Oliver!
Since the demise of Whitehorse, Babirra Music Theatre seems to have moved up a gear to seriously challenge as one of the best amateur companies in Melbourne. Everything about this production showed class.
Particularly impressive were the abstract sets. The flies were rarely used as these large structures were spun around to reveal another side, the action continuing as the sets moved around it. The lighting was constantly enhancing the production.
Shows like this are often let down by the sound. Not this time. Every word could be heard and it came as a surprise when the operators were late turning on a couple of mikes and the tenor line drowned the melody in one chorus.
I have seen many good Nancys but I don’t recall seeing one as strong as Rosa McCarty. She lived the role and her voice was amazing. Peter Roberts was very good as Fagin, but I didn’t get the anticipated sliminess of the role. He some very funny moments and his timing was superb.
Jordie Race-Coldrey was an excellent Oliver and Ryland Lack-Powell an energetic Dodger. Matt Hillman was a scary Bill Sykes. Both of them had songs rewritten to avoid top notes. The chorus had some very impressive choreography and they didn’t miss a beat.
The season has been sold out. It deserved to be.
Graham Ford
Image: Fagin and the children in rehearsal.
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