Sydney (Part 2) and beyond

It occurs to me that I haven't yet finished my ruminations on my Sydney trip and the subsequent Adelaide performance of Mahler 8 so I think I need to finish that part of my blog before I can officially "move on".

When I last wrote about the trip I was almost at performance stage. I think it was on the Thursday of our first performance. I wasn't feeling very well- my throat had finally succumbed to the humidity and constant singing of the week. However- I made it through our first performance and was relatively happy with the both my own performance and the performance as a whole. There's something very special about singing in the Opera House. It may not have the nicest acoustics, the lights look like giant toilet seats, and the seating looks very 70's, but it is still an amazing experience.

On the Friday we did a what is known as a "patching call"- where any bits that didn't quite work we resang to an empty auditorium (the performances were recorded for a cd to come out later). During the run of that my voice completely went dry and I started coughing. I went home early and rested. Fortunately by the time the following night rolled around I was ready for action.

It was a major event in my life. After the nearly 90 minutes running time the Sydney audience leapt to it's feet and cheered as one. It reminded me of standing onstage at the end of the Ring cycle in 2004. Just one of those moments that lives with you forever I reckon.

So the musical side of the trip was definitely brilliant. Working with the SSO and Vladimir Ashkenazy was an amazing experience. I don't know if I'll ever have that experience again to be honest. The professionalism of those involved was wonderful, and we were- for the most part- treated wonderfully.

Probably the only downside for me was the expense of it all. We didn't get paid for anything and we did this off our bat. The public transport costs alone for the week amounted to $120! Not to mention buying meals, cough lollies, etc. This was really the only downer for the trip (well, that and my voice caving in on the Friday then getting all those lovely blisters).

Arriving back in Adelaide, we went back into the final rehearsals for the Adelaide performance. It's hard to go back a step having had such a buzz in Sydney. many of the touring party felt like it was superfluous.

The Adelaide performance was a lively and energetic one. Arvo Volmer had a great concept of the work (even if a little hurried), and the ASO were as good as the SSO. The soloists were perhaps not as strong a lineup as in Sydney but they were still good.

The only letdown was the venue. The Adelaide Entertainment Center is great for rock concerts, Disney on Ice, WWE wrestling and the like, but for the nuance and dynamic contrasts of Mahler (or any work from the classical repertoire) it was like playing in a tin shed. Funny, because that's exactly what the AEC is....

Oh sure, they used mics and foldback but it was just not the same as the feeling of hearing the organ rumble under your feet and this sense that you were part of a greater whole. Instead it felt like there was me, about five people immediately around me and an orchestra in the distance. It was a bit of a shame really.

One thing though that Adelaide did have over Sydney. A decent cast party. Yup- in Sydney the choir had to buy their own drinks and food at the thank you party put on by the SSO. That's right- NOTHING was free. (Apparently we were supposed to get some photographic souvenir from the event but it hasn't shown up yet- two months after the event). But at the Adelaide gig we got free drinks and nibbles. Wine, champers, Coopers, Soft drink, all free.

On looking back over the whole thing I feel immensely proud of myself for the effort I made in learning this work. It's an amazing piece of music- one I never thought I'd sing. I will walk away from this whole experience with the joy of Mahler renewed in me yet again....

...not that it ever left me to begin with.

Dear Sir Andrew.....

Sir Andrew Lloyd-Webber

C/o The Really Useful Company

22 Tower Street

London

WC2H 9TW

Dear Sir Andrew,

You don't know me, but I have been a loyal follower of yours since my mother bought home the original London Cast recording of "Evita" when I was barely 6 years old (You know the one?where the lady playing the title role gets second billing to David Essex?). I also doubt I am the first one to say that your musicals inspired me to become involved in theatre. Living in a relatively small city you probably haven't heard of (it's called Adelaide, in Australia. Google it if you're not sure) I have found myself conducting and taking part in the vibrant theatre scene here. This has meant conducting your shows and watching several more. We have some pretty talented people down here who often have some great ideas for pepping up older shows (just keep an ear out for an upcoming production of "Superstar" where the leads may or may not be female. No I'm not kidding. Jesus as a female. Think about that for a moment.....) so I'd like to think that I could help you with "Love Never Dies".

