Opera in the Reservoir

Bruce Edwards, producer, compere, stand-up comedian and actor was deservedly in the spotlight last night as host to a selection of opera and musical theatre excerpts performed with an additional cast of four, underground, in one of Brisbane's historical landmarks right near the famous Old Windmill. This is a continuation of a series of concerts designed for alternative settings ripe for acoustic richness and resonance while experiencing the impact of being up, close and personal with the performers. Complete with effective back-projection visuals and lighting this is a gallant stroll down memory lane: singing around the piano, old favourites, a museum setting, food and wine all in an atmosphere of cavernous delight. 

Highlights from the versatile cast included Louise Dorsman's poignant interpretation of ‘Someone Like You’ from the musical Jekyll and Hyde then later to operetta with Ashleigh Crane in true character with ‘The Laughing Song’ from Die Fledermaus, complete with colourful vocal frills and trills, tenor Glenn Lorimer's passionate Italian opera display and to finish the night in the encore selection from The Boy from Oz, a heart-rending rendition of Tenterfield Saddler from Darian Di Stephano-Johns. By this stage a packet of tissues could almost be depleted.

The staging and choreography on and off the mini-stage was well crafted and a hearty congratulations to Brendan Murtagh for his diligent piano accompaniment.

I give a toast to the sweat and toil that has gone into transforming these wonderful old settings and also to this unique historical and theatrical experience. May there be many more!

Brian Adamson