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The
Sentimental Bloke
Presented by:
Babirra Music Theatre
Venue:
The
Whitehorse Centre
Reviewer:
Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed:
Sunday 11th October 2009
– 2pm
CJ
Dennis’ 1915 collection of poems “Songs of a Sentimental Bloke” has
inspired two films, a television show, a ballet and a musical titled
The Sentimental Bloke. First performed professionally at
Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre in 1961, The Sentimental Bloke is
a rare example of an enduring Australian musical. It was therefore
with great anticipation that I viewed Babirra Theatre Company’s
production of The Sentimental Bloke currently playing at the
Whitehorse Centre.
Set
in Melbourne in 1912, The Sentimental Bloke tells the story
of Bill (Chris van Raay), a young rogue who attempts to reform his
ways in order to win the heart of prim Pickle factory worker, Doreen
(Sarah Somers). This simple and somewhat predicable story is given
colour by a supporting cast of stereotypically Australian characters
including larrikin Ginger Mick (David Lawson-Smith), his “rough
diamond” girlfriend Rose (Tiffany Carder), smooth factory boss Mr
Smithers (Peter Levey) and petty crim Charlie Skewes (Ferruccio
Baiocchi).
The
four leading characters all gave notable performances. Chris van
Raay as the sentimental bloke Bill was very engaging. He had a
beautiful voice and just the right amount of cheek to be convincing
as the loveable hero of the story. Sarah Somers as Doreen was
suitably prim. While her clear soprano voice did not always blend
well with her co-stars, she produced a beautiful sound and excelled
in her solo numbers. Tiffany Carter and David Lawson-Smith as Rose
and Ginger Mick showed off their strong acting skills and comedic
timing, delivering a string of laughs and memorable moments.
Director, Richard Burman has done a wonderful job in creating a
theatrical slice of Australiana. The large ensemble was used very
effectively and despite there being a variety of skill levels on
stage, Richard and Choreographer Marijke Franken managed to level
the playing field with clever blocking and movement.
Jeremy Bailey-Smith’s set design of sketched flats provided a
beautifully simple back-drop to the action, making the characters
appear to be jumping from the page of a story book. The costumes
were also lovely and historically appropriate, particularly in the
scene on St Kilda Beach.
I
would like to make special mention of the orchestra, conducted by
Musical Director, Susanna Dernelley. Their playing was tight and
their sound full, showing off the singers on stage in the best
possible light. I have heard some terrible orchestras recently and
it was a delight to hear one play so well.
While
not really appealing to my taste in musical theatre, the comedic
story, upbeat songs and fun-fuelled dance routines were a real hit
with the mostly silver-haired audience. Babirra should be commended
on the way they have set themselves apart from the multitude of
non-professional theatre companies in Melbourne by finding their
niche in presenting classic musicals and operetta. It is clearly
working for them, as there was barely a vacant seat in the
Whitehorse centre on Sunday afternoon.
Emmalee’s passion for musical theatre developed in her home-town of
Warrnambool where she was in 18 productions before her 21st
birthday. After moving to Perth to complete an Arts Management
degree at WAPPA, she performed in Les Miserables and the King and I
at the Regent Theatre. Since moving to Melbourne in 2005, Emmalee
performed in a concert production of Ragtime with Monash University
Choral Society, played the Bakers Wife in Into the Woods (MD
Productions), played Maria in The Sound of Music (Altona City
Theatre), went incognito as a pit singer in Cats (CLOC), played
Frauline Kost in Cabaret (ARC) and was in the Producers with
Whitehorse Musical Theatre. These days Emmalee indulges her love of
performance through her job as a Marriage Celebrant.
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