Arts

Cabaret Festival Review: Frank Woodley: The Composer Is Dead

Created by Nathaniel Stookey and originally narrated by Lemony Snicket, The Composer Is Dead is a vehicle to introduce children to various musical instruments.

Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Symphony Orchestra
Reviewed 11 June 2016

There’s a famous Bugs Bunny cartoon called The Long Haired-Hare. In it, Bugs confronts an irate opera singer whilst conducting a chaotic orchestra.  Having seen it dozens of times during my childhood, it introduced me to the concept of orchestral music not being as serious as first thought.  It isn’t all stuffy, genteel music for the elite set but should be accessible to all.  Created by Nathaniel Stookey and originally narrated by children’s author Lemony Snicket, The Composer Is Dead emerged in 2006 as a vehicle to introduce younger audiences to various musical instruments.  In this respect it has much in common with the fabled Bugs Bunny animated buffoonery as it creates a fun, light entry into the sometimes mythical world of music.

Initially a murder mystery where the orchestra’s composer is found dead, The Composer Is Dead gradually uncovers the many instruments as unearthed by the roving Inspector.  Played by the skilled Frank Woodley, more known as one half of energetic physical comedians Lano and Woodley, his Inspector moves effortlessly through the suspects as he swathes between the many orchestral manoeuvres in the dark.  Due to his diverse skills, it was easy watching Woodley at once become a sleuth and the event’s master of ceremonies.  The gift for comedy, both physical and verbal was vividly seen and his ability to move the premise along whilst allowing for much audience participation was first rate.  Whilst primarily a vehicle for children, The Composer Is Dead is something all ages can enjoy. This should give it a timeless quality enabling it to be constantly adapted for decades to come.  This incarnation was certainly well presented through its host and orchestra.

Naturally music plays a big part in this comedy of murderous proportions with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra rising to the challenge.  The musicians entered the spirit of the fun with glee but also remembered to convey the craftsmanship gone into delivering stirring tunes.  Several well-known orchestral standards were played as Woodley weaved amongst the players.  The whodunit angle is merely a cipher for our fine local orchestra to strut their stuff, which they do well.  From the conductor to the many violinists, each gave their best in an often energetic display of pleasurable aural treats.  Like Woodley, they interacted with the audience well with the conductor easily joining in the musical mayhem Woodley provided.  Some of the younger audience members were brought on-stage for a rousing finale with the show’s remit of educating while entertaining its target audience effectively met.

The Composer Is Dead’ was a breezy show to watch and a nice start to this year’s Cabaret Festival.  The mix of humour and music blended perfectly to encapsulate the importance of smooth sounds in our lives and the instruments from which they emanate.  Parents wanting to educate their children in the art of music can’t do any better than this fun-filled production.

Reviewed by: Patrick Moore
Twitter: @PatrickMoore14

Rating out of 5:  5

One show only – Season ended

http://www.adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au

 

 

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