Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace
Manilla Street Productions. Creator / Director: Karen Jemison. Musical Director: Luke Hunter. Choreographers: Jeanne Sorich/Lucinda Williams. National Theatre, St Kilda. February 9 - 11, 2018.

Sometimes it pays to read the fine print. Three music theatre stars and a large ensemble. Should be a great night.

It was a calisthenics concert! Not my main line of expertise.

It was amazing!

This was no junior calisthenics concert. All the performers were adults who had been practising their craft for more than a decade, and it showed! All of them could stand on one leg with the other pointing towards the ceiling; they could walk across stage on their hands, and all in perfect sync. They were beautiful, strong, flexible and they all had rhythm. Their skills with rods, clubs and balletic movements were impressive.

Of course the costumes were spectacular, an essential for a calisthenics concert. Fortunately they had guest artists to allow for time to change.

Thomas McGuane had the enviable task of being the token male surrounded by a bevy of beautiful women. His natural tenor was a delight and his easy manner and good looks were an asset. Samantha Morley and Taneel Van Zyl were the other guests, both singing up a storm.

These guests were not just tacked on to fill out the program, but an integral part of the show. They all moved well and joined in some of the choreography. When singing together they often sang in harmony. Sometimes they were accompanied by a trio of singers from among the dancers, sometimes other members of the cast would be dancing.

Two highlights for me were the “Cell Block Tango” and “Mein Herr”, the latter with Morley taking the lead, and she was one of the soloists in the former. All the singers were strong.

The band played well, the sound system was effective and the lighting spectacular. There were no gaps in the program with one item slotting into place as the applause from the previous number died down.

Next time I might read the fine print, but on this occasion, I’m so glad I didn’t.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Jodie Hutchinson

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.