Now I must say from the start that I'm not going to slag it off. I don't mind it all (and that's without seeing the show) but I do feel that there are some corners and problems that maybe you and your production team might want to reconsider should you decide to take the show back to the workshop (so to speak) ahead of the Broadway and Australian runs. Now I'd never pretend for a second that I know more about what makes a good show than you do- you're the one with the knighthood and rather posh house after all- so whether you regard these suggestions or not I leave entirely up to you.

Firstly, this show is set 10 years after the original "Phantom". When Michael Crawford first performed the role he was 44. Ramin Karimloo was 31 when he premiered in "Love Never Dies". Oh, I know he also sang in "Phantom" to great acclaim, and I'm quite happy to accept that Phantom might be in his mid-thirties in "Phantom"...but surely it would be amazing to have someone sing the Phantom who actually LOOKS like he's had the life experience and sounds it. Did you see Anthony Warlow in "Phantom" recently??? He'd totally own Karimloo in "Love Never Dies" and he'd pull off the role with enormous punch. Can't wait to hear him sing "'Til I Hear You Sing Once More". On that same point, why does Christine STILL sound like a young and naive teenager? Surely she's had slightly more experience after ten years of marriage to Raoul? Yet again, you pick someone extremely young to play her in the show (both Sarah Brightman and Sierra Boggess are/were around the same age when they premiered their respective Christines). I think you seriously needed to get older people in these roles. Maybe think back to great Phantoms and Christines of the 90's and see what they can do? On the plus side, it's great to see Meg Giry get a much meatier role this time around and play, along with her mother, such a vital and important role.

As far as the music itself goes I generally found the music to be melodic and well written with two exceptions. Your song "The Beauty Underneath" sounds like a cast off from "Whistle Down The Wind"- not really in the same style as "Phantom". Why you quite chose this style for this particular number in this particular show I'll never quite know. I'll also never quite know why you chose to musically end the show the way you did. To have a flute line that just peters out to nothing (and not even on a tonic note) seems a really bizaare way to bring the curtain down. Mind you, given your track record of ending shows like Superstar, Evita and Woman In White- and indeed the original "Phantom"- on a quieter and unfinished chord it perhaps shouldn't be too surprising. I can't help but wonder if you're paving the way for a third and final entry? Believe me Sir Andrew, I have defended your musical honor more times than I care to imagine. I still believe your scores for "Aspects of Love" and "Sunset Boulevard" are two of the finest compositions you have ever written and musically as rich as anything written by Broadways finest.

In conclusion- as I know you are an extremely busy person, as is your publicity person who'll probably be the one who actually reads this- I hope you take the time to tinker with this show. There is a lot more to recommend this show than others might have you believe. I'm also quite happy to waive any rights, fees or royalties for my services today- think of it as a tiny thank you for all the years of enjoyment your shows have given me- and hopefully will continue to give me.

Yours,

Rodney

"Spamalot"- Northern Light Theatre Company- Shedley Theatre, Elizabeth

It's obvious from the outset that there is a lot of love in this production. Director Mike Pole (whose brother directed the professional version), choreographer Sue Pole and Musical Director Peter Johns have put together an outstanding production.

Northern Light has taken some big risks in recent years but the packed house on the night I saw it shows that Monty Python will always bring the fans out. And I'm certain they weren't disappointed.

A top notch cast has taken the rather disjointed script by Eric Idle and turned it from an attempt at a cohesive plot to a series of funny sketches joined together with a loose thread or two (and some sparkling music).

There's really not a lot to tell if you've seen "Monty Python And The Holy Grail" you'll have pretty much seen Spamalot. The show sticks pretty rigidly to the film until the end when it's clear that Idle has no idea how to end the show (much in the same vein the comedy troupe had no idea how to end the original film).

None of this is the fault of Northern Light who make do with what they've got and they do it very well.

