OLIIVER @ IPAC

How do you ruin a classic well known musical? Give the rights to The Occracy! OK. Well, as you were warned before, Aaron & David are BACK with a new musical...OLIVER! Yes. There was nudity (well, almost) Yes. These was a mentally deficiant person in it (acting as one). Yes, it was shite! There were 3 things that were good in the show 1) Kate Walsh as Nancy 2) Interval 3) THE END Seriously don't waste your money...I'd would of rather poked my eyes with the knife the little kid was playing with on stage that see that crap again! The other good thing was dodger in the bath....he was young (17-18) but it took away from the appauling piece of theatre I was witnessing!!!! Anyone else have any thoughts???

I too saw last night's performance of Oliver and found it to be severely deficient in so many areas. Firstly, the production intensly lacked direction on Mr. Kernagahn's part. I often felt sorry for the cast members, particular the boy playing Oliver, not out of empathy for the character, but rather for complete lack of direction. During his first number some fifteen minutes into the show (the first time an audience member applauded), the boy had little to do but stand sing the song downstage centre, with one singular hand gesture at the climax (apparently only signified by the movement itself). At other times, I wondered whether the direction was intentionally misleading, such as a chorus member throwing metallic-looking confetti over the group. Another example was the three 'backup singers' who appeared in black, miming singing, pretending to have earpieces in. Overall the show was lacking consideration for the audience. At times I had no idea what was going on because the blocking was so terrible that it blocked the action. I missed the shooting of Bill Sykes entirely, and any dialogue or song lyrics delivered side stage were completely lost. Instead of using live musicians, backing tracks were used. In a city full of talented musicians, there seemed little use for backing tracks. Unless the tracks are incredibly realistic, or achieve some artistic effect unavailable through the use of live musicians, there seems little excuse. In this production, the backing tracks were of sub-poor standard, sounding like the MIDI files downloaded from the internet had been rendered on a Casio keyboard. The music was lifeless, arrangements inconsistent (often with a very annoying melody guide track still plonked out), and too often the tempi were far too slow. The actors were clearly struggling with the timings, and I have no reason to believe that a single person on a piano would not have been infinitely more pleasing to the audience. Perhaps Aaron had difficulty finding one willing to play for him. While the cast were performing to the best of their ability, many of them needed more (any?) guidance in their performance, which ranged from sensitive and convincing (Oliver, Nancy and Fagin), to over-the-top and offensive. Finally, and most importantly, I feel the original source material was treated with little respect. Changes to the script were damaging to the performance, and overall the show's material did not receive the attention it deserved by the creative team. Having worked with Aaron previously, and having been an audience member on several occassions, I am disappointed productions of this quality are continuing to happen from this team. Not only is it disrespectful to the actors and other people involved, it is distressing to the audience, and has the potential to do serious damage to the reputation of local theatre.

Amen to that Tyson, I fully agree with your statement, although the show was a good night's entertainment. I had the good fortune of laughing from start to finish, however I don't think this is what the directors intended. I'm quite saddened by the way people who will not read this site, the general public, may not fully understand how much this show could move them if it was directed differently. These people will also probably assume that this was a quality production as it was in the IPAC. Theatre is in quite a sad state locally if this show outsells theatre of a much higher calibre being produced in local community venues. I also don't understand why they attempted so hard to make it seem like "The Ocracy Orchestra" was live in the venue, or even recorded using acoustic instruments. From the blantantly misleading photograph in the program down to the very original track of two keyboards "tuning up" which put me on edge before the performance, the obvious lack of any of the instruments present in the program was a total embarrassment, the IPAC staff should be ashamed to let such things happen in their venue. On that note as well, any performer singing to such a metronome karaoke backing track has little or no chance to put the expression required for such a show into their singing. The very talented actor Kate Walsh suffered for the track, and as Tyson said, a piano would have been infinitely better than what was pumping through the speakers. The cast themselves tried their hardest with the direction given, and it was obvious that they were into their performances. A committed effort was given by all, especially the kids who sang and acted their hearts out, even if they did have bottles of alcohol in thier hands at the time. In summing up it is a shame the ever egotistical directors of this show did not leave it alone, because with a slightly higher budget or time allowance for set and props, perhaps a live orchestra or piano, and maybe, just maybe with the original script, this production could well be fit for public consumption. Hopefully The Ocracy can learn from their mistakes before they produce the "major" musical theatre production of spring 2006.

