Songs For A New World

 Newly formed Adelaide theatre company Irregular Productions has presented an interesting choice for their inaugural show with Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World.

  Presented by: Irregular ProductionsVenue: State Opera Studio, 216 Marion Road, Netley, SA Opening Night – Friday, 21 January, 2011
Newly formed Adelaide theatre company Irregular Productions has presented an interesting choice for their inaugural show with Jason Robert Brown’s Songs For A New World.
Songs For A New World talks of ‘moments’ through a collective group of stories by Writer/Composer Jason Robert Brown. The moments in each song are what make it neither a musical, nor a song cycle, as there is no central plot, theme or consistency of characters. This is where the problem with presenting the show lies.
Director Andy Ahrens has taken a literal approach to this abstract piece, attempting to fit each song within the context of an overall story and a uniformed theme. Some of this direction lacks conviction and emotion. This transfers to the ensemble of performers Mark Oates, Joel Valenti, Meg Tucker and Megan Humphries. Choreographer Sue Pole provides small, simple movement for some of the up-tempo numbers, which works well with some of the performers.
Megan Humphries’ adds her own touch of humor in ‘Just One Step’, Joel Valenti makes the most of his upper register with ‘On the Deck of a Spanish Sailing Ship’, Mark Oates adds some beautiful vocal clarity in ‘She Cries’ and Meg Tucker shows some excellent vocal control in ‘Christmas Lullabye’. Overall I think the performers, although individually strong vocally, need a clearer understanding of the text to make this piece of theatre more convincing and relevant to an Australian audience.
What makes this production memorable is Peter Johns’ Musical Direction with a superb band, including Johns on Piano, Angela Welsh (Keyboard), Milush Piochaud (Bass), Chris Neale (Drums) and Elliot Zoerner (Percussion). Sound Designer Peter Asztalos also provides the perfect touch to the balance of the live band and voices.
Irregular Productions should be commended for their first production and taking the risk to present shows, which Adelaide audiences wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to see.
Until 29 January 2011
Bookings: trybooking  tickets@irregularproductions.com.au