Jersey Boys, Theatre Royal
3 August 2011
I took Mum to the matinee session of Jersey Boys on a Kings Bus Trip - been years since I did a bus trip, but being a rainy overcast day was glad we did.
Brought up on Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, I was eager to see the show I first heard about in The Sopranos...almost a decade earlier!
The show was well put together and the music outstanding. I thought the story was well done, but dragged in parts. Maybe the music was so good, those in between story bits didn't stand much of a chance. I was surprised to find out that Joe Pesci had been instrumental in the groups formation and was the producer of the original Broadway show.
But, really it was the music that made this great - all those songs you knew and some you had forgotten. Highlights included the trio of back to back hits, Sherry, Big Girls Don't Cry and Walk Like a Man; the melancholy My Eyes Adored You and Dawn; the doubling of Stay and Let's Hang On; and the fabulous Bye Bye Baby (which I knew they recorded but loved the Bay City Rollers version as a kid!).
However my personal highlights were Who Loves You (which ends the show) and in my opinion, their masterpiece, Can't Take My Eyes Off You. The build up to the later was stunning and the highlight of the show, to think it was almost never released! Both were arranged perfectly with a fantastic brass section - gave you shivers down your spine and possibly a tear in your eye! And most importantly, Mum had a blast.
Rainbows End, Civic Theatre
4 August 2011
This was a brilliant play featuring Aboriginal actresses of three generations, all were outstanding. Christine Anu played the main character, living with her mother and daughter in a shanty in northern Victoria in the 1950s. The film dealt with serious issues such as literacy, housing, equality, racism and sexism, yet it was never heavy handed, you understood the situation without feeling forced. The story was infused with humour and humility, which gave greater resonance to the situation suffered by these strong, heroic women. The play was uplifting and a delight with a stand out performance by the grandmother.
Don Quixote, Civic Theatre
9 August 2011
This stunning production of Don Quixote was by The Dancers Company from The Australian Ballet. Immediately you knew this was going to be special, the dancing was simply the most impressive I have seen in a traditional ballet. The story and music were simple and haunting, they let the dancing take full centre and impress.
There was fluidity in the movement that brought a chill up my spine, I had great seats, close enough to the stage to see detail, but back enough to take in it's scope. There was a beautiful section, where the ballerinas in traditional tutus exquisitely adorned with pearls and other 'gems', and as they danced in precision, the pearls 'popped' with their movement, you could hear them softly pop, pop, pop... This was a thrilling highlight to the Inspirations subscription.
Grease, Civic Theatre
27 August 2011
As always The Metropolitan Players tackled their subject with great spirit and strong will. I found this production hit and miss. I was concerned about their choice of leads, Sandy never quite cut it and her voice was too strong for a part that required fragility and insecurity. Danny appeared weak, although he did look the part, but when he began to sing Summer Nights, he embodied the cheekiness and strength of Travolta, however he did not seem able to be consistent as the night continued, some songs were great, others weak.
The supporting case were great, with the exception of Kenickie, who gave a rather lackluster performance of Greased Lightning. The set was good and the back up great, but he was missing something, there was no spirit. In the bigger numbers I felt there needed to be a better utilisation of space, the stage seemed almost empty and whilst the set was great, again it seemed to lack something.
I sound highly critical, but I performed in this production at school, and whilst I am sure our production was nowhere near as good as this, I felt some of the things that stuck out could have been overcome. Filling the stage, some costumes, placement of dancing and chorus - these are all simple things a sharp eye should be able to resolve. Poor choices in leads and the bigger numbers lacking charisma are a shame, however smaller moments worked very well, Patti Simcox, the overachieving cheerleader was outstanding, as were Marty and Rizzo. We still had fun watching this old favourite.
Mozart and Brahms, City Hall
2 September 2011
I had never been to City Hall for an event, so I was excited to be in that beautiful old building. Sydney Symphony were superb, they began with Italian Serenade by Hugo Wolf. I had not heard of him, but he was a contemporary of Brahms, the short piece fitted in well and was a lovely start to the evening. The orchestra went into Serenade No. 2 in A, Op. 16 by Johannes Brahms. It was lovely to watch and even better to listen to, such a calming way to end the week. I closed my eyes and was transported into tranquility.
After a short intermission, we were introduced to pianist, Geoffrey Lancaster, who led Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 25 in C, K503. He played rather flamboyantly with over the top flourishes that suited the piece and amused me greatly. At the end of the first movement, no one clapped, and he turned and gestured to us to clap, he spoke and said it was ok to do so!!! This I had never encountered at any recital, and everyone laughed, he was hilarious! At the end of the second movement, we were not so slow to clap, and he turned and clapped us for clapping! He was on a roll now and we were in for a treat indeed. The orchestra, seemed amused, if not a little shocked. He was stupendous in his playing, the orchestra rose to his brilliance and a standing ovation went on until he finally left the stage.
When he returned, he practically ran out shaking an orange music book, like a little child who found the last cookie in the cookie jar! He said he felt like playing more, I cannot remember what the piece was, but it was a jaunty, cheeky piece and the orchestra sat and enjoyed his playing with the audience. He was loving every minute of it...the audience was a range of ages, but there were many children and all I could think was what a great introduction to classical music...for anyone really, but especially the children. I was transfixed and practically danced back to my car.
Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dance. Show all posts
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Untrained
Untrained was a comedy/drama/dance at the Playhouse in early June. Featuring 4 men, it was about 2 trained and extraordinary dancers training 2 ordinary blokes. The storyline was simple although some revelations about each character were found as the piece progressed. The dancing/moves were a delight with the 2 trained men really showing their flexibility and technique and the other pair trying their hardest to keep up - this created pathos and hilarity. I laughed so much I thought I would explode - we watched them mimic cats being electrified, hop hop, ballet and all sorts of genuine and nutty moves which became more complex as the piece continued. It is an odd thing to describe, avant garde I suppose, but fun nonetheless.
The Bar at Buena Vista
I saw The Buena Vista Social Club 3 times when it was released - yep, I really loved the movie. I don't know how many times I have seen it since, a lot, but not for a few years. I have all the CDs too, but never seen any of the touring shows - unsure why, but I was privileged to experience the latest incarnation on the first Wednesday in June.
I was not sure what to expect, but it exceeded my wildest imaginings. Kitty, Peter and I had fabulous seats close to the stage (but not too close!). It was an exuberant night with a quality mix of music, dancing, singing and stories. The band were tight, and the backbone to the evening, without which there would be nothing. There was a bar and I suspect most of the drinks real and ready - a lot of rum seemed to be gurgled back. Some participants sat at tables drinking and enjoying the rest of the entertainment on the stage with us in the seats. And then there were the cigars...I loathe smoking, anyone that knows me knows this, however I will admit a fetish for cigars! Whilst I have not enjoyed a cigar for many, many years I still recall that musty smell and being as close to the stage as we were, I soaked that divine smell up and was transported back to a time and place long forgotten...much like The Bar at Buena Vista itself.
