West End to Broadway ... in the Reservoir

Underground Opera Company returns to Brisbane in the acoustic-rich caverns of the one of Brisbane's famous landmarks, this time with a selection of well-known favourites from movie musicals of the past and present. Hosted by the animated Bruce Edwards both at the entrance and on the surround-sound stage, and superbly accompanied by Brendan Murtagh at the piano, this is an intimate night of mainstream entertainment and a showcase of excellent vocal talent and theatrical versatility.

Spanning an assortment from the days of Singing in the Rain to the work of more contemporary composers like Jason Robert Brown and the Alan Menken scores of the animated movies like Aladdin, there is enough there to satisfy all of those who love this kind of genre.

But what is most impressive about these evenings with a unique setting is the opportunity to be up, close and personal with such vocal expertise complete with the added ingredient of organic acoustic resonance. All the cast performed well, and in character, including newcomer Griffith University graduate Pia Frangiosa with her superb angelic dulcet tones.

These kind of evenings are timeless, worth treasuring and another superb vehicle for Australia's vocal and theatrical talent.

Brian Adamson