Christmas in Australia was a definite theme of this misnamed “Proms”
concert, which was also prettily peppered with the more traditional
stuff. The Adelaide Art Orchestra and the Adelaide Vocal Project and
conductor/ compere/ singer/ arranger/ Timothy Sexton were the
cornerstones of the concert, with guests Rachael Beck and Andy
Seymour. But it wasn’t a “Prom” – no-one promenaded anywhere – it was
a sit-down-and-listen-and-join-in-occasionally concert.
Australia was there right from the beginning with a Christmas Overture
which was a pastiche of W G James Carols with fragments of several
others. The versatile Adelaide Art Orchestra, founded and directed by
Sexton acquitted themselves well for the most part, particularly in the
Overture to Girl Crazy, when they were in a familiar genre.
The Adelaide Vocal Project (another Sexton production) is capable of
sounding much better than they did. They were spoilt by being badly
miked and over amplified, so that any semblance of blend or balance was
lost. I would have thought that sound technicians should know better.
Rachael Beck has poise, charm, looks and talent, but was also over
amplified for this acoustic. Her Somewhere Over the Rainbow was one of
the highlights, especially because of the fabulous, sensitive and
captivating accompaniment by the wonderfully talented Dale Ringland on
the piano.
Andy Seymour is a big boy with a big voice, and definite echoes of
Elvis. He is capable of a big range of styles, and gave us a very nice
What a Wonderful World and some cool swing. But Silent Night should
never be crooned. I suspect composer Mr Gruber, and arranger of the
first verse sung, Mr Govenlock were both spinning in their respective
graves, as the lighting on the magnificent Jubilee organ made it loom
over the company in the background reminiscent of a Disneyland castle,
which was perhaps fitting.
The whole was very much Tim Sexton’s show. His prodigious talent as
singer, narrator, conductor, writer of pertinent verse (With Rudd-Like
Tread, though many of words were lost because of bad amplification),
and particularly arranger were what made the concert happen, (even if
Beethoven’s 9th shouldn’t be hacked around like that and attempted by
such small forces). It was a populist and family concert, that was
clearly enjoyed, especially at the spectacular finale, when as the
choir sang, “…and He shall reign…” confetti rained down from the
ceiling, and in the final “hallelujah!” fountains of snow-like confetti
filled the entire theatre, and families went home singing.
Adelaide Festival Centre 2007 Christmas Proms
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre When: Friday 7 December 11am & 7:30pm; Saturday 8 December @ 6:30pm Cost: Family Package (2 adults, 2 children) $100 - additional child $25 | Adult $35, Concession $30 Bookings: BASS 131 246 or www.bass.net.au
The Hypocrite | Melbourne Theatre Company
Outstanding among the actors is Garry McDonald, who blasts on to the stage with a tempestuous energy, sweeping the play along in a torrent of words.
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