Back to the singing - yes, it was marvelous. All of the original singers that starred in the movie has since passed, but the evening was not short on elderly talents. The eldest was 94 and when he shuffled out I felt a little concerned, but I should not have been, he had the richest timbre in his voice I have ever heard, he was in short amazing and even shaked it a little like Elvis! There was the 77 year old dancer - again amazing and many other singers and dancers - most ranged from young through I would imagine all decades - all had their own style and all were remarkable in talent and personality. There was an emcee that kept things rolling and he interpreted for some of the older singers and helped them tell their stories - bawdy, funny and touching stories of how music and the bar itself changed their lives. It was apparent without being told - the life in the more elderly singers and dancers showed us more than words ever would. There was a standout dancer, not as old as the singers, but I think in his 40s, and he was remarkable - he danced with such ferocity and style, it looked like he was gliding on stage - his partner was fantastic too, much younger, she looked exhausted, but he kept going and going!!
In all, this was one of those nights out that lift you out of your current state of mind (no matter how up or happy you might have been to start with) and take it to a whole other level - I floated out and wanted to dance and go to Cuba and be with these wonderful people, much like I felt all those years ago when I first saw the film. I will be back to see them when they next tour, and I suggest you do too! I defy anyone to attend The Bar at Buena Vista and not enjoy it.
I was not sure what to expect, but it exceeded my wildest imaginings. Kitty, Peter and I had fabulous seats close to the stage (but not too close!). It was an exuberant night with a quality mix of music, dancing, singing and stories. The band were tight, and the backbone to the evening, without which there would be nothing. There was a bar and I suspect most of the drinks real and ready - a lot of rum seemed to be gurgled back. Some participants sat at tables drinking and enjoying the rest of the entertainment on the stage with us in the seats. And then there were the cigars...I loathe smoking, anyone that knows me knows this, however I will admit a fetish for cigars! Whilst I have not enjoyed a cigar for many, many years I still recall that musty smell and being as close to the stage as we were, I soaked that divine smell up and was transported back to a time and place long forgotten...much like The Bar at Buena Vista itself.
Back to the singing - yes, it was marvelous. All of the original singers that starred in the movie has since passed, but the evening was not short on elderly talents. The eldest was 94 and when he shuffled out I felt a little concerned, but I should not have been, he had the richest timbre in his voice I have ever heard, he was in short amazing and even shaked it a little like Elvis! There was the 77 year old dancer - again amazing and many other singers and dancers - most ranged from young through I would imagine all decades - all had their own style and all were remarkable in talent and personality. There was an emcee that kept things rolling and he interpreted for some of the older singers and helped them tell their stories - bawdy, funny and touching stories of how music and the bar itself changed their lives. It was apparent without being told - the life in the more elderly singers and dancers showed us more than words ever would. There was a standout dancer, not as old as the singers, but I think in his 40s, and he was remarkable - he danced with such ferocity and style, it looked like he was gliding on stage - his partner was fantastic too, much younger, she looked exhausted, but he kept going and going!!
In all, this was one of those nights out that lift you out of your current state of mind (no matter how up or happy you might have been to start with) and take it to a whole other level - I floated out and wanted to dance and go to Cuba and be with these wonderful people, much like I felt all those years ago when I first saw the film. I will be back to see them when they next tour, and I suggest you do too! I defy anyone to attend The Bar at Buena Vista and not enjoy it.
Monday, December 20, 2010
2010: THE YEAR THAT WAS
2010 brought the usual array of music, theatre, film and dance. I have been rather slack in updating the blog of my attendance. Here is a quick look at the year that was.
The Man in Black : The Tex Perkins/Johnny Cash Show
This was an amazing start to the entertainment year (early in Feb at the Civic). Perkins embodied Cash as only he can. He really was born to play The Man in Black. He owned the stage and had the audience in the palm of his hand. The "Tennessee Four", his backing band and Rachel Tidd as June Carter-Cash were fabulous and a great support, but really the night belonged to Sexy Tex, raw, honest and authentic - just like the real deal!
The show incorporated a story with dialogue, that was sometimes a little clunky, however it really added to the atmosphere and the history of the evening. But, really it was about the songs. They played everything ranging from Big River, Get Rhythm, Five feet high and rising, Jackson (a personal favourite), Boy named Sue, Ring of Fire and a fabulous rendition of the Nine Inch Nail's cover, Hurt (Cash's last big 'hit'). The show ended with a rousing encore, a medley of the best songs they had played. No one wanted it to end - if it is still touring and you get a chance, 'do yourself a favour' - and check it out!
Hoodoo Gurus - West Leagues Club (May 14)
I love the Gurus, seen them probably more times than any other band, but not for a long time.
However, this was not the best of venues - not really set up correctly for a decent band to play and full of awful people - who either went to the club all the time so were like there or like the Footy anthem version of the Gurus! Yikes, made for an interesting night.
They were very good, but not great - we'll blame the venue I think!!! They played just about everything you would want them to - many tracks from Stoneage Romeos, which pleased me greatly. Was a great trip down memory lane.
Christa and Dick Hughes - Lizotte's (July 16)
This was an amazing gig - smokey, bluesy, jazzy. Dick Hughes is a reknown jazz pianist and in his 80s, his daughter Christa grew up singing with her Dad, but moved to Rock and sung with Machine Gun Fellatio and also MC'd Circus Oz for many years. This was a far more restrained (sort of) performance than these past acts. She has a sassy Bessie Smith sort of voice, which suited the jazz and blues played by her dad. They made a funny and endearing combo, his amazing playing, her wit and bravado.
Always a great night at Lizotte's, the food and company were fabulous. I was sitting back enjoying the show, sampling my yummy dessert of ice cream and sipping my wine, thinking well, life just don't get much better than this!
Inspirations 2010
Inspirations did not have the greatest of choice this year. However what we did see was of a high quality. The year began with Witches of Eastwick. This local musical was quite well presented. The actor who played the Jack Nicholson character was charismatic as you would expect. The songs and dancing were upbeat and catchy. Some of the supporting players were fabulous, but some were not, overall, it was a good, fun night.
The Age I'm in (early April) was an interesting dance/dramedy piece. A group of actors/dancers spoke about age. There was also film content shown on portable screens by the actors and they also mimed (sometimes with great humour) comments by regular people of all ages who had been interviewed on age and aging. This was amazing, different and well worth seeing.