Nick Setchell and Megan Humpries sing up a storm as King Arthur and the Lady Of The Lake, both having memorable turns throughout the course of the night. Humphries is adorned is some outstanding costumes (and some that have to be seen to be believed).

They are joined by an outstanding array of talent including Omkar Nagesh (in several small but pivotal roles), Jason Ferguson, Steven Rudd Jethro Pidd, Michael Papps and Glenn Vallen- all who play numerous roles to perfection.

The rest of the ensemble join in the hilarity and dance and sing with great gusto.

The sets are practical and well lit and the costumes are all exceptional.

My biggest complaint is with Northern's ridiculous habit of miking the orchestra. As good as the band is, when it drowns out the chorus it's pointless. You either mic everyone on stage (including the chorus) or you do what other amateur groups do, which is only mic the principals. I've seen far too many Northern shows recently where the sound mix has ruined a good evening, and it's a shame when it's obvious that a lot of care and work has gone into putting on an outstanding show. It's something that needs to be addressed if Northern are to present the truly outstanding nights of entertainment that they are capable of.

Having said all that though, it was still a great night out with many laughs.

Sydney (Part One)

It's hard to believe I have been here in Sydney for a little over five days. When I arrived it was hot and humid. It stayed that way all weekend and for the majority of Monday as well. The weather here has been so interchangable. I think I've possibly experienced all four seasons this week. Mind you, at least it stayed the same for the whole day, unlike in Melbourne where the weather has more mood swings than a woman with PMS!

While I've been here I have been incredibly fortunate to stay with two of the nicest people I could have imagined. Bronwyn and I go way back (in fact I believe I took her to her first orchestral concert). Although we reconnected a couple years ago, we hadn't seen each other face to face for at least 15 years. When she said I could stay with and her fiancee, Ben, I was totally stoked. They have been wonderful hosts, allowing me to eat, sleep and come and go at all times of the day and night. The fact that they have opened up their hearts as well as their home will never be forgotten by me.

Of course, the reason I'm in Sydney is to perform in the Mahler 8th Symphony with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy. Mahler's music has been the soundtrack to my life for the better part of twenty years now and to sing in this monumental work, with the SSO and Ashkenazy at the Opera House was an opportunity I would not pass up. The rehearsals have been great (although the backstage area is like a labyrinth- I'm sure there have been more than one or two Spinal Tap moments from visiting artists). The singing has been first class and I can't wait for the performances tonight and on Saturday. That has definitely been the highlight for me.

Sadly it hasn't been quite the sightseeing adventure I had planned. The major thing I wanted to do was visit Martin Place and see Sunrise being filmed. That I did! I even met Mel, Kochie and Nat. Kochie's first to question to me after he found out I was from Adelaide was whether I barracked for Port Power. Sorry mate, no I don't. It's interesting to see the actual size of the studio in real life. It's a lot smaller than I imagined it was. And the fun thing about seeing into the studio was being able to see the hosts do things like scratch their bums and wash their glasses when they think nobody is looking.

The reason it hasn't been quite as glorious a trip as I had planned was that on Monday, after a LOT of walking around Sydney, I developed rather bad blisters on my feet, not to mention that the pollution and humidity has played havoc with my voice. I think also the fact that the touring party is basically split up into two groups- the over 55's and the under 25's (of which I am neither)- has meant that I really didn't fit into any group activities which meant that I am pretty much on my own when it comes to sightseeing. It has been a little depressing but I am refusing to let these setbacks bring me down. I will continue to bathe in the sunshine Mahler's music brings me.

Anyway, I shall finish my ruminations on the sydney trip once I get back to Adelaide.

Until next time blogrollers!

