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White
Christmas
Presented by:
MLOC
Venue:
Phoenix
Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer:
Julia Roper
Date Reviewed:
Saturday
7th November, 2009
The Christmas
season just keeps arriving earlier and earlier. Yet while we make
comment on Christmas decorations being in the shops too soon and
complain about all the yuletide preparations we have to undertake,
there’s no denying that there is something special about Christmas.
Just ask the good
folk at MLOC – they love the festive season so much, they’re doing
Christmas twice! Last weekend, I was treated to a taste of Christmas
as MLOC presented the Australian premier of Irving Berlin’s White
Christmas (The Musical) – the first season of two.
White Christmas
(The Musical) is based on the classic
1954 film of the same name starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye,
Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Most of the songs featured in the
movie have made it into the musical plus a few extra Berlin tunes
such as “Happy Holiday”, “Love and Weather”, “I Love a Piano” and
“Falling Out of Love Can Be Fun”.
The show centres
around ex-World War II soldiers Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who have
become household names by performing on the Ed Sullivan Show. On the
search for new talent, they cross paths with singing sisters Betty
and Judy Haynes. A predictable love plot unfolds and everyone lives
happily ever after – the kind of feel-good story we like to hear at
Christmas.
Director Judy
Sullivan certainly embraced the spirit of Christmas by creating a
show with a keen community focus and all the enthusiasm that comes
with it. The cast consisted of performers varying in age, experience
and ability but it was clear they were united in this project and
enjoying every minute on stage which is always wonderful to see.
Peter Phillips
headed the cast playing Bob Wallace. Peter brought pure warmth with
his vocal work and aptly played Wallace with the awkwardness of a
man unsure of himself when it comes to love. Peter’s interpretation
worked well against John Davidson’s confident and mischievous Phil
Davis. John’s dancing ability was also evident and some of the more
memorable scenes included those he played opposite Kate Knight as
Judy Haynes. John and Kate had great chemistry together and were a
joy to watch.
The show’s standout
performance belongs to Rowena Brown. Her performance as Betty Haynes
was charming and her voice was lovely. It was great to see her add
some sass in “Love, You Didn’t Do Right By Me”.
The cast was
rounded out by notable performance from Simon Fitzgerald as the
commanding General Waverly, Olivia Seerup as the General’s
granddaughter Susan, and Sally Fleming as former starlet Martha
Watson – Sally’s “Let Me Sing and I’m Happy” was, rightly so, a
crowd favourite.
Sound and lighting
– by Michael Richardson and Brenton Van Vliet respectively – were
well designed, and the set worked well. The highest accolades need
to be reserved for the band. Musical Director Geoff Earle should be
congratulated for running a tight crew.
MLOC’s White Christmas is playing over two seasons: November 6-14
and December 18-20. If you’re struggling to get into the festive
season this year, maybe a trip to the Phoenix Theatre in Elwood
might get you in the mood.
Julia has been an on-stage performer for many years and has also
undertaken roles in Vocal Training and Musical Direction. Drawing
from a professional background in media, journalism, marketing and
events management, Julia has been directing shows since 2006 and is
currently the Lyrebird Awards President.
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