel Herbert, David Hardie, David Young & Wally Fry) teases ones imagination even further into the depths of Poe's tormented mind.

Jenny has assembled an exceptional cast comprising some of Perth's most talented musical theatre vocalists.

Paul Spencer "Lead Edgar", Gemma Sharpe "Mother", Monica Brierley-Hay "Virginia", Tyla De Brett "Elmira", Tate Bennett "Young Edgar", Vivienne Glance "Muddy", Donna-Maree Gavin "Whore" and Caleb Robinson-Cook as "Dark Edgar" this amazing ensemble of voices will skillfully hold you transfixed through all the twists and turns of the tales of Edgar Allan Poe's tortured existence.

Duplicating the onstage talent in the "Orchestra Pit" are the Musical Ensemble led on piano by the productions Musical Director & Vocal Coach Joshua Webb. This exceptional group of musicians are as much a part of the show as the actors, providing the driving emotion behind the performance.

From the moment the first chord is struck to the final bow, the audience I shared the experience with last night were completely captured by the magic of this outstanding production.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best musical production to be shown in Perth this year. Forget "Jersey Boys" if you really want to have your socks rocked - come and see this show.

From the pen of Edgar himself - "Beauty of whatever kind, in it's supreme development, invariably excites the soul; to tears"

Amen to that Mr. Poe.... Amen to that!

Details of the season performance dates and bookings information can be found on the Playlovers website: http://playlovers.org.au/

Thread (9 posts)

Threaded Flat

TaureanSun, 5 May 2013, 03:36 am

Music by Matt Conner, lyrics adapted from Poe's own writings and the book by Grace Barnes, "Nevermore" is a musical journey through the life and mind of the poet and novelist Edgar Allen Poe.

Jenny has assembled an exceptional cast comprising some of Perth's most talented musical theatre vocalists.

From the moment the first chord is struck to the final bow, the audience I shared the experience with last night were completely captured by the magic of this outstanding production.

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best musical production to be shown in Perth this year. Forget "Jersey Boys" if you really want to have your socks rocked - come and see this show.

From the pen of Edgar himself - "Beauty of whatever kind, in it's supreme development, invariably excites the soul; to tears"

Amen to that Mr. Poe.... Amen to that!

Details of the season performance dates and bookings information can be found on the Playlovers website: http://playlovers.org.au/

rwhydeSat, 11 May 2013, 12:34 am

Excellent Production

Just returned from seeing Nevermore on a bleak, rainy night which suits this material down to the ground. The friends who accompanied me are Poe fans but my knowledge was limited to a childhood reading of The Murders in the Rue Morgue with its memorable solution. This is a relatively new musical and it was only on talking to cast members and the musical director afterwards that I discovered in its original form there is supposed to be only one performer playing Edgar Allan Poe. Here there are three! The transitions between Edgar (Paul Spencer), Dark Edgar (Caleb Robinson-Cook) and Young Edgar (Tate Bennett) are brilliantly done and really add to this version. The costumes are outstanding and the set quite ingenious to help mask those transitions and add to the overall atmosphere. The decision to have the musical ensemble in front of the stage in full sight of the audience was a good one and they were in fine form. There were some problems with a performer's microphone which was a minor distraction, however the cast were in fine singing voice. The songs were unfamiliar yet there were many strong numbers especially in the Second Act which felt more traditional musical theatre style. The highlight being "To My Mother" which is appropriate as Nevermore focuses on the women in Poe's life and how they shaped him as a writer. Ever present is the ghost of his Mother (Gemma Sharpe) who admonishes and cajoles Poe while his Mother-in-Law (Vivienne Glance) fears Poe will draw her daughter into his ever increasing darkness. The other three women in Poe's life are his wife Virginia (Monica Brierley-Hay); first love Elmira (Tyla De Brett); and Whore (Donna-Maree Gavin). All are clearly delineated and shine a light on different aspects of Poe's descent into his own personal darkness. During the Second Act it hit me that there is so much commentary on what it means to be a writer. "Who am I if I don't write?" Poe exclaims at one point. Exploring reality, truth and impact of allowing your demons to infest your work. The nature of writing and how it may affect those around you. Powerful and memorable. My friends remarked it did end on a downbeat note but a story about Edgar Allan Poe was never likely to have a happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend it. Richard Hyde

anothertechSun, 12 May 2013, 11:37 am

Make the effort to see this !

Terry's costumes are amazing, so much detail and they suit the dark theme of this musical. Music was very good, the strings bring a lot of feeling to this torn soul. Lighting is very atmospheric and moody. The songs are unknown but fit well with the production. I could not imagine this show without three Edgars as they confront and observe each other. The darker Edgar interchanging with the older Edgar is well choreographed using the upstage doorway. The only problem is the crackling wireless beltpacks, the sound operator needs to swap them out and check the connectors. This is a very cohesive production.

FloodySun, 12 May 2013, 12:39 pm

It got my interest in Mr Poe and his poetry

Yes, what a wonderful night of theatre at Hackett Hall! I went home and looked up the poem The Raven which was featured in this production. Would suggest to those non Poe fans going to see the show to prime yourself by reading a bit about Mr Poe and maybe a poem or two of his. I envied those who knew about Poe's poetry prior to seeing this production. Jenny Ferguson you must have had many restless nights as you prepared to put on this most challenging show? Last night I saw your choreography, the set and the way you moved your actors. It worked a treat and it was delighful to watch!

JennyFerMon, 13 May 2013, 04:00 pm

Headsets

Yes - mic packs :( There is one of the cast that has had a few problems and our Sound tech has been pulling her hair out. We had purchased all new headsets for the whole cast for this show. We have changed the mic pack on one of the cast 4 times. Changed her head set, changed channels. Taped it all up so there is no movement. I can now only put it down to she has far too much electricity in her body. Or something like that. There is something wierd gong on there. Even when we have changed her pack for one that someone else was wearing that was fine, her new pack plays up. Maybe Edgar is out there lurking, having... fun. JennyFer

LabrugMon, 13 May 2013, 04:10 pm

Maybe...

Wrapping in insulation? Bubble wrap? Minimise skin contact? Some people are more conductive than others.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

anothertechTue, 14 May 2013, 08:34 am

The problem is most likely

The problem is most likely to be the beltpack mic connector as I saw the actors moving, usually sitting down, standing up or bending, when the crackling occurred. Get someone to monitor the channel peak led indictors or videotape the desk during the show and look for the peaks afterwards. It will take a bit of work as there appeared to be several noisy beltpacks. It will happen more often with beltpacks that have the mic socket soldered onto the pcb. There is a lot of strain on connectors with musicals due to choreography. Do you have someone checking every beltpack every night when the cast put them on ? It is as important as doing a lamp check before every show. It's a really good show.

Walter PlingeTue, 14 May 2013, 08:53 am

Yes

Yes they have been checked every night. Sunday was fine. We will do a double check at rehearsal tomorrow night and add the bubble wrap. :)

Walter PlingeTue, 14 May 2013, 08:56 am

Thanks

Thanks. Yes I was exhausted. I am a bit of a workaholic but all recovered now. Cheers Jenny

← Back to Theatre Reviews