May was Michael Gow's Toy Symphony. A play about a writer overcoming his demons, by going back through his life as a point of discovery. The main character is suffering writer's block, but much more than that as we begin to look back at his life beginning at school, where he acted out fantasies in his head to get by - these are played out beautifully, shockingly and suprisingly on the stage- adding to the pathos and overall humour. A very small cast played the myriad of characters in this play, popping up out of trap doors and unexpected places, adding to the misplacement of the main character and indeed the audience. It was quick moving, and entertaining, but could go as quickly from hilarity and slapstick to maudlin and rawness. I thoroughly enjoyed Toy Symphony.
July brought We Unfold from the Sydney Dance Company. This was a minimalistic modern dance, beautifully staged and choreographed it did feel a little bit too repetitive towards the end. The stunning music accompanying it was well worth the admission and enhanced what would have been a let down I think. It was a symphony, Oceans, by Italian composer, Ezio Bosso. The music was composed to describe the emotions and fluidity of the water and the dance choreographed to represent that. Definitely not the best I have seen from SDC, however a pleasant evening.
Metropolitan Players presented The Boy from Oz in August and whilst an amateur presentation I felt it was very good. The actor playing Peter Allen was brilliant and engaging. As was the young actor playing young Peter Allen. As always, the supporting case was so so, some great, some not so. The actress playing Peter Allen's mother a stand out. The singing and dancing were very good, but I wondered how good the professional production would have been. Highlights were Don't cry out loud, Rio, and I Still Call Australia Home - complete with a children's choir singing backing vocals - not a dry eye in the house!
A day in the life of Joe Egg (August) was an amazing play about a couple struggling to save their marriage, whilst bringing up a daughter with cerebral palsy. Funny, sad and very dramatic, this was excellent. The acting, especially that of the main male actor was superb. Certainly very intense at times, and a little drawn out in the second half, but was quite amazing.
Carl Caulfield's Shakespeare's Fools (Playhouse, September) is probably my favourite of the year. A great introduction to Shakespeare for the uninitiated and a lot of fun for the 'fans'! This was the 'story' of the comedic muses Shakespeare drew from in his comedies. Shakespeare himself, played wonderfully by Caulfield, was a character but took a backseat to his fantastic fools! There were jokes, music, and jigs - the jigs were particularly amusing and fun. Lots of toilet humour - well toilet humour from that period in time! All the acting was great and everyone had a grand time.
I thought The Wharf Review was disappointing this year, much shorter and a little short on the all rounded jokes. I thought given the year in Australian politics the team would have had a field day, but not so. However, "Julia Gillard" as Little Red Riding Hood was hilarious and it was still a great evening, just did not live up to expectations.
The final Inspiration for the year was the play 2039, another Carl Caulfield. Set in a dystopian future with levels topped by celebrity it made you think just how the next 30 years or so could pan out. It was not pretty! Told with humour and passion and with a young, talented cast, 2039 was enjoyable. The second half dragged a little, but it gave us all a lot to think about!
Melbourne 2010
I had two trips to Melbourne this year.
The first was to watch my Brother-in-law race his boat in Frankston and then my sister and I drove to St Kilda for an extended stay. During this time we attended a great F1 - even saw Simple Minds play (in the rain!). They were great as were our gorgeous boys in the fast cars! We pretty much ate our way down Fitzroy Street, Acland and the beach front. And shopped out Chapel Street. I also checked out the amazing Ron Mueck exhibit at the NGV. It was a fun, relaxing trip!
The other was in September, shorter but busier. I spent a short week looking at the city's architecture and gardens, taking lots of great photos. I also visited the ACMI for the Tim Burton exhibit, which showed memorabilia and film and drawings from his long and crazy career. Entering to the Edward Scissorhands costume and a large topiary was quite magical and I was impressed to see so much of his work on display. I really did not want to leave the exhibition, it was interactive and had lots to look at. I also visited the NGV to look at a selection of European masters that were touring, amazing but too many people shlepping through made it a bit of an icky experience. However, always great to see amazing paintings in the flesh!
I also saw the Titanic exhibition while I was there, not a huge Titanic fan, I was impressed with what they had and how it was set out, a lot to look at (mind you a lot of twised steel and broken glass and cutlery) and very interesting items. The experience was made all the more real by being given a boarding pass as you entered with the name of someone who had been on the ship - you could see what they would have experienced. I was a young lady travelling with her father on a jewellery buying expedition, first class of course. At the end of the exhibit, you could find out whether you had survived, quite a haunting thought - I did, but 'my father' did not...sad!
The Man in Black : The Tex Perkins/Johnny Cash Show
This was an amazing start to the entertainment year (early in Feb at the Civic). Perkins embodied Cash as only he can. He really was born to play The Man in Black. He owned the stage and had the audience in the palm of his hand. The "Tennessee Four", his backing band and Rachel Tidd as June Carter-Cash were fabulous and a great support, but really the night belonged to Sexy Tex, raw, honest and authentic - just like the real deal!
The show incorporated a story with dialogue, that was sometimes a little clunky, however it really added to the atmosphere and the history of the evening. But, really it was about the songs. They played everything ranging from Big River, Get Rhythm, Five feet high and rising, Jackson (a personal favourite), Boy named Sue, Ring of Fire and a fabulous rendition of the Nine Inch Nail's cover, Hurt (Cash's last big 'hit'). The show ended with a rousing encore, a medley of the best songs they had played. No one wanted it to end - if it is still touring and you get a chance, 'do yourself a favour' - and check it out!
Hoodoo Gurus - West Leagues Club (May 14)
I love the Gurus, seen them probably more times than any other band, but not for a long time.
However, this was not the best of venues - not really set up correctly for a decent band to play and full of awful people - who either went to the club all the time so were like there or like the Footy anthem version of the Gurus! Yikes, made for an interesting night.
They were very good, but not great - we'll blame the venue I think!!! They played just about everything you would want them to - many tracks from Stoneage Romeos, which pleased me greatly. Was a great trip down memory lane.
Christa and Dick Hughes - Lizotte's (July 16)
This was an amazing gig - smokey, bluesy, jazzy. Dick Hughes is a reknown jazz pianist and in his 80s, his daughter Christa grew up singing with her Dad, but moved to Rock and sung with Machine Gun Fellatio and also MC'd Circus Oz for many years. This was a far more restrained (sort of) performance than these past acts. She has a sassy Bessie Smith sort of voice, which suited the jazz and blues played by her dad. They made a funny and endearing combo, his amazing playing, her wit and bravado.
Always a great night at Lizotte's, the food and company were fabulous. I was sitting back enjoying the show, sampling my yummy dessert of ice cream and sipping my wine, thinking well, life just don't get much better than this!