Ok, I was trying to hold back on with what i said. But after reading Tyson's fab review.... The show was....terrible! from start to end. the chorus were talking to audience members from under the curtain, the dancing looked like the it was choreographed by the 3 'infants' in the cast and not a well known performer in Wollongong (who is meant to be doing a few more this year), Dodger was obviously given direction by Mr. Morris, because who he acted on stage is how David acts in everyday life! Like Tyson said, the lack of diection and blocking...Jesus Christ! In some scenes there was sooooo many different things going on at the same time it was hard to know what the director wanted you to concentrate on. I saw Romeo & Juliet and was disturbed, obviously I'm no tthe only one who was seeing as the show had it's own resident psychologist! Costumes....they were out of date, too modern, too tight, too low, and anyone that is costuming this show....orphans didn't wear pink plaid vests, shoes with fake flowers on them, stain, velvet or velour. Lime green, blue, ck's underwear wasn't invented then either....keep that in mind! The musical sounded like a bad polyphonic ringtone with vocals....they would've got away with thevocals except no one was singing when the vocals were being played!!! One more thing, Aaron & David, if you're reading this, nudity & semi nudity doesn't have to be in every show you put on....I'd hate to see that kind of nudity you'd put in your 2007 production of Cats! I don't wanna waste my money again, but I'll be lining up to see Cats.....just for a good ol' fashioned laugh! To any cast and crew reading this. I'm sorry you've had to deal with the lack of professionalism & experience that you did deal with! Next time save your selves the humiliation of it all and do a show with The Roo Theatre or The Arcadians Theatre Company!

Penguin87 raises some very true points. Well done to the cast for displaying true professionalism. Everyone on stage was absolutely dedicated to their performance, and they deserve the respect they offered the audience. Two notes to the previous posters personally: toxicboy: My mind is reeling over the connotations of Cats! Penguin87: I always appreciate a good pun.

to start with realy guys did you expect anything better from this company. i am saddend to think performers out there may be turned off theatre compleatly by the experience of working with the Ocracy, and even more distressed that audiences who do not see much theatre are judging theatre in the Illawarra by this standard, remember we gave the world Anthony Warlow, Richard Tognetti and Scott Radburn, not to mention many other talented performers. the only saving grace is that these shows are at the ipac and not the smaller venues, the message is clear if its at the ipac stay away from it and spend your theatre dollar at an independant community venue, at least your money is going to people who give a dam about more than stroking each others ego and showing off their latent homo-erotic fantasies. the dodger in the bath, i cant think of any reason for it except to see the dodgers todger. for gods sake someone stop them before its to late for us all.

Nemesis, you're very right! The Illawarra has turned some very well known musicals performers and actors. Another thing I thought of is, isn't it illegal to only have 1 child playing such a large role like Oliver, and Bette for that matter?? i thuought that Aaron, working in the legal profession would of known that...maybe not??

I actually feel ashamed that I spent money on this production. Having been involved in theatre for over 20 years, I have come to know that if you are unable to cast a show properly or get an orchestra it is in your best interest to cancel. Pity Aaron and David didn't have the same idea. Knowing some of the performers onstage , it was disappointing to see people who are capable actors being put through this torture and made too look so inexperienced and basically bad!. Please people stop this before it gets out of hand, copy these reviews and pass them on to everyone you know, make sure everyone knows the names Kernagahn, Morris and Ocracy for all the wrong reasons!!!!! To the guys , if you are reading this good luck in getting a cast for anything ever again!!!

guys dont assume all of the audience will tar the rest of us with the same brus, we just have to make sure our work is of a better standard to compensate for others mistakes, and dont blame the IPAC its a business and a great venue im personally gratefull its taking the bookings for a show like this and all the drama/dance school performances and keeping them out of the independant venues. look on the positive side of things 1. were not involved. 2. its not our fault. 3. he wont be round long if he keeps this up. 4. it makes us look good. and its the ocracy what did you expect from them. it is a pity some will be turned off but if they realy love the theatre they will be back.