Ace Frehley- HQ Feb 2010

If there is one thing the Kiss Army is, it's loyal- especially to the four original members of Kiss. So when Ace Frehley originally announced only an east coast tour of Australia to promote his new album "Anomaly" the fans elsewhere kicked up a stink. Ace relented, and not only added new dates for other cities, but also cancelled the earlier tour so he could do it all in one fell swoop.
The Kiss faithful were not disappointed when the original Space Ace took the stage to the strains of his instrumental "Fractured Mirror" and then launched into "Rocket Ride" from "Alive 2". Over the next ninety minutes he let his music do the bulk of the talking (save the usual thank yous and the odd off-colour Michael Jackson joke). The bulk of the show was made up of songs from his days in Kiss and included such rarities as "Hard Times" and "Talk To Me" as well as a number of songs sung by other members of Kiss. Frehley had no qualms in letting his exceptional backing band do the singing either- his drummer doing an excellent impersonation of Gene Simmons on "Shout It Out Loud" and "Deuce". Frehley also let loose some songs from his earlier solo records including his self-titled debut. Although only a handful of numbers from "Anomaly" were played, they were received with as much warmth and love as any of the others. It also showed that Frehley still has the ability to write great riffs and powerful hooks. The relatively small but vocal crowd walked away feeling that they had seen something quite special.

On Australia Day ambushes, Courtesy and Facebook...

Well I'm a little bored tonight so I thought I would espouse my views yet again.

Firstly, thank you to the people who are following my blog and to those who have left comments. It's nice to know I'm getting through to people in a nerdy, geeky kind of way.

So on Australia Day the Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, was due to show up and open an art exhibition on Greenhill Road. Who should show up but the woman who has accused the Premier of having an affair with her (a claim he has denied). Now here is where things get interesting. Somebody alerted the media that she would show up so naturally a huge gaggle of press showed up. This tipped off the Premier's people and they told him. Suddenly Mr. Rann became too busy. Now poor Russell Starke (and I use the term loosely as his reviews of both shows I've been involved in and others have been absolutely horrid at times) got all flappy and ordered this woman and her mother out of his gallery. You couldn't write a better script for "Home And Away" if you tried.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind sticking the boot into pollies when they deserve it but in this instance I don't see that Mr. Rann had any choice. It would have been a spectacle. Although the lady in question swears she wasn't going to do anything, just her mere presence there would have ruined the day for Starke, his gallery and the other guests who wanted to see the exhibition. If this lady wants to keep stymying the Premiers plans and his outings then she's going to need some serious tread on her shoes before March 10. And in the end it will only serve the Premier as the public will get sick of her showing up everywhere like a crazed stalker.

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Rehearsing for the Mahler 8 has been interesting to say the least. It bothers me that some (and I'm only talking a small handful here) seem to have lost their manners. You're there to rehearse. That means you sing, you listen to what the chorus master has to say and you apply it to what you're doing. But it seems to me that some people think that rehearsing means checking Facebook every 5 seconds (I love Facebook but even I can stay off it for an hour and a half), sending text messages, playing Nintendo DS or even knitting! For crying out loud. It's driving me nuts. Even if it's not your section that's rehearsing, show some respect to the people around you or to the section that IS rehearsing, and the funny thing about choir rehearsals is that what is said to one section can often be carried over to another.
To me it's all about the learning. Working with top people and enjoying the experience. It's sad that others just see it as another gig and they just can't be bothered. Well buddy, there's the door- don't let your butt hit it on the way out...

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Everyone seems to be telling me what I can and can't say on my status update so I may as well return the favour. Here's some things I DON'T want to see on a status update...


- Poor spelling. Seriously, there are plenty of sites to help you spell. Use them. You look ignorant and stupid.

- Rhetorical conversations with a person who won't read it ("Hey smelly lady next to me on the bus- TAKE A SHOWER!")

- Incessant plugs for shows you're doing. I don't mind event pages. I don't mind you plugging it a couple times but just LEAVE IT AT THAT!!!

- Over affectionate status to your partner. Ok, you love them. Great. You want to share it with the world. Awesome. BUT NOT EVERY STATUS UPDATE!!!

- Random Quotes. Nothing wrong with quoting a favourite line from a film or tv show. Please let us know though where it's from. Or do you just want people to ask you where it's from....?