Inspirations 2010
Inspirations did not have the greatest of choice this year. However what we did see was of a high quality. The year began with Witches of Eastwick. This local musical was quite well presented. The actor who played the Jack Nicholson character was charismatic as you would expect. The songs and dancing were upbeat and catchy. Some of the supporting players were fabulous, but some were not, overall, it was a good, fun night.
The Age I'm in (early April) was an interesting dance/dramedy piece. A group of actors/dancers spoke about age. There was also film content shown on portable screens by the actors and they also mimed (sometimes with great humour) comments by regular people of all ages who had been interviewed on age and aging. This was amazing, different and well worth seeing.
May was Michael Gow's Toy Symphony. A play about a writer overcoming his demons, by going back through his life as a point of discovery. The main character is suffering writer's block, but much more than that as we begin to look back at his life beginning at school, where he acted out fantasies in his head to get by - these are played out beautifully, shockingly and suprisingly on the stage- adding to the pathos and overall humour. A very small cast played the myriad of characters in this play, popping up out of trap doors and unexpected places, adding to the misplacement of the main character and indeed the audience. It was quick moving, and entertaining, but could go as quickly from hilarity and slapstick to maudlin and rawness. I thoroughly enjoyed Toy Symphony.
July brought We Unfold from the Sydney Dance Company. This was a minimalistic modern dance, beautifully staged and choreographed it did feel a little bit too repetitive towards the end. The stunning music accompanying it was well worth the admission and enhanced what would have been a let down I think. It was a symphony, Oceans, by Italian composer, Ezio Bosso. The music was composed to describe the emotions and fluidity of the water and the dance choreographed to represent that. Definitely not the best I have seen from SDC, however a pleasant evening.
Metropolitan Players presented The Boy from Oz in August and whilst an amateur presentation I felt it was very good. The actor playing Peter Allen was brilliant and engaging. As was the young actor playing young Peter Allen. As always, the supporting case was so so, some great, some not so. The actress playing Peter Allen's mother a stand out. The singing and dancing were very good, but I wondered how good the professional production would have been. Highlights were Don't cry out loud, Rio, and I Still Call Australia Home - complete with a children's choir singing backing vocals - not a dry eye in the house!
A day in the life of Joe Egg (August) was an amazing play about a couple struggling to save their marriage, whilst bringing up a daughter with cerebral palsy. Funny, sad and very dramatic, this was excellent. The acting, especially that of the main male actor was superb. Certainly very intense at times, and a little drawn out in the second half, but was quite amazing.
Carl Caulfield's Shakespeare's Fools (Playhouse, September) is probably my favourite of the year. A great introduction to Shakespeare for the uninitiated and a lot of fun for the 'fans'! This was the 'story' of the comedic muses Shakespeare drew from in his comedies. Shakespeare himself, played wonderfully by Caulfield, was a character but took a backseat to his fantastic fools! There were jokes, music, and jigs - the jigs were particularly amusing and fun. Lots of toilet humour - well toilet humour from that period in time! All the acting was great and everyone had a grand time.
I thought The Wharf Review was disappointing this year, much shorter and a little short on the all rounded jokes. I thought given the year in Australian politics the team would have had a field day, but not so. However, "Julia Gillard" as Little Red Riding Hood was hilarious and it was still a great evening, just did not live up to expectations.
The final Inspiration for the year was the play 2039, another Carl Caulfield. Set in a dystopian future with levels topped by celebrity it made you think just how the next 30 years or so could pan out. It was not pretty! Told with humour and passion and with a young, talented cast, 2039 was enjoyable. The second half dragged a little, but it gave us all a lot to think about!
Melbourne 2010
I had two trips to Melbourne this year.
The first was to watch my Brother-in-law race his boat in Frankston and then my sister and I drove to St Kilda for an extended stay. During this time we attended a great F1 - even saw Simple Minds play (in the rain!). They were great as were our gorgeous boys in the fast cars! We pretty much ate our way down Fitzroy Street, Acland and the beach front. And shopped out Chapel Street. I also checked out the amazing Ron Mueck exhibit at the NGV. It was a fun, relaxing trip!
The other was in September, shorter but busier. I spent a short week looking at the city's architecture and gardens, taking lots of great photos. I also visited the ACMI for the Tim Burton exhibit, which showed memorabilia and film and drawings from his long and crazy career. Entering to the Edward Scissorhands costume and a large topiary was quite magical and I was impressed to see so much of his work on display. I really did not want to leave the exhibition, it was interactive and had lots to look at. I also visited the NGV to look at a selection of European masters that were touring, amazing but too many people shlepping through made it a bit of an icky experience. However, always great to see amazing paintings in the flesh!
I also saw the Titanic exhibition while I was there, not a huge Titanic fan, I was impressed with what they had and how it was set out, a lot to look at (mind you a lot of twised steel and broken glass and cutlery) and very interesting items. The experience was made all the more real by being given a boarding pass as you entered with the name of someone who had been on the ship - you could see what they would have experienced. I was a young lady travelling with her father on a jewellery buying expedition, first class of course. At the end of the exhibit, you could find out whether you had survived, quite a haunting thought - I did, but 'my father' did not...sad!
Friday, July 2, 2010
2006
2006
I saw Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday 21 January. It was a fabulous production and one of the finest operas I have seen. I was impressed and Rosario Dawson (swoon) was the lead. It was a magnificient afternoon and incredibly moving, I am such a sucker for these sad operas and always shed a tear or two.
February brought Billy Connolly to town, and we had a family evening and all had a grand old time, laughing and trying not to wet ourselves. If you only see one comedian, see Billy...
Keryl and I had a sublime evening of classical music, Mozart in fact, back in April. I love hearing classical music live, watching the orchestra, seeing the musicians expressions, listening to each part and just meditating to their beauty.
May was busy with Ultra Swing and Circus Oz and as always they both delivered. Later in the month Mary, Keryl and myself saw the play, Doubt. It is a thought provoking piece, if you have seen the Meryl Streep movie you will know what I mean and the play is more subtle than the movie. Had us discussing the options for a while. The month was rounded out with the thumping groove of the reggae master, Afro Moses. Giving Bob a run for his money, this gorgeous man can not only sing fantastically, but beat the drum pretty darn hot too!
June was another busy month, with an Arabian ballet of 1001 nights - fabulous costumes, dance and hypnotic music. The following weekend was Split Enz at Sydney Entertainment Centre - their reunion tour and we had seats close to the front, we all (Karen, Mal, Amanda and myself) had smiles on our faces all night, they just kept churning it out, song after song, all having a grand time on stage. The month was rounded out by the travelling comedy festival (so so) and Merchant of Venice (Bell Shakespeare).