Glad to see the reviews are just as good as the Dracular ones!

After hearing comments from people who have been to see the show and reading the posts on here. I've heard all I need to hear. The Show is obviuosly crap! But some have told me it was $20 well spent, it's cheaper then the 'Comedy Road Show' and you get the same amount of laughs. Shame on O'Cracy for distroying a masterpiece, I saw St. Joseph's perform in last year, which I've been told CRAPS all over O'cracy's!

it was the same choreographer in both. Probably the same choreography.... It is a shame the murdered a masterpiece....yet even with all these hockng reviews they continue to put shows on. the momeny was well spent for me but only because i have never laughed so much at a musical that's pretty sad. DON'T SEE IT

Are they touring in WA? It sounds so bad, I wouldn't mind seeing it.

Just who are the Ocracy, and what have they done to generate such a lot of hate mail?

the ocracy is one name for a company, that a wollongong "director" started with the apparent desire to do his own thing to other more noteable peoples work, their productions are usually well know works that they have changed and re-done to the point where the original intention of the writers is unrecognisable. people turn up in various states of undress (usually cute boys)for no apparent reason and lines get added to change the meaning of the work. for instance herod is cast as a woman, jesus gets electricuted or the artful dodger is taking a bath. as a company they almost show contempt for the original work and their audience. their egos are so large they fail to see how dreadful the productions are and appear to not care that they are the laughing stock of theatre in the illawarra. unfortunately their behaviour is now turning audiences away from decent productions and musical theatre which is thriving everywhere else, is dying a slow and painful death by association here in wollongong. the problem with all this is audiences now turn up to see how bad the latest show is and therefore provide them with the funds to mount the next production. as the third production of JC Superstar from this director has been announced we can only wait to see what atack they will mount on this great show, perhaps a Davinci code influenced production with jesus and mary humping on the table during the last supper, while the apostles cheer from the sidelines. dont laugh hes probably thinking of it. as copywrite forbids the changeing of a script i cant imagine why they are permitted to continue re-writing the work of others, perhaps its time the royalties holders were informed about whjat is happening here. someone has to stop them before its to late.

Your remark about copyright is correct and it is not only a breach of copyright it is remarkably disrespectful of the original work to make some of the changes you mention. Perhaps you should advise the copyright holders.

Logos wrote: > Your remark about copyright is correct I'd be curious to hear a view from one of the resident lawyers; Leah, Tony, Craig...? IANAL but I think you'l find that casting a woman as Judas or having Dodger sing in the bath is not actually infringing copyright. Copyright describes ownership and rights that flow from that. Thereafter it's up to the copyright owner or their agent to stipulate what conditions apply in a license or contract to use the material. These requirements usually include an awful lot that has nothing to do with copyright but everything to do with the copyright owner exercising their right to dictate the terms under which their work is used. > it is not only > a breach of copyright it is remarkably disrespectful of > the original work to make some of the changes you mention. It's often hard to judge this out of context. But I have to admit, it doesn't sound wonderful. Cheers Grant

I wasn't refering to casting women in male roles or even putting possibly inapproriate bath scenes into shows as breaching copyright. These are artistic decisions even if they may be weird. Changing dialogue extensively so that it changes the meaning or alters the stance of the piece should be a breach of copyright even if it isn't and I think it is. I agree I possibly went off half cocked but as a writer myself I tend to react rather negatively when I hear this stuff. Sorry