- Bowel movements. It's bad enough when we get your diet plan everyday but I really don't need to know about the belch that rattled the windows or the fart that blew a whole in the wall and killed the cat.

and finally....

- Abbreviations. Not all of us speak in netspeak. Take the extra 5 seconds out of your day and write it out fully. Please

BTW- I'm probably guilty of at least 3 of the above but I have learnt my lesson. I think... naaaaaaaah.....

Until next time campers!

25 random things about me....thanks Kelly

I have been tagged by Kellyansapansa to share 25 random things about myself. Now I've got to think...

1. I am at a crossroads in my life right now. Part of me wants to stay with the status quo but a big part of me realises I can't stay where I am and that I need to move cities if I am ever to be successful in what I truly love doing.
2. My first car was a 1986 White Gemini hatch. Gorgeous car. 0-60 in about 3 days and faster to push up a hill than actually drive it up.
3. There are times when I just sit at the piano and play. I must confess to not having done any serious practice in a long time- my sight-reading is pretty good so it gets me by. However I realise that if I am to succeed at my goals that will have to change.
4. I hate being alone. I hate waking up alone.
5. I have always wanted to try my hand at standup comedy. I've always felt I could do a solid 10-20 minute bracket- maybe incorporating some of the parody songs I have written over the years.
6. Last year was the first time I had cried in a very long time. It was brought on by someone pushing me to the edge and nobody believing me. That complete frustration, coupled with lack of sleep just wrecked me.
7. The most amazing night of theatre I have ever been to was Wagner's "Parsifal" in 2002. Despite its near 6 hour running time at the end I felt like I could have watched it all over again.
8. If I don't have a cup of coffee in the morning I get really cranky.
9. 9 times out of ten when I remember dreams it's about me going back to either High School or Flinders Street and me always feeling out of place.
10. My party trick? Playing the piano from underneath.
11. I refuse to watch or read the Twilight series. The tweenies can drool over team whoever. I just don't care.
12. Last year was probably one of the worst years of my life- despite some bright rays of sunshine at the end.
13. I have well over 1000 cd's (originals- not burnt) and nearly 300 dvds in my collection.
14. When I was a kid I went to see Glenelg play Port Adelaide at Footy Park. In front of me were a family of Port supporters. When a Glenelg player tripped up a Port player the father shouted "Send the f****r off the ground you f*****g useless umpire. It's a f*****g disgrace!" Not one quarter later when a Port player proceeded to clotheline a bays player right in front of us the same man (surrounded by his kids) shouted "Kick his f*****g head in!!! That's it! F*****g kill the b*****d!". From that point on I swore never to support any team with words "Port" and "Adelaide" next to each other.
15. I don't drink much alcohol. Weird I know. My parents were never heavy drinkers (My dad has the great ability to have the same glass of beer in his hand all night aqnd make it look like he's had several) so I guess I never got the taste for it. When I was 18 I took a swig of Fosters and nearly vomited. Never drank the stuff again.
16. I have decided I really like getting photos with celebs. It's a great momento of a fleeting moment when you met someone who made it. Happened just last night.
17. I once saw Bert Newton in his underwear.
18. I love spending time with my niece and nephew. They make me feel young again (and it's a great excuse to see cartoons in the cinema)
19. I am getting tired of people telling me what I can and can't say in my Facebook status update. If my friendship is only worth what I write on my status then quite frankly I wonder why we're friends.
20. I hate the nickname Rod. To me, Rod belongs to either old cricketers or ageing rockstars of which I am neither. People just assume I don't mind being called Rod and I hate telling them I don't like it because I sound so petty.
21. I have an older brother- 4 years older than me.
22. My favourite game of all time would be guitar hero. any of the versions.
23. I tried wearing contact lenses but I hated them so I went back to glasses.
24. One night I will get up at a karaoke bar and sing "Bat Out Of Hell" loudly and proudly- followed by "Two Out Of Three Ain't Bad"
25. My dream job? Playing keyboard for Kelly Clarkson.

I now tag Maggie and Miss S!