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Filmography:
Sign of the Seahorse
"I
don't need to practice law, I speak it fluently!"
Betya
never knew about this narratingness!
When Graeme Base wrote
and illustrated his popular children's book, Sign of the Seahorse,
he intended to eventually convert it into a musical extravaganza.
The result of this ambition is Sign of the Seahorse- The Concert,
which is a co-production between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
and Playbox Theatre. The concert features orchestra, narration,
singing, acting and dancing, and is designed to appeal to children
while remaining entertaining for adults.
Narrated by Shaun Micallef
(yay!), the story follows the adventures of Pearl Trout and her
underwater friends in their search for a new home. The coral reef
in which they live has been poisoned, so Pearl follows a vision
of a red seahorse to lead them to safety.
The story contains
the right elements of humor, drama, action and romance, as well
as the underlying message that environmental pollution is threatening
the existence of beautiful coral reefs. Supported by a fine ensemble
cast of talented dancers and singers, Andrea McEwan delivered
a fine performance as Pearl Trout. Scott Irwin was also impressive
as Pearl's lover, Bert, and their voices complimented each other
in the duet, Wait For Me.
Dressed in glitzy gold
and platform shoes, D. J. Foster stole the show as the King of
the Deep, although he was also memorable as the Mafia-like villain,
Gropmund. G. Groper. Conducted by Guy Noble, the Melbourne Symphony
Orchestra flawlessly played the beautifully contrasting score.
The music was well suited to the mystical ocean concept, with
upbeat tempos blending in well with the lyrical tunes. Overall,
the children will be mesmerized by the colorful and vivacious
characters including the Soldier crabs, the Catfish Gang and the
Sharks.
The dancing in the
Seahorse Café scene was apparently excellent, and enthusiastic
children were reportedly copying the moves in the foyer after
the show. Adults will appreciate the quality of the music, strength
of the singing and the opportunities taken by Shaun Micallef to
include subtle humor (YAY!)
Fly to the top! |