You have every right to react negatively to people who assume that simply because they have "bought the rights" to a play that that gives them the right to change dialogue, intention, whole scenes and characters etc. I really think that the whole area of copyright needs to be made far more clear to community theatre groups, schools and the like. Paying money for the rights to a play allows you to perform the play that script.If you wish to alter a scene , a character , you need the permission of the playwright. I remember clearly going to see a play written by a friend of mine at a school , only to find that the entire meaning of the play had been changed, scenes had been rewritten, characters had been changed and the entire show was nothing like the original. I then listened with great interest to the student director who said at the end of the performance " when I was given this play by my teacher, it was boring, so I rewrote it". Thankfully I didn't take the playwright with me to see it. Teachers, theatre groups, directors etc should be made very aware of what they are allowed to do and should never forget that what they are showing an audience has a playwrights name on it and that playwright had the right to have his/her work shown in the way he /she wants it to be. Kerri

Kerri wrote: > I remember clearly going to see a play written by a friend > of mine at a school , only to find that the entire meaning > of the play had been changed, scenes had been rewritten, > characters had been changed and the entire show was nothing > like the original. I swear I must have been to see the same show Kerri is referring to - or at least I've been to quite a number very like it. :-\ A license to perform most certainly is not a license to rewrite. > I really think that the whole area of copyright needs to > be made far more clear to community theatre groups, > schools and the like. I think it is important to make the distinction here between copyright law and a license to perform. This is an important distinction. If it were against copyright law to make these sorts of changes then it wouldn't matter what the playwright said, you'd be breaking the law to alter the text. But, as Kerri suggests, under contractual arrangements with the playwright or their agent it may well be permissible to make changes. While too, too many playwrights (and audiences) have had the horror experience of finding scripts re-worked without permission and often very poorly, it is important to acknowledge that with prior, written permission it may not only be possible but highly advantageous and appropriate to produce modified versions of an original script to fit particular circumstances. We're all familiar with examples where scripts have made the transition from stage to screen and there are a number of companies that have very successfully made the transition in the opposite direction - with written permission. The final word rests with the copyright owner. If they don't approve of the suggested changes, don't do the play. Cheers Grant

I would draw your attention to the full range of productions presented at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre under its entrepreneurial banner of the Merrigong Theatre Company. [weblink:http://merrigong.com.au/].This includes Sydney Theatre Company, Australian Ballet, Oz Opera and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra with iconic Autralian performers such as Jackie Weaver, Barry Otto and Renee Geyer in the last three years alone. Professional performers such as Carl Barron, Arj Barker, David Helfgott, Slava Grigoryan and the Goodies have been presented successfully by independent producers at the venue. The venue as part of its charter is also available for hire by local community groups and has acted as a venue for hire for a host of productions of widely differing styles and quality from Eisteddfods to full scale musicals. I think the rashness of the statement "if its at the ipac stay away from it" indicates a particlularly narrow and uninformed view of the nature and function of regional performing arts centres in Australia today.

hi im travis, im a dancer and im new to the theatre world. just in relation to what has been said, what do you think of Emilia Shelton? i didnt see Oliver but i have seen some of her other work and i thought she did a great job! her Chorey was great she just needed good dancers to do her work justice!when 'nastyboi'said "it looked like it was choreographed by the 3 infants in the show" what do you mean? was she told to do that or was it the people she was working with? i'd like to meet her to ask her about it.. anyone know her? trav

Boring cretinous people who are absolute fuckwits. Amateur cunting cunts fuck off and die.

Yes i know her. I have worked with her on a few projects and she has let me down numerous times! I love her to death, but as a choreographer she hasn't got the experience, training or knowledge needed to choreograph musicals

Really? thats so wierd!i went and talked to some poeple about her and heard nothing but professional and positive comments!well i guess its different with everyone. this has made me so intrigued to meet her, thanks for your comments! trav

Well, I dunno who you have been talking to? And,to set things straight, this IS NOT TROY LESTER! I'm a friend of his, and it's not him! why would he so stupid to post things on here about a fellow choreograper?! So to the person who has "figured" out who this is, you are way off track! Like I said before, with a little more experience, knowledge, training & if she was a little more mature about things, and choreographed within her limits of who she has to work with, she could be very good. she is a great dnacer herself, and from wat I know, she is doing very well @ Brent St....which will give her al the above stuff I mentioned! Emilia, if you do happen to read this, It's not Troy! I kow you're doing the choreography for Superstar & Cats, think & plan your chorey after you have seen what & who you have to work with! Good Luck! NB

