Performing Arts

Broadway Spectacular

Tutti Choir LogoPresented by the Tutti Choir
Reviewed Sun 4th July 2010

http://www.tutti.org.au

Venue: Elder Hall, University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide
Season: ended
Duration: 2hr 30mins incl. interval

It would be hard to find a more enjoyable way to spend a cold Sunday afternoon than in the company of such an enthusiastic and joyous group of singers as the Tutti Choir, along with their fine accompanists, the Unley Concert Band, and with the erudite Peter Goers acting as Master of Ceremonies. There was no doubt that the singers were enjoying the music as much, if not more, than the audience, and who would not enjoy a huge collection of well-known songs from a wide selection of the great Broadway Musicals?

The choir was rehearsed by their resident conductor, Jonathan Bligh, and the entire ensemble was conducted in the concert by Dr. Kevin Cameron, musical director of the Unley Concert Band. All of the music was arranged by Bill Broughton. Pat Rix established Tutti in 1997 as an inclusive choir, the first organisation of its kind, not only in Australia, but worldwide, and it has gone from strength to strength. Similar organisations, inspired by the success of Tutti, have since started elsewhere.

All of the soloists came from within the choir, apart from flautist, Hannah Reid, who stepped out from the band to sing a moving version of Bill, from Showboat, and Roslyn Lock, a member of the State Opera Chorus and Tutti vocal coach, who joined choir member Brenton Shaw to sing the toe-tapping number, One, from A Chorus Line, a real showstopper. There were many fine solos and duets during the concert, as well as much superb choral work, Shaw offering an excellent version of Maria, from West Side Story, and a delightful duet with Michelle Tredgold on Tonight from the same show. Aimee Crathern and Michelle Thredgold, with Poco Tutti, really did stop the show, with a standing ovation for their renditions of Big Spender and All that Jazz.

Other featured singers during this marvellous concert were Jackie Boxall, Margo Wilson, James Spencer, Annika Hooper, Michelle Hall, Emma Taylor, Bob Caust, Caroline Hardy, John Dally, Andrew Downing and Keith Twartz. The band, too, had ample opportunity to show their skill during the concert, as well as opening the second half with a very smooth arrangement of Bali Hai, from South Pacific.

All involved should be very pleased with, and proud of what they have achieved in bringing this terrific concert to fruition. Shame on the University, though, for failing to properly maintain their disability access lift. It broke down during both performances, trapping choir members for extended periods. That did not stop this group of real troupers, though, and the show went on regardless. Keep an eye out for their future events.

Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Arts Editor Glam Adelaide.

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