Paris

Paris
Music & Lyrics: Jon English & David Mackay. Savoyards. Iona Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane. Opened September 26, 2009. Director: Liz Quinn. Musical Director: Steven McKay. Choreographer: Kaitlin Bell.

The best thing about Savoyards Brisbane community theatre premiere of the rock opera Paris, were the performances of Justin Tamblyn and Kellie Ireland as Paris and Helen. Their duets, “Perfect Stranger” and “For Better or Worse,” were highlights of the production. Justin Tamblyn has the looks to go far, and has the perfect pop musical theatre voice - thrilling in its upper register. Likewise the very pretty Kellie Ireland with her sure and true soprano. Together they were the perfect leads. Andrew Scheiwe brought a powerful voice to the role of Agamennon, as did Vanessa Wainwright as Cassandra. Bill Lagas, Trevor Sammon, and Josh Morgan indulged in outrageous overacting in the comedy number “Inside Outside,” but the audience loved them. This story of Paris and Helen of Troy in ancient Greece, like most operas, is told in broad brushstrokes. At times the plot got a bit muddied, especially at the set-up and when the Trojan horse arrived, but Liz Quinn’s impressive physical production managed to power it through to its downbeat ending. Steven McKay’s musical direction was solid, and the sound balance was spot on. Paris is a big show requiring big voices. It was a good choice for Savoyards.

Peter Pinne

Image: Christopher Thomas Photography

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