The Gondoliers

The Gondoliers did not start well. The director came out to tell us how wonderful the show would be, and that there would be a raffle at interval. A loose sheet in the program would be been more appropriate.

Then the overture started and some of the well-known melodies appeared to go missing. This is the first time GSOV has performed at Darebin, and it was very obvious the orchestra was amplified, something I had not observed at previous venues. Perhaps the venue demanded it, but sometimes the counter melodies overwhelmed the main tune, which was disconcerting.

The show started, and the orchestra appeared to have two speeds, too fast and too slow. There appeared to be little coordination with the stage and I was constantly on edge, expecting a disaster. The half time huddle had the desired effect, and there were no problems in the second half.

It was really a shame, as what was happening on stage was quite commendable. The sets and costumes were colourful and the performers full of energy. The chorus singing was excellent and their movement tight.

Leading this were the two Gondoliers, Michael Dimovski and Luke Belle. With youthful energy and lovely voices they moved as one and were always in the moment. Their solos at the start of the second act were highlights, and the direction for “Rising Early in the Morning” was the best I’ve seen, though sometimes words were lost when Luke turned his back to the audience.

Kristen Ryan and Erin Towns were contrasting wives, with Kristen an excitable soprano and Erin a more demure mezzo. Erin’s “When a Merry Maiden Marries” was touching.

Phil Elphinstone made the usually enigmatic Don Alhambra into a Mephistophelian character, which was much more edgy, and worked well. He also has an impressive voice, but sometimes there was too much light and shade in his singing and diction was lost in soft parts. I was disappointed that he didn’t have any henchmen and had to manhandle Inez on stage for the finale.

Renn Wortley was a doddering Duke and a good contrast to the fiery Jenny Wakefield as the Duchess, superb as ever. Kimberley Colman sang beautifully as Casilda and worked well with Izaak Lea as Luiz.

With a number of dancers in the ensemble, extra music was created in the Cachucha, allowing for some slow ballet, a couple of key changes, and then a return to the main theme. The dancing was generally strong.

Once a few glitches are fixed, this will be a very enjoyable production.

Graham Ford

Photographer: Robin Halls