Featured photo- Director Ryan Fogwell with Natasha Atkins (Anna Egerman) and Emma Gillespie (Desiree Armfeldt). All photos by Ben Apfelbaum.
I left NIDA last night on a high after seeing this show opening night.
A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is a lovely work. The storyline, inspired by the Bard’s Midsummer’s Night Dream along with Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles Of A Summer Night, appeals with its expansive, multi-angled take on love and relationships, engages from start to finish. The main players are all in love but sometimes their hearts are set on someone who loves another. Stephen Sondheim’s score is a delight.
There was a vibrant energy coming from a large, focused cast, more than ably directed by Ryan Fogwell, which carried the show.
Fogwell’s creative team vividly create the play’s world. Matt McEwen and Stuart MacLaine create a functional set and staging. Kate Bobis’ period costumes are apt and impressive.
The scenario sees ex-lovers Frederick Egerman and Desiree Armfeldt have a chance meeting, Frederick and his wife are invited to Desiree’s ex-courtesan mother’s country house where Desiree intends to win him back. The weekend in the country plays out very differently than expected.
The highlight for me was some very engaging character work. Emma Gillespie is suitably playful and disarming as Desiree. Gillespie made the most of delivering the show’s big number with an at times rasping interpretation of Send In The Clowns. Lily Stokes played her droll, cynical mother, Becky Dawkins left a strong impression as Desiree’s shy, good natured daughter, Frederika.
Matt McEwen shone as Frederick, whose heart Desiree is determined to snare. Natasha Atkins was perky and vivacious as his wife Anne. Tavis Cunningham played their sensitive, temperamental son , Henrik.
James Coates was a stand-out and had just the right look and tone playing high ranking military officer, Count Carl- Magnus Malcolm, in competition with Fredrik for Desiree’s affections.
Chiara Middleton impressed, showing some good comic touches, as the Maid, Petra, and delivered a really zingy version of The Miller’s Son.
The audience is treated to a great sound from a live orchestra, partitioned off from the main-stage work by a full-length curtain, conducted by Yasmin Stelling.
Recommended, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with book by Hugo Wheeler, is playing till Saturday at the Playhouse Theatre, NIDA. Performances are tonight, Thursday and Friday at 7.30 pm and Saturday matinee at 2 pm.
https://www.nida.edu.au/events/drama/a-little-night-of-music