Musical Theatre Gala

A host of musical theatre fans all enthusiastically squeezed into QPAC's Concert Hall yesterday to view and hear an eclectic selection of popular excerpts from some of the greats of the repertoire. With four guest soloists and a chorus of Bachelor of Musical Theatre students from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University providing the vocals and with popular host and conductor Guy Noble at the helm, this was yet another evening aimed at delighting all age groups and putting the orchestra in the spotlight, a welcome transition from the norm in musical theatre.

Opening with a rollicking and robust rendition of the overture from Gershwin's famous Broadway show Girl Crazy, the mood was soon set for a night of fun and frivolity, indeed many emotions, in true theatrical style. Acclaimed charismatic leading lady Amy Lehpamer's rendition of 'All That Jazz' was next, a fitting introduction to the vocals, with a bold, brassy performance demonstrating an impressive vocal talent. Indeed an entree laced with savoury zest. Additional guest vocalists were experienced professional actor/singer Alexander Lewis and 2021 graduate Lucinda Wilson.

With too many items (over twenty) to list here, highlight performances include all the triple treats of dancer/singer/actor Aidan O Cleirigh, himself a graduate, student solo vocalists from the course (names not specified) while the rendition of 'One Day More' from Les Misérables, pre-interval, was mesmerizing. All the vocalists were on the stage, the harmonies precise, and with the power of most of the instruments of an orchestra in full flood, 'the force' was indeed with them all, audience included.

With most musicals generally having the orchestra well and truly 'in the pit', often with minimal instrumentation, or the use of electronic keyboards, purely for reasons of budget, it's refreshing to experience the full impact of the musical accompaniment: the intricate background toil that has provided a backbone to an art-form often distracted by sets, costumes, lighting and script etc. It's because of this combination of elements that I myself am a fan of musical theatre; but being a pro musician too (and never-made-it actor), putting the orchestra in the spotlight well satisfies one of my prejudices, though mild, about the biz.

Additional spice and colour to the evening included the spoken introductions and repartee, always impressive with Guy Noble, a true court jester with a baton to boot, though, unusually, he had less to say in this performance. Alexander Lewis' introduction to Richard Rodgers’ profound 'Soliloquy' from Carousel was most heart-warming while Amy Lehpalmer was just as delightful a compere as her vocal performances: in particular, in the encores, with her rousing rendition of 'Do-Re-Mi', complete with audience participation.

The finale item on the programme, an apt title for this unique genre, 'Make Our Garden Grow' with all the vocalists on stage, was also most uplifting and a fitting finale for this popular art-form in concert.

If you're a 'headphones' person, treat yourself to a better alternative: the acoustics of the superb concert hall. This is an organic experience that will more than blow your mind. One must not forget, too, the superb QSO were the 'actors' in this performance and one of the rare instances (apart from a cast recording) when one can experience the composer's, arranger's and orchestrator's dream come true.

Certainly one of 'My Favourite Things'.

Brian Adamson

Images by Peter Wallis