Stephen Mahy & Emma Pask
Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre
Reviewed 15 December 2016
Nothing like a few Christmas songs to get you into the mood for the festive season, and who better to lead the fun than Tim Sexton? Conducting his Adelaide Art Orchestra and some well-chosen singers Sexton brings us a Christmas celebration with a Gatsby twist. Director Andy Packer has added just enough sparkle and dance and Kathryn Sprouls set is uncluttered and works well.
The singers consisted of award winning jazz vocalist Emma Pask and musical star Stephen Mahy, with the ‘Gatsby Gang’ (so named by Sexton with tongue in cheek), Kristen Hardy, Rachel McCall and Adam Goodburn. All were in good voice. The tight sounds of the orchestra were embellished by many excellent solos, showing the depth of talent they have.
Pask showed her jazz credentials in such songs as ‘Hitch a ride home’, ‘Mack the knife’ and a great version of “Zat you Santa Claus’. Mahy brought out his inner crooner to deliver “I’ve got a crush on you’ and ‘Love is here to stay’. With the help of the backing ‘angels’ they also delivered lots of Christmas favourites, ‘Rudolph’, ‘Hark the Herald Angels’, ‘Have yourself a merry little Christmas’, ‘Here comes Santa Claus’, finishing with a fun version of ‘The twelve days of Christmas’.
As usual the Proms support several worthy causes, this year it is Common Ground, Youth Opportunities, Food Bank, ARA and Catherine House Inc.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Your Twitter: @franeds
Venue: Hers Majesty’s Theatre, Grote St. Adelaide
Season: 15-17 December 2016
Duration: 2hr 20mins
Tickets: Premium $54 Adult $46, Conc $42,
Bookings: Adelaide Festival Centre, BASS
More News
