iOpera 2.0 & other Musical Condiments

Set in the ambient and cosy surrounds of Paris Cat, iOpera 2.0 & other Musical Condiments: A Slice of an Australian Cultural Desert is a warm and delightfully entertaining production showcasing some very fine talent indeed.

Paris Cat

Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Wednesday, April 18, 2010

Set in the ambient and cosy surrounds of Paris Cat, iOpera 2.0 & other Musical Condiments: A Slice of an Australian Cultural Desert is a warm and delightfully entertaining production showcasing some very fine talent indeed.

Loosely based around the theme of Australia Day, the cast of this opera/cabaret provide a feast of notable and popular Aussie music much to the delight of the audience. There’s Kylie, Missy Higgins, television jingles and more. The audience also gets to meet Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and that stalwart of Australia music himself, Johnny Farnham.

What makes this show so easy to watch and enjoy, though, is the enormous talent of the two female performers, Eva Anagnostou and Frederica Cunningham. Both of these women have such exquisite voices that the audience is immediately lulled into an awe-struck stupor. Crisp notes and gorgeous tones, what more I can I say? Oh and they’re funny too. If I have one criticism, the show just wasn’t long enough; I could have listened to these two songbirds all night.

Having said that, the two male performers – Christian Gillett and Andrew Strano – are no slackers providing the show with solid male vocals, astute characterisation and a general silliness that is endearing and droll. All the performers play off each other nicely which makes the show all the more enjoyable to watch.

I also need to mention Lucy O’Brien on piano who has talent by the bucket loads and doesn’t miss a beat in accompanying the performers. Credit also goes to the director, Greg Eldridge, who has reigned in a formidable cast and not them stray from what they’re good at.

Trust me this show will charm the pants off you; so if you’re looking for an evening of fun and frivolity with some great tunes look no further than iOpera 2.0 & other Musical Condiments. 

Season closed