Trek Around the World

Trek Around the World
Writers and Directors: Darren Rosenfeld & Michael Try. Trek Musicals. Musical Director: Graham Ford. Diamond Creek Uniting Church. Nov 18, 2017.

Trek Musicals, established in 2016 by Graham Ford, is an organisation which presents its musicals using karaoke technology, enabling the group to perform in any location, at any time and without the need for an accompanist or orchestra. 

The company's latest project, Trek Around the World, invites the audience to 'trek' the globe with a group of intrepid Aussie travelers. With a minimalistic, but effective, set by Trevor D’Ambrosio and projected images to the side reminding listeners where the story is taking place, this performance was a heart-warming experience from start to finish. Drawing on musical numbers from a range of musicals and operetta, the show was done in a cabaret style, with characters regularly breaking into songs related to whichever geographical location they were in. This was a true ensemble piece, and it was refreshing to see each cast member getting their time in the limelight.  In saying this, there was a great depth to the ensemble, whereby each performance was contrasting and consistently interesting to listen to. There were no weak links in the entire piece. A particularly funny moment came following a rousing rendition of Toto's ‘Africa’, when only moments after singing the words 'I bless the rains down in Africa', torrential rain accompanied by a crack of lightning and rumble of thunder hit just outside the venue.

The use of backing tracks, with the lyrics projected at the back of the auditorium reduced the stress felt by the leads and ensemble, especially for those who are just starting out in their musical journeys. This allowed the performers to focus on their singing, without the anxiety of having to remember the words to some very diverse and sometimes complicated songs.  Darren Rosenfeld & Michael Try wrote and directed the work, and have succeeded in creating an immersive and very, very funny piece of theatre.  The individual characteristics of each performer were nuanced and a major contributor to the overall impact of the show. 

Trek Around the Worldis a great adventure and well worth the trip.

James Young.

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