Principal dancers Laura Hidalgo and Victor Estevez and Queensland Ballet dancers perform the Overture; image via Facebook
Derek Deane has devised and choreographed the cleverly-titled Strictly Gershwin as a classical dance work. Based on the music and songs of Ira and George Gershwin, he created it for the English National Ballet, where it was a popular success. Li Cunxin, Artistic Director of Queensland Ballet, has now brought this work to Brisbane for its Australian premiere. And the result is both a joyous celebration of the talents of the Gershwin brothers, as well as an exhilarating night out in the theatre.
What a powerful work this is by the multi-talented Deane. The well-balanced structure commences with an Overture, then various Broadway show tunes and an orchestral interlude followed by a fully staged American in Paris. The second half opens with the ambitious Rhapsody in Blue, then an intermezzo followed by a mixture of Hollywood tunes and dance numbers with a finale of the glorious Fascinating Rhythm.
Production values are immensely high. The show opens to reveal the orchestra positioned as a 1930’s big band upstage centre, beautifully lit, and with a huge screen above that is used to great effect to illustrate songs and show images and film of the period. Howard Harrison’s lighting is sweeping and grand but he has also created some first-rate atmospheric pictures. The costumes by Roberta Guidi de Bagno’s are fabulous – from the ravishing Rogers and Astaire look-alikes in Fascinating Rhythm to the playful American in Paris outfits, followed by the midnight blues of Rhapsody in Blue and many more; the effect was sumptuous.
The orchestra was integral to the entertainment. Guest conductor and supervisor, Gareth Valentine, ensured a fun night with his exuberant conducting style and infectious ‘joie de vivre’. Particularly memorable was the playing of both the celebrated An American in Paris and Rhapsody in Blue. The latter with its sultry mute trumpet and virtuosic pianism from Daniel Li was excellent, as was the jazz-quality of the Porgy and Bess orchestration with its solo violin.
It is almost sacrilegious to mention any of the dancers individually as the standard and quality of each and every member of the Queensland Ballet is exceptionally high – they make pas de deuxs, lifts and jumps seem like child’s play. But Victor Estévez’s poise and athleticism were prominent in the Overture and also in Rhapsody in Blue alongside stunning work by Yanela Piňera. Particularly enjoyable were Mia Heathcote and Shane Wuerthner in An American in Paris.
Occasionally it seemed difficult to reconcile classical dance choreography with the jazz sounds of Gershwin, with some awkwardness at the opening of Rhapsody in Blue, but this settled down as the number progressed.
The tap dancing numbers were splendid, bringing all the Busby Berkley routines into full focus and showcasing the amazing technique of Bill Simpson and Kris Kerr in Fascinating Rhythm, Strike up the Band and I’ve Got Rhythm. They were then joined by Rachael Walsh and a troupe of tappers in the show-stopping number, Oh, Lady be Good, the stand-out piece of the evening.
The four vocalists, Rachael Beck, Alexandra Flood, Michael Falzon and Luke Kennedy blended well in their songs together with a predominantly classical vibe overlaid with musical theatre. Rachael Beck’s The