Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Page 87
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Radio: Father-and-son spot is risky for 3AW ...... Page 88 Veritas: TV, theatre, radio - no fear, no favour ....... Page 89 The Spoiler: Neighbours, Home And Away plot lines .... Page 89 Jim and Aaron: Top 10 lists, top movies, top DVDs ........ Page 90 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ............. Page 91 PLUS THE LOVATT”S MEGA CROSSWORD
CONFRONTING ISSUES Morgan State Uni Choir visits Melb.
● Eric Conway ■ Take the best college choir in America, mix with Melbourne's leading student chorus and put them together in St Paul's Cathedral and you have a recipe for raising the rafters with a wave of beautiful soaring sound. That's what Melbourne University Choral Society conductor Andrew Wailes hopes will happen on Thursday next week (June 20), when the acclaimed Morgan State University Choir joins forces with MUCS in Let The Light Shine, a concert that will make the most of St Paul's acoustics with a combined choral force of more than 150 voices and individual soloists. Let The Light Shine promises a feast of stirring music, including gospel, traditional American spirituals and a special performance of Morten Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. Dubbed “the best college choir in the US” by Reader's Digest, and described by The New York Times as “probably the finest exponents of traditional American spirituals in the world”, having the MSU Choir visit Melbourne is a major musical coup, according to Wailes. "MUCS is excited and honoured to be hosting this wonderful ensemble here in Melbourne for their first and only Melbourne appearance to date. “We are all looking forward to sharing the stage with such an acclaimed choir, and performing music together from the deeply enriching tradition of American spirituals for which the Morgan State University Choir is such famous exponentf, in their country and wherever in the world they sing. It will indeed be a thrill to guest conduct such a magnificent ensemble," Wailes said. The MSU Choir has performed at New York's Carnegie Hall, and in recent seasons the MSU Choir has performed with ensembles including the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Lincoln Centre Jazz Orchestra, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Baltimore Symphony, Czech National Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of St Luke's amongst others. It's all happening on ThursdayJune 20 at 8.30 pm at St Paul's Cathedral. Tickets are from $18 - $38 from www.trybooking.com/ 49837, or bookings@mucs.org.au - Julie Houghton
By CHERYL THREADGOLD
● Will paedophile parolee Walter (David Passmore) risk history repeating itself when meeting 11-year-old birdwatcher Robin (Libby Brockman) in the park? The Woodsman plays at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick until June 22. Photo: Emily McCoy ■ Green Room Award-winning theatre company Act-O-Matic 3000 presents the Australian premiere of The Woodsman, until June 22 at the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick. Dan Walls expertly directs Steven Fechter's riveting drama, effectively staged in an intimate ground-level theatre space with the audience seated U-shaped. The Woodsman gives a non-judgemental, perceptive insight into Walter's (David Passmore) plight as he tries to re-assimilate into the community after spending 12 years in jail for molestation of little girls. Interesting ethical issues are raised such as therapist Rosen (Adam Rafferty) telling Walter he is doing well in contrast to Sergeant Lucas (Kevin Summers) reference to him as 'scum', a parolee's lack of employment references and the effect on family members. In his quest to be 'normal', Walter encounters people damaged by family members who, unlike him, have never been held accountable for their crimes because of family loyalty. His married brother-in law, Carlos (Dan Walls), freely fantasises about attractive women. The small pot-plant given to Walter by his optimistic girlfriend Nikki (Cathy Kohlen) metaphorically symbolises Walter's potential to also grow stronger, with care. A very good thing about this play is that it indicates hope for Walter's recovery and return to a 'normal' life, but he does face an interesting challenge when encountering 11-year-old birdwatcher Robin (Libby Brockman) in the park. Dan Walls's excellent actors embody their roles to admirably deliver naturalistic performances within close scrutiny of the audience. Congratulations to Act-O-Matic 3000, for beautifully presented, compelling theatre, which raises thought-provoking issues. Performance Season: June 12-15 and June 19-22 at 8pm Venue: Mechanics Institute, 270 Sydney Rd, Brunswick Tickets: $15 Wednesdays (June 12 and 19); $25 full, $20 concession Bookings: www.trybooking.com/49098 or phone 9005 7870 Tickets available at the door.
Mellow cello at Kew Court House ■ Mellow rhymes with cello. When Melbourne cellist Chris Howlett picks up his instrument, mellow is the word that comes to mind. So often we hear cellos just in the body of the orchestra, so Chris decided to stage a concert where the audience can enjoy the smooth sounds of solo cello. The intimate performance space at the Kew Court House arts complex is perfect for solo performances like this, so Chris will be in residence there on Sunday June 23 at 3pm, in the first concert in a series an aptly named Cello Only. "Cello Only is a new series that highlights the warmth, tone and humanity of the cello," Chris explains. Chris will be playing two of Bach's best-loved works for cello, the Suite in G Major and Suite in C Major. As well as the performance itself, there will be a lecture looking at the suites from a contextual, historical and performance practice perspective. Chris Howlett is a vibrant young master of his instrument who is keen to spread his love of cello. Tickets are $25 from www.chrishowlett.net/au/tickets or 0408 339 145.
● Chris Howlett
Cranked Up
Hill signed for big live events ■ David Hill, the man who reinvented World Series Cricket for Kerry Packer, will now turn his attention to rejuvenating American Idol. Hill, who introduced technological advances to both cricket and the NFL in the US, has been appointed by Fox to oversee American Idol and X Factor as big live event brands. ■ Kyle Sandilands has been voted the country’s “most hated” celebrity according to a survey conducted by Encore magazine. The Australia’s Got Talent judge topped the list last year. Hugh Jackman again topped the ‘most liked. list.
● Shane Witt in Circus Oz’s Cranked Up. Cheryl Threadgold has more details on Page 91. Photo: Rob Blackburn