Porgy and Bess came to the civic in late July, an American company and stunning voices, I was in my element at this as it is one of my favourite operas. And I adore the Gershwins...I have always said if I had to pick ONE song that I could only ever listen to (and if you know me, you would know how incredibly difficult that would be) I would pick Rhapsody in Blue! So we got lots of cotton pickn' songs, It ain't necessarily so and ....Summertime....oh my!!!!
The next opera was in November and the highly anticipated Anthony Warlow/David Hobson version of Pirates of Penzance. Anthony was originally scheduled to play the pirate king years ago when he had cancer and had to pull out, so finally the time had come to revisit. He had a modern Johnny Depp/Captain Jack Sparrow twist to the king, but it worked. And Hobson was a perfect Frederick. Great, funny performances in a great, funny opera. Was a true delight!
November brought more music...U2 at the ACER arena, for a spectacular night under a November sky that threatened and at some point delivered rain. The boys were in fine form and Bono surprised us all (well ok me) by singing the Pavarotti parts of Passenger...I was beyond impressed and felt shivers up my spine. U2 always deliver and I think this was their finest concert. A few weeks later we were at the Belmont 16s to see Mondo Rock - ok not as spectacular, but still fine. Ross Wilson cut it on stage after all these years and I was excited to see James Black - my fav (after Julia - who I want to be!) from RocKwiz - up there on keyboards. You forgot how many songs you knew and it was a good night, although could have done without the middle aged boozed up bogans who seem to frequent that club.
I saw Madame Butterfly at the Sydney Opera House on Saturday 21 January. It was a fabulous production and one of the finest operas I have seen. I was impressed and Rosario Dawson (swoon) was the lead. It was a magnificient afternoon and incredibly moving, I am such a sucker for these sad operas and always shed a tear or two.
February brought Billy Connolly to town, and we had a family evening and all had a grand old time, laughing and trying not to wet ourselves. If you only see one comedian, see Billy...
Keryl and I had a sublime evening of classical music, Mozart in fact, back in April. I love hearing classical music live, watching the orchestra, seeing the musicians expressions, listening to each part and just meditating to their beauty.
May was busy with Ultra Swing and Circus Oz and as always they both delivered. Later in the month Mary, Keryl and myself saw the play, Doubt. It is a thought provoking piece, if you have seen the Meryl Streep movie you will know what I mean and the play is more subtle than the movie. Had us discussing the options for a while. The month was rounded out with the thumping groove of the reggae master, Afro Moses. Giving Bob a run for his money, this gorgeous man can not only sing fantastically, but beat the drum pretty darn hot too!
June was another busy month, with an Arabian ballet of 1001 nights - fabulous costumes, dance and hypnotic music. The following weekend was Split Enz at Sydney Entertainment Centre - their reunion tour and we had seats close to the front, we all (Karen, Mal, Amanda and myself) had smiles on our faces all night, they just kept churning it out, song after song, all having a grand time on stage. The month was rounded out by the travelling comedy festival (so so) and Merchant of Venice (Bell Shakespeare).
Porgy and Bess came to the civic in late July, an American company and stunning voices, I was in my element at this as it is one of my favourite operas. And I adore the Gershwins...I have always said if I had to pick ONE song that I could only ever listen to (and if you know me, you would know how incredibly difficult that would be) I would pick Rhapsody in Blue! So we got lots of cotton pickn' songs, It ain't necessarily so and ....Summertime....oh my!!!!
The next opera was in November and the highly anticipated Anthony Warlow/David Hobson version of Pirates of Penzance. Anthony was originally scheduled to play the pirate king years ago when he had cancer and had to pull out, so finally the time had come to revisit. He had a modern Johnny Depp/Captain Jack Sparrow twist to the king, but it worked. And Hobson was a perfect Frederick. Great, funny performances in a great, funny opera. Was a true delight!
November brought more music...U2 at the ACER arena, for a spectacular night under a November sky that threatened and at some point delivered rain. The boys were in fine form and Bono surprised us all (well ok me) by singing the Pavarotti parts of Passenger...I was beyond impressed and felt shivers up my spine. U2 always deliver and I think this was their finest concert. A few weeks later we were at the Belmont 16s to see Mondo Rock - ok not as spectacular, but still fine. Ross Wilson cut it on stage after all these years and I was excited to see James Black - my fav (after Julia - who I want to be!) from RocKwiz - up there on keyboards. You forgot how many songs you knew and it was a good night, although could have done without the middle aged boozed up bogans who seem to frequent that club.
2007
LA TRAVIATA - Saturday 3 February - Sydney Opera House
This was great, one of the better opera's I have seen, opulent staging, great music and acting. Totally enthralling.
DUNGEON BIG BAND - Sunday 18 February - Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre
The venue is incredibly ordinary, but I would not expect anything less from Council given their track record with architecture. It was the first time I had seen anything there, and the place has been open for a few years. The only good thing about it is that it is a 5 minute walk from my house. However, the Dungeon Big Band were fabulous, they had some singing but it was mostly great instrumentals, cannot remember actual songs but I recall they selected less popular ones, although most I did know. I would see the Band again in a flash, not so interested in going back to the Centre....although I did just last year and performed my singing exam in one of the back rooms.....a totally disasterous event....the less said the better.
ALCINA - Saturday 10 March - Sydney Opera House
This was not one of our better choices, who knew Handel did Opera? On paper it sounded quite amazing, a baroque opera, set on a magical island with amazing set design and dance interludes etc etc. I mean, who does not love the harpsichord...it is a beautiful instrument you just do not hear enough these days? Well, I now know why, an hour or so of harpsichord and indeed baroque is gorgeous, after that, fingernails down a chalk board and this Opera goes for over 3 hours!!!!!!! It was a looooooong afternoon.
The set was amazing, beautiful, a lot to look at, but the story was slow and dreary, the singing lovely but sleep inducing and the dance whimsical. At least in each of the breaks (there were 3!!!) we could go outside and look over the harbour and let the cool breeze wake us up. Look it was pretty and sweet, but just stretched out way too long and the music too repetitive and sleep inducing!
ULTRA SWING LOUNGE - Saturday 31 March - Civic Theatre
I have reported on Ultra Swing before and as always amazing, great music, set, singing, humour - the whole package, wish I lived in the 30s and 40s, life would have been grand!
MACBETH - Saturday 23 June - Civic Theatre
This was the worst ever Shakespeare I had seen, the few years prior to this Bell Shakespeare were irritating me, John Bell did not seem to have as much to do with the company, Anna Volska less roles and the great actors that seemed to act within the ranks were no longer in the plays. This year was always going to be a breaking point, it is just a shame it had to be Macbeth.
Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare, it was the first play I was introduced to and I fell in love...I mean, how can you not, witches and mystery, trees that walked (So Lord of the Rings), Lady Macbeth (a truly delightfully evil character with OCD nonetheless!), gorgeous Macduff, plus murder and betrayal and all the things that make Shakespeare wonderful.
