Presented by Marie Clark Musical Theatre
Reviewed 23 February 2014
Marie Clark Musical Theatre has been entertaining the Adelaide community for forty years, but this is the first time they have mounted a Fringe show.
Marie Clark Present: From Stage And Screen is not a show or revue, but rather a concert showcasing a number of songs from movies and stage musicals, performed by a cast of the company’s upcoming young talent (Rachel Dow, Kristin Stefanoff, Tegan Gully, Jessica Rossiter, Rachel Da Graca Costa, Shay Aitken, Damien Quick, David Salter and Will Daniels) accompanied by Deborah Brennan doing a mighty job on keyboards.
Shows featured include some of the company’s past shows such as Kiss Me Kate, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and A Chorus Line; their upcoming productions of Calamity Jane and Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein; and other film and stage musicals such as The Lion King, Sunset Boulevard and Mary Poppins.
The company obviously believe in the old adages ‘Hit ‘em with a strong opening’ and ‘Leave ‘em with an ending they won’t forget’. Lights come up on Gully leading the cast in a stirring rendition of “The Circle Of Life” (from The Lion King) and go down on Dow and cast honouring the beautiful “What I Did For Love” (from A Chorus Line). Other highlights include Salter and Quick’s ‘buddy’ song “Together Again” (from Young Frankenstein); Daniels’ rendition of “Sunset Boulevard”; and the entire cast performing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” (from Mary Poppins) and “One Day More” (from Les Miserables).
A less successful item is the “Singin’ In The Rain” number which seems too slow in pace and needs to have the dance break cut.
Unfortunately, there is one thing that mars this otherwise good production – the atrocious sound (which hopefully will be fixed for the rest of the performances). Mics don’t work, are too soft or far too loud (the keyboard’s and Gully’s in particular).
This production isn’t perfect, but it should provide joy for musical theatre buffs.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Venue: Salisbury Secret Garden – Salisbury Institute 17-19 Wiltshire Street, Salisbury
Season: 23– 28 February 2014
Duration: 90 minutes
Tickets: $18.00 – $23.00
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255
Disclosure: Brian Godfrey will be the director of Marie Clark’s production of “Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein” later this year
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