Seize the Day

Pelican Productions have been hosting the Music Theatre Camp for the past 14 years, an idea born out of the desire to nurture young, up and coming talent from the Adelaide region. The camp is held in the January school holidays and is an intensive two-week workshop, with training in singing, dancing and acting.

Directors Jen Firth and Kylie Green have assembled an incredible group of talented young people from 8 to 19 years of age. With the help of experienced tutors, the audience is left spellbound at the quality of the production they have produced in such a short amount of time.

Showcasing over 450 performers during the season, we are privy to the latest musical numbers from Broadway and Disney. Newsies, Moana, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sister Act and Anastasia are just some of the shows highlighted.

A company routine from Hair was spot on to open the show; it injected an energetic vibe from the onset. Each soundtrack flowed well into the next with a tight musical ensemble led by musical director Martin Cheney. Highlights were thick and fast, but I found myself in awe when the older male members of the cast sang ‘Vaults of Heaven’; harmonies were simply breathtaking.

There was just as much talent backstage at this show, with a tight ship being steered by stage manager Anthea Prime and a glorious lighting display by Jen Firth and Brad Sax. Costumes were sublime and provided colour and pizazz. Sets were minimal, allowing for the huge cast to perform their routines with ample space. Choreography was impeccable. It never got repetitive or beyond the depth of this able cast.

Act two provided outstanding performances by Scarlett Anthony, singing ‘Watch What Happens’ from Newsies and the rousing rendition of ‘Raise Your Voice’ from Sister Act, performed by a faultless Erin Sowerby and cast. It was the show stopping song of the night and would have fared well as the finale.

The amount of flair that I witnessed at this performance was incredible. Adelaide has a wonderful future in musical theatre if this is a snap-shot of the standard of talent that we have available. This is a highly entertaining night out that will have you humming all the way home.

Kerry Cooper