So the witches emptied their plasic shopping bags of bits and pieces into a pissy looking cauldron!!! Plastic shopping bags, I nearly fell over the balcony! Yeah, we had marvellous seats upstairs, front row middle. The staging left a LOT to be desired and the acting was shocking. The sound was not great and a lot of dialogue could not be heard and then there was Lady Macbeth!!!!
One of the strongest roles for a woman and she gave the weakest, patheticist (is that a word?) interpretation I have ever seen, I was appalled. I recall Mary texting during the performance and Keryl falling asleep.
LA LA LUNA - Friday 3 August - Civic Theatre
This was one of those plays you take a bet on and in this case it paid off immensely. A one man 'silent' play about what happens when the light globe that lights the moon goes out! The moons caretaker has to resolve this problem! It had slapstick, juggling, magic, and almost circus like sensibilities. One of the most amazing things I have seen, probably ever, and the guy doing the show was magnificient, a real throw back to classic vaudeville.
WILDE TALES - Friday 10 August - Civic Theatre
This was a range of Oscar Wilde plays aimed at Children and beautifully delivered.
KING LEAR - Sunday 19 August - Playhouse
This was a local production and pretty good, some of the acting left a little to be desired, but I believe I enjoyed it more than Bell's productions!
UNDERLAND - Saturday 1 September - Civic Theatre
This remarkable Sydney Dance Company Ballet was inspired by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and featured their music. It was truly amazing, and stunning and visceral; and at less than 60 minutes, not nearly long enough. Keryl and I were transfixed and I adored how they interwoved great songs with both modern and classical moves.
SHOUT - Saturday 8 September - Griffin Duncan Theatre
This was a lot of fun, we had been lucky at work to have a preview of some of the songs prior to the show opening, so knew to expect something special. Sure, it was an amateur production, but the talent and enthusiasm certainly made up for that. The songs and costumes were magnicifient, had us all rocking in our seats!
GONDALIERS - Saturday 13 October - Sydney Opera House
Another Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan production and whilst not as slick and fabulous as Pirates of Penzance, this was still a great afternoon of Opera.
DICKENS' WOMEN - Tuesday 23 October - Civic Theatre
My goodness - this was an evening to behold!!! Miriam Margolyes and her one woman show about the women in Dickens' novels. She was breathtaking, haunting, formidable, funny, clever and purely stunning. Miriam encompassed each and every character with love and humility, bravado and amusement. She was a force to be reckoned with and it was an achievement of brilliance and I love Dickens anyway.....so I was in heaven.
CROWDED HOUSE - Monday 5 November - Sydney Entertainment Centre
This was their reunion tour, although without Paul it seemed a little wrong I must be honest. After seeing them arrive - by chance - that afternoon, we were pumped and had fabulous seats also, so close you could almost touch Neil...sigh! It was a great night and they played all their hits but some new stuff, Amanda and I loved it, but I really missed Hessie....'tis the truth!
This was great, one of the better opera's I have seen, opulent staging, great music and acting. Totally enthralling.
DUNGEON BIG BAND - Sunday 18 February - Lake Macquarie Performing Arts Centre
The venue is incredibly ordinary, but I would not expect anything less from Council given their track record with architecture. It was the first time I had seen anything there, and the place has been open for a few years. The only good thing about it is that it is a 5 minute walk from my house. However, the Dungeon Big Band were fabulous, they had some singing but it was mostly great instrumentals, cannot remember actual songs but I recall they selected less popular ones, although most I did know. I would see the Band again in a flash, not so interested in going back to the Centre....although I did just last year and performed my singing exam in one of the back rooms.....a totally disasterous event....the less said the better.
ALCINA - Saturday 10 March - Sydney Opera House
This was not one of our better choices, who knew Handel did Opera? On paper it sounded quite amazing, a baroque opera, set on a magical island with amazing set design and dance interludes etc etc. I mean, who does not love the harpsichord...it is a beautiful instrument you just do not hear enough these days? Well, I now know why, an hour or so of harpsichord and indeed baroque is gorgeous, after that, fingernails down a chalk board and this Opera goes for over 3 hours!!!!!!! It was a looooooong afternoon.
The set was amazing, beautiful, a lot to look at, but the story was slow and dreary, the singing lovely but sleep inducing and the dance whimsical. At least in each of the breaks (there were 3!!!) we could go outside and look over the harbour and let the cool breeze wake us up. Look it was pretty and sweet, but just stretched out way too long and the music too repetitive and sleep inducing!
ULTRA SWING LOUNGE - Saturday 31 March - Civic Theatre
I have reported on Ultra Swing before and as always amazing, great music, set, singing, humour - the whole package, wish I lived in the 30s and 40s, life would have been grand!
MACBETH - Saturday 23 June - Civic Theatre
This was the worst ever Shakespeare I had seen, the few years prior to this Bell Shakespeare were irritating me, John Bell did not seem to have as much to do with the company, Anna Volska less roles and the great actors that seemed to act within the ranks were no longer in the plays. This year was always going to be a breaking point, it is just a shame it had to be Macbeth.
Macbeth is my favourite Shakespeare, it was the first play I was introduced to and I fell in love...I mean, how can you not, witches and mystery, trees that walked (So Lord of the Rings), Lady Macbeth (a truly delightfully evil character with OCD nonetheless!), gorgeous Macduff, plus murder and betrayal and all the things that make Shakespeare wonderful.
So the witches emptied their plasic shopping bags of bits and pieces into a pissy looking cauldron!!! Plastic shopping bags, I nearly fell over the balcony! Yeah, we had marvellous seats upstairs, front row middle. The staging left a LOT to be desired and the acting was shocking. The sound was not great and a lot of dialogue could not be heard and then there was Lady Macbeth!!!!
One of the strongest roles for a woman and she gave the weakest, patheticist (is that a word?) interpretation I have ever seen, I was appalled. I recall Mary texting during the performance and Keryl falling asleep.
LA LA LUNA - Friday 3 August - Civic Theatre
This was one of those plays you take a bet on and in this case it paid off immensely. A one man 'silent' play about what happens when the light globe that lights the moon goes out! The moons caretaker has to resolve this problem! It had slapstick, juggling, magic, and almost circus like sensibilities. One of the most amazing things I have seen, probably ever, and the guy doing the show was magnificient, a real throw back to classic vaudeville.
WILDE TALES - Friday 10 August - Civic Theatre
This was a range of Oscar Wilde plays aimed at Children and beautifully delivered.
KING LEAR - Sunday 19 August - Playhouse
This was a local production and pretty good, some of the acting left a little to be desired, but I believe I enjoyed it more than Bell's productions!
