Strictly Gershwin

Queensland Ballet’s theme this year has been ‘Every step a story’. And what a 20^th century story the songs of George and Ira Gershwin are. The modern music that George Gershwin composed reaches across classical composition, swing and modern and New Orleans jazz and New York blues. It’s hard to believe that the iconic jazz-influenced ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and symphonic ‘An American in Paris’ are both nearly 100 years old. They sound as fresh and bold as if they’d been written yesterday. Gershwin’s outstanding sense of rhythm, and flare for the theatrical and cinematic, make his music ideal for dance and movement. Choreographer, Derek Deane OBE, created Strictly Gershwin to enjoy the freedom of Gershwin’s crossover magic, fusing balletic elegance and athletic modern musical theatre dance – plus adding a splash of jazz, ballroom, flamenco, tango and tap to the classical ballet moves. The original production of this work was in 2016, and this re-release proves that Gershwin’s music has lost none of its strength and ability to bring joy when it is needed most.

The result, as presented by the Queensland Ballet ensemble on opening night, is a truly inspiring and memorable entertainment treat – a showcase of dance styles, with accompanying magic Broadway melodies provided by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) conducted by Michael England. Added glamour and wow factor are included courtesy of brilliant guest vocalists, Luke Kennedy, Nina Korbe, Ben Mingay and Naomi Price whose swoon-worthy solos (‘Someone to Watch Over Me’, ‘The Man I Love’, ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’) and group harmonies on songs such as ‘Fascinatin’ Rhythm’ and ‘But Not For Me’ are crying out for their own separate gig in the future. Simply ‘S Wonderful’!

The excellent pool of talented, worldclass dancers at Queensland Ballet ensure that those iconic pieces are most memorable. I doubt that ‘An American in Paris’ will ever be more romantic than the presentation by lead dancers Mia Heathcote and Joel Woellner, with the lively ensemble including Eiffel Tower hats bringing the cinematic piece to life. This ends the first Act on a high – and that is really saying something considering that we had also just enjoyed gorgeous pieces such as ‘The Man I Love’ with Chiara Gonzalez and Alexander Idaszak, and ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ featuring the tap skills of Kris Kerr and Bill Simpson (who also choreographed the tap sequences).

The opening clarinet strains of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ opened Act 2 and the stage – covered in sparkling blue tutus, bathed in blue light received rapturous applause even before a pointe step was taken. What a thrilling piece of theatre featuring wonderful pas de deux work by Neneka Yoshida and Patricio Revé, Mia Heathcote and Joel Woellner, and Lucy Green and Alexander Idaszak, accompanied by the QSO and fabulous guest pianist, Daniel Le.

The costumes by Roberta Guidi di Bagno deserve a special mention for their ability to add romance, glamour and flirtatious twirls to really bring characters to life. The jazz-era atmosphere was created by stager Amy Hollingsworth, with lighting design by Howard Harrison and revival lighting by Cameron Goerg and Ben Hughes. The spotlights were worthy of a Hollywood premiere. I was sometimes distracted by the Hollywood/Broadway themed slideshow at the top of the stage. A cyclorama style design would have been ideal, but there are too many superb dancers to watch to allow that visual to deter and it did serve to remind younger viewers of the era that popularised Gershwin’s music.

Standout pieces also included ‘It Ain’t Necessarily So’ highlighting the elegant moves and romantic chemistry of Yanela Piñera and Camilo Ramos, and a grand finale featuring 13 tap dancers, including guest artist Rachael Walsh, plus rollerskating dancers and bicycles! The stage was brimming over with talent from the Queensland Ballet Company Dancers and Jette Parker Young Artists. If you enjoy music and dance, there’s no need to travel to New York or London when this calibre of talent is right here in Brisbane. Strictly Gershwin is a gem you will treasure long after the curtain has closed.

Find out more: www.qpac.com.au/event/qbstrictlygershwin_23

Beth Keehn

Images: David Kelly Photography