REVIEW: PACIFIC OVERTURES In the middle of the world we float, in the middle of the sea... So begins Pacific Overtures. With a book by John Weidman and music by Stephen Sondheim, the musical tells the tale of the westernization of Japan, and the invasion by the Americans. This theme is represented by the cross-culture of 2 styles of theatre, with the bulk of the story performed in Kabuki style, interspersed with typical, all-American Broadway style show tunes. This is the genius of the work, and Alister Smiths deft direction certainly leaves his mark on this gorgeous production. Performed on a traditional enso, with bamboo light poles hanging from the ceiling, Eugene Tehs set perfectly frames the action. The costumes by Chloe Greaves are simple, but effective. She gets to show her design flair in the act 2 number, Please, Hello which tells the story of the introduction of the trade routes into Japan. The cast, under the musical direction of Robyn Womersley, are embarrassingly good. Without amplification, they ensure that every note and syllable is heard. It is impossible to pick a standout of the night, with every member given a chance to shine in a true ensemble show. Particular highlights are Adrian Li Donni as Kayama in, well, any number that he gets to sing. Nick Simpson-Deeks is well paired as Manjiro. Noni McCallum is a wonderful comic presence, particularly in the cheeky Welcome To Kanagawa. Andrew Kroenert, Emma Clair Ford, Anton Berezin and Leighton Young deliver Someone In A Tree which, Sondheim claims as his favourite song he has ever written. They deliver the number with such skill that the story telling is captivating. The cast is rounded out by Jacqui Hoy, Bianca Baykara, Reece Budin, Tim Paige and Elenor Smith-Adams. At times moving, sometimes funny, and overall engaging, Pacific Overtures is a rare treat for Melbourne, given the constraints of casting and direction. It is pleasing to see the work and the colour/race/gender blind casting does not detract from the piece at all. Playing at Theatreworks, make sure you see this gem.
Posted on: Tue, 25 Feb 2014 11:27:07 +0000
Trending Topics
© 2015