Musically this performance was an unmitigated delight. But in my opinion the same could not be said of the staging. Lindy Hume is one of Australia’s most well-known, versatile, and lively directors, but even she couldn’t coax drama out of this work.
Michaela has researched hard, talked with and written to relatives and friends of these characters so close to her until she has unearthed good tales and bad, triumphs and disasters, admirable lives and tragic deaths.
Seeing a performer more than capable of immense vocal power use it skilfully, seldomly and contextually was a masterclass to the countless singers in the audience
For anyone who has dealt with the deterioration of a parental figure, this is a deeply affecting, hopefully cathartic, but potentially harrowing night at the theatre – this is an intellectually stimulating, emotional gut-punch of a play.
It really is something to walk out of an event genuinely uplifted by talent. The Opening Gala of the 2018 Melbourne Cabaret Festival was not only a fun and classy evening, it was an alluring glimpse into a fine programme canvassing some truly extraordinary performers.
What a welcome the packed audience gave to Ali McGregor when she stepped out on stage to tell the story of Yma Sumac at the Dunstan Playhouse!