UNDERLAND - Saturday 1 September - Civic Theatre
This remarkable Sydney Dance Company Ballet was inspired by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds and featured their music. It was truly amazing, and stunning and visceral; and at less than 60 minutes, not nearly long enough. Keryl and I were transfixed and I adored how they interwoved great songs with both modern and classical moves.
SHOUT - Saturday 8 September - Griffin Duncan Theatre
This was a lot of fun, we had been lucky at work to have a preview of some of the songs prior to the show opening, so knew to expect something special. Sure, it was an amateur production, but the talent and enthusiasm certainly made up for that. The songs and costumes were magnicifient, had us all rocking in our seats!
GONDALIERS - Saturday 13 October - Sydney Opera House
Another Opera Australia Gilbert and Sullivan production and whilst not as slick and fabulous as Pirates of Penzance, this was still a great afternoon of Opera.
DICKENS' WOMEN - Tuesday 23 October - Civic Theatre
My goodness - this was an evening to behold!!! Miriam Margolyes and her one woman show about the women in Dickens' novels. She was breathtaking, haunting, formidable, funny, clever and purely stunning. Miriam encompassed each and every character with love and humility, bravado and amusement. She was a force to be reckoned with and it was an achievement of brilliance and I love Dickens anyway.....so I was in heaven.
CROWDED HOUSE - Monday 5 November - Sydney Entertainment Centre
This was their reunion tour, although without Paul it seemed a little wrong I must be honest. After seeing them arrive - by chance - that afternoon, we were pumped and had fabulous seats also, so close you could almost touch Neil...sigh! It was a great night and they played all their hits but some new stuff, Amanda and I loved it, but I really missed Hessie....'tis the truth!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
2008
I have stashed away a whole bundle of tickets in a hard to get place, so am relying on my diaries which are not always up-to-date or readable and will attempt to do year by year with brief notes. This is more for my records than your pleasure, but will welcome any additions from those who attended programs with me, Cathy xoxo
SPICKS AND SPECKS SHOW - Tuesday 8 January, Civic Theatre
SPICKS AND SPECKS SHOW - Tuesday 8 January, Civic Theatre
This was a grave disappointment - they tried to be Rockwiz and take audience members from the Newcastle audience (you can just imagine). What works in cool Melbourne with real rock fans does not work for an ABC audience in Newcastle - it was more than embarassing. It was fun to see Myf, Adam and Alan in the flesh and it was not all bad, but the audience participation -something I have never been a fan of in any way, shape or form (I am paying YOU to entertain me, not the other way around!!!!!!) - just spoilt it. The things that make S&S are the guests they have on and the repoire between them all, not necessarily the music or the questions.
THE POLICE - Thursday 24 January, ACER Arena
This was brilliant, although I was initially worried. A huge fan back in the day I adored The Police and have all their records/tapes. Sting still sounds ok, but what about the others, can they pull it all off, especially in such a large arena. I need not have been worried. We had great seats which was pleasing and after a very bizarre support of Fergie (what the fuck??????) they came on. The feeling in the air was electric. Boom straight into Message in a bottle. What I loved the most was it was just the three of them on stage (all in their 60s), looking great and sounding fantastic!!! No extra guitars or keyboards to pad things out - not needed. The set list was beyond impressive, although I missed Canary in a coalmine. Every song a hit, every song you knew - I was on air for days after. Set list is as follows (thank god for the net!)
- Message in a bottle - fabulous
- Synchroncity II - a surprise, it had been a while and I had forgotten that song even existed, shame!
- Walking on the moon - good (overrated)
- Voices inside my head/When the world is running down - nearly crapped myself, LOVED these, sooooo fabulous
- Don't stand so close to me - reworked, ok
- Driven to tears -great
- Hole in my life - we went off, goes without saying!!!!
- Every little thing she does is magic -another overrated song, but went over well
- Wrapped around your finger - highlight of the night - HAD to be seen to be believed, Copeland recreated the percussion in this in a magical cavalcade of mastery and perfection, he lept from drumkit to percussion set like a pro and the percussion set was unlike any I had ever seen, how ONE man created that sound (EXACTLY like the record) with all those instruments without ever missing a single beat, I will never know, honestly the most amazing thing I think I have EVER seen on stage....wow!!!!!
- Can't stand losing you/Regatta de blanc - woo hoo
- Roxanne -the one song I could have done without, but was pretty good, excellent lighting used with pulsing reds
- Encore of King of Pain (glorious), So Lonely (yeahhh!!!) and Every breath you take (and amusing comments from Sting re people who STILL do not get this song and think it is a love song. tsk, tsk)
- Encore 2 of Next to you - How bloody cool to end with that, could not get it out of my head and that is a very good thing!!!!
THE CLUB - Wednesday 5 March - Civic Theatre
This was an unexpected one, as scored some freebies and it was brilliant. Love all Williamson, most especially the early stuff and had seen a local version of this many years ago, this had the old dude from Blue Heelers in it (never watched that show, not a fan of Australian 'popular' drama) and I was concerned, but he was fabulous. Worth seeing and funny how all the 'politics' in it have not changed a bit over the years.
WAITING FOR GODOT - Saturday 29 March - Playhouse
Never seen Godot and let's face it, it can be a boring play. This was a great version with fantastic and mesmerising performances, the second half still ran a little long, but all in all was excellent.
CIRCUS OZ - Saturday 19 April - Civic Theatre
My second time back in Oz and again a magnificent treat - one of Krista's (MGF) last performances as MC - she was formidable and always had me transfixed, as an MC should, not sure how they will go without her. A lot of scenes and stunts recreated from last time- but still a pleasure to watch, that feeling when your heart is in your throat is amazing, they are amazing. Love the acrobatics, especially with the musical instruments. Some new stunts and all in all a great show. I suppose the only thing was not having the feeling of seeing them for the first time (which obviously is a one time thing) - such a pleasant surprise and a wonderfully stunning feeling.
KEATING, THE MUSICAL! - Saturday 24 April - Civic Theatre
What can be said about this, that has not been said before. The most unique, amusing and fantastic thing I had seen in a long, long time. We had excellent seats, close up (3rd row I think). The music was tight, the style of song suited the theme perfectly and the lyrics hilarious and plain clever. The acting, dancing and singing note perfect. People you had forgotten about, phrases and situations brought back to the fore. Perfect as Keating was...perfect :) Serio as Hawke (and Howard) possibly better. My sides hurt, the tunes ran in my head, I just did not want it to end, BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!
THE HAPPY PRINCE - Friday 13 June - Playhouse
Was for children, but we had a blast - just the right length, beautifully staged, with performers, puppets, shadow puppets, and so forth. Just hit the right note of humour and melancholy as the book does. I really enjoyed this production.