Ok, hello to everyone! This is Troy! Yes, I saw Oliver, and wasn't impressed with it. But, that's my opinion! I didn't think that Emi's chorey was that fantastic, but you can only do the best you can do with the cast you are given & the direction from the director....I am also freinds with Dave Morris. And, although I don't always agree with the choices he has made within the shows he & Aaron have decided on, I give them snaps for putting it out there! that's my say, and yeah. so, to whoever went & told Emi that you figured out who Nastyboi was, YOU'RE A FOOL!!!!!! And grow up!

And Travis.....tell us about yourself.....We always welcome new dancers into musicals...especially males....are u really male?

I saw it, i thought it was a fun night. Like Oliiver should be.

I agree that it was great fun.

I heard about this little group of people on this site and here you all are having a bitch session just like you are rumoured to be. Wowzers Weird how some of you criticise the show for having a bath in it which the script has by the way - I know, I've done the show myself a couple of times in Ballarat - and its in the movie if you'd cared to watch. Even weirder - I heard that at the same time you criticise it, one of you sent a text messages to people saying how much you liked the bath scene. I thought it was hilarious - dodger thinking he;s all king tut, with his riches and enjoying a fine bath, surrounded by his grog! funny funny dickens. I saw the show like the walter plunge dude (is that a fake name? he writes a lot on this site) and like Matthew (due is that you man?) and I knew someone in the cast who absolutely loved working on it all with The 'Ocracy (theyve gone back for more on Superstar). I loved watching it. It was moody and dark. I liked that Aaron gave Kate (Nancy - sorry I forget her last name) a strong end not just killed her off, but give her the last word which is different daring yes, trying for something new, the movie - no. But I didn't go to see a movie - if I wanted that I would have went and watched the Arcos put up some dated camp shit on like they always do. Wake up you moaners! And if steen is the same guy who staged Macbeth and romeo and Juliet at IPAC with countless nude partial/full scenes that did nothing but turn stomachs well talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Wish you'd all just get along instead of being so nasty. Nothing wrong with not liking something, that happens. But venom doesn't suit community theatre and it aint how you write a critique.

I'm new in Wollongong and would love to work on Jesus Christ Superstar. Are they still auditioning? Does anyone know how to get in touch with somebody from the Ocaracy? I'd even do backstage stuff as this is my fav musical ever. Thanks in advance for your help.

I played Dodger in Wagga and I had to do a bath scene. Was quite fun actually.

Hi Mr. MA, welcome to the 'Gong. JCS has already auditioned but I know they are looking for help, my sister's in it. She doesn't want to post a phone # on here, but said you should email them on their www.ocracy.com website or at www.myspace.com/ocracy and someone will get back to you. They had a rehearsal the other day where friends were invited and I could have sworn there were guys from Inxs there. They're old, but still cute.

Thanks for that Angel. I will contact them and see if they can get me involved some way. I can't wait to see how they do the show. That's one thing I love about JC, is that I've never sen it done the same way twice. It's always like seeing a new story being told with each new production. OMG, they're doing Cats too!!! I came to Wollongong at the right time. I have to get involved!! What a beautiful day!! My 2 favs!! Please Please Ocaracy let me be a part of it. I hope they read these message boards. Aah!!!!! Have to go, have to send off emails now!! AAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Settle down there pussy cat! One step at a time. I sometimes find it hard to follow one theatre company's work. I've ben let down in the past. Oliver was the first ocracy production I saw, and I loved it. There were a couple things that bugged me, but I don't htink I've ever seen a show where something hasn't bugged me. I'm a perfectionist when it comes to theatre and have my own visions of things. I have to admit that I am actually excited about seeing Jesus Christ, as it is one of my favourites as well. I've already seen the posters for the show hanging up and at first I thought it was a professional production. They look great, I wonder where they got them done. But if they're spending money like this now, imagine what the show will be like. I think I'll stop there before I too become a bit like excitable Mr. MA.