Book by Charles
Lederer and Luther Davis
Music and Lyrics by
Robert Wright and George Forrest
Directed by Peter
Smith
Musical Director:
Jennifer Groom
Queanbeyan Players, Q
Theatre, Queanbeyan 6 to 21 June 2014
Review by Len Power 6 June 2014
One
of the big, lavish musicals of the 1950s, ‘Kismet’ opened on Broadway in 1954
and ran for 583 performances. It had an
even longer run in London in 1955 and seems to be one of only a few musicals
with an operetta-like musical score to still be produced these days. The reason is probably due to the memorable
songs in the show which everyone has heard, whether they know they’re from
‘Kismet’ or not. Based on themes by
Russian composer Borodin, several of the songs became standards – ‘Baubles,
Bangles and Beads’, ‘And This is My Beloved’ and especially, ‘Stranger in
Paradise’. In fact, it’s now difficult
to listen to Borodin’s originals without trying to sing along using the lyrics of
‘Kismet’.
Producing
‘Kismet’ is a major undertaking for a non-professional company on a limited
budget. Courageously taking it on as a
first-time director, Peter Smith, has produced a colourful and entertaining
show with some very good singing from his principal players. It’s a bit rough around the edges but some of
that was probably due to first night nerves and it should settle down as the
season progresses.
Don
Bemrose’s excellent voice suited the role of the Poet very well. The Poet lives by his wits and ability with
words, as is clear from the lyrics. In
the dialogue scenes, Don Bemrose’s interpretation of the character as a nice
but nervy guy often lacking in confidence was at odds with the confidence of
the singing character.
As
Marsinah, the Poet’s daughter, Rosanna Boyd was charming and sang and acted her
role very nicely, especially shining in her solo part of ‘And This Is My
Beloved’. Thompson Quan Wing, often seen
and heard in Queanbeyan Players chorus, displayed his pleasing solo singing
voice to great effect as the Caliph, especially in ‘Stranger In Paradise’. He also brought considerable depth to his
characterisation of a man used to being a ruler but desperate to find
love. Michael Politi sang and acted the
role of the Wazir of Police very well.
His song, ‘Was I Wazir?’, was a highlight of the show. Stephanie McAlister, as the Wazir’s
voluptuous wife, Lalume, displayed a good sense of comic timing and was in fine
voice in ‘Not Since Ninevah’. The large
chorus sang the big score very well.
The
set by Thompson Quan Wing was simple but effective and the costumes by Janetta
McRae were colourful and fun.
Choreography by Belinda Hassall suited the skill levels of the
performers and the dance of the three princesses of Ababu was nicely witty and
well-danced by Theresa Buetre, Kate Terry and Zoe Swan.
Using
the original lush orchestrations, the orchestra under the direction of Jennifer
Groom seemed to have some difficulties here and there on opening night. It’s a huge score in a long show, so it must
be quite a challenge to play.
This
isn’t a perfect production but it’s enjoyable and has some great singing and a
magical score. We don’t get a chance to
see these classic shows much these days so full marks to Queanbeyan Players for
giving us this production.
Originally broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 'Dress Circle' program with Bill Stephens from Sunday 5pm 8 June 2014.
