The Neverending Story

The Neverending Story
Adapted by Tim O’Connor from the book by Michael Ende. Music: Klaus Doldinger. Additional Music: Maitlohn John. Harvest Rain (Qld) Cremorne Theatre, QPAC. Director: Tim O’Connor; Musical Director: Maitlohn John. Set & Costume design: Josh McIntosh. April 28 – May 12. 2012.

The star of the evening of this premiere movie-to-stage adaptation was Josh McIntosh’s puppet and costume designs. Brilliantly imaginative they set the bar high for a theatrical version of the popular children’s fantasy that has spawned three movies plus an animated TV-movie and series.

Tim O’Connor’s direction was also imaginative and helped by the use of the film’s original music score by Klaus Doldinger, re-orchestrated for a string quartet by Maitlohm John. It was a highly-stylistic version of the land of Fantasia where the story was set.

Unfortunately O’Connor’s book adaptation relied far too much on narration with scant development of character. Mind you, it’s a large story canvas to fit into a running-time of 70 minutes.

Anthony Standish as the white luck dragon Falkor was an arresting presence throughout. Dan Venz in the central role of the warrior Atreyu lacked color, but Dan Crestini did good work as his equinine sidekick Artax. Also noticed was Casey McCollow as the giant spider Ygramul and Jason Glenwright’s moody and spot-on lighting effects.

Peter Pinne

 

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