AS YOU LIKE IT - Saturday 28 June - Civic Theatre
This was a great performance and almost sold me again on Bell Shakespeare (until this year!).
YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING - Saturday 19 July - Civic Theatre
I had been waiting in anticipation of this when I first heard it was coming to Newcastle with Robin Nevin directed by Cate Blanchet. I had read the memoir by Joan Didion when it first came out, being a fan of her writing and all. She is America's Helen Garner - honest, spare and brilliant. It is the memoir of dealing with her husband's (writer John Dunne and brother of Dominque, whom I adore and miss terribly - at least they are together now) sudden illness and subsequent death and almost simultaneously a similar situation with their daughter. Whilst it sounds a bleak and awful sumise (and at times it is) this is the most beautifully and honest written book. I was curious to see how it would translate on stage (I felt it could be done) as a one woman show. I was thrilled at how raw and honest yet so warm and appealing it was. Nevin was a tour de force, we were laughing one minute and choking back tears the next, it was never cliched or hooey, always smart and highly intelligent, the book and the woman were lovingly recreated. I have heard someone is adapting Garner's The Spare Room in a similar fashion, I hope so. Both should be read as companion pieces - masterpieces of great female literature!
STEVEN BERKOFF - Wednesday 27 August - Civic Theatre
Acclaimed British actor did 2 (or 3??) short plays in this one man show - he was convincing and held the audience in the palm of his aging hand, as you would only expect. He did deep and scary Poe, a hilarious english take on drunks and their dogs and I thought a third, but just cannot recall. Was a joy to see the master at the top of his game - amazing!
THE PRODUCERS - Friday 19 September - Civic Theatre
I love this play, I loved the movie, Mel Brooks is my hero! I have seen excerpts of the Lane/Broderick phenomonen on TV. It was on when I was in NYC in 2001, you could not get tickets for love nor money, I hung around the theatre just to soak up the fabulousness of it all. Mary and I saw the aussie production in Melbourne a year or so earlier - it was magnificent. This was not, in all honesty, it was not too bad, but against the forementioned pedigree, it never had a hope in hell. Lovely Melinda Smith the newsreader as sexy Ulla (although she did not do too bad to her credit) was never going to pull it off. If you had no knowledge of the above, you would say they did a good job and I suppose they did. I knew it was a bad move when I got the tickets, always trust your gut!!!
THE PITCH - Saturday 27 September - Civic Theatre
All I can remember is laughing a lot at this funny local play about pitching a movie idea!
THE WHITLAMS - Saturday 4 October - 16s
Have seen The Whitlams a few times before and Tim Freedman do a solo show also. They are a great band, but lets face it, it's all about Tim. The 16s is always a 'challenging' venue to go to, Bogan City I call it, lots of boozed up, ageing bogans, mostly behaving innapropriately...I digress!!!
This was a best of tour and that it was, every song you want. My favs are I Like Hamburgers and You sound like Louis Burdett. The place was rocking and jumping, had a great time. Peter and Mary attended, I believe Mary was heavily pregnant with Luke!
ULTRA SWING LOUNGE - Saturday 25 October - Civic Theatre
As always a classy event to see, but each year it seems to dip a little, nothing like the first time I saw them (that review will be coming soon so stay tuned). The big band was good, the singing and dancing good and if you had never seen them before you would be blown away. They seem to downsize ever so little each year and it needs to be a big thing - it is swing after all. The new guy was pretty good, incredibly young, but I missed the blonde guy - his humour was better than the others, and whilst his voice was certainly the weakest, his showmanship was probably the best...no mind, I will still see them every time...better than most things you see!
THE RED SHOES - Saturday 15 November - Civic Theatre
My recollection of this Ballet is very hazy, suffice to say I remember enjoying the performance of this classic ballet movie.
ROGER MOORE BOOK LAUNCH - Tuesday 18 November - Hayden Orpheum Cinemas, Cremorne
Very exciting to see 007 in the flesh in this special event which was a promotion/book signing for his memoir. He looked good for his age (late 70s I think) and was interviewed by the wonderful David Stratton. They showed Bond clips and he spoke about film, acting and all sorts of things. He was very engaging and a delight to see. It was not a long event, but really worth it to see a screen legend in the flesh.
And then there was the Hayden - I had never been there before and was instantly in love. The set of cinemas are refurbished in Art Deco style with lavish lighting and colour and curtains and so forth - to be seen. Very grand and lush - owned by none other than Mike Walsh. The main cinema has a beautiful old organ which comes up through the stage floor and is played prior to the film. The gentleman who plays it is fabulous and played a selection of Bond themes leading up to Roger arriving. Then it disappears below as he is playing and the floor goes back across the pit seemingly missing the top of head (while he is still playing) by mms. Again to be seen!
MONET EXHIBITION - Thursday 27 November - Sydney Art Gallery
This was most disappointing, the paintings were lesser paintings (and not good ones) and the other impressionists gathered in the exhibition were few and far between. Got the thing done in around 30minutes.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
DANCE: SID'S DANCING MASQUERADE
LOCATION: Civic Theatre, Newcastle
DATE: Saturday 22 August, 2009
WITH: Keryl
This was the most wonderful program from the Sydney Dance Company, a contemporary piece with mixed styles of dance. It began most dramatically with a muscular dancer in a classic suit high up on a swing above the Civic stage. He was miming to a very theatrical but jazzy song. It was lush and sexy, amusing and cheeky, contemporary yet classic and you knew immediately this was not going to be an ordinary evening of dance.
I have not attended much dance, and have a preference for classic ballet; I would find it hard to believe anyone could not have enjoyed this. The group were a range of sizes, shapes and styles, male and female; their costumes were stunning, bold colours, muted tones, very modern yet at times with a classic edge. They danced to dramatic jazz and classic style music, nothing I really knew, yet at once very familiar and listenable. The stage design was spare and the lighting just right, there was humour and pathos and loads of talent. I did not want this to end, it was perfect.
DATE: Saturday 22 August, 2009
WITH: Keryl
This was the most wonderful program from the Sydney Dance Company, a contemporary piece with mixed styles of dance. It began most dramatically with a muscular dancer in a classic suit high up on a swing above the Civic stage. He was miming to a very theatrical but jazzy song. It was lush and sexy, amusing and cheeky, contemporary yet classic and you knew immediately this was not going to be an ordinary evening of dance.
I have not attended much dance, and have a preference for classic ballet; I would find it hard to believe anyone could not have enjoyed this. The group were a range of sizes, shapes and styles, male and female; their costumes were stunning, bold colours, muted tones, very modern yet at times with a classic edge. They danced to dramatic jazz and classic style music, nothing I really knew, yet at once very familiar and listenable. The stage design was spare and the lighting just right, there was humour and pathos and loads of talent. I did not want this to end, it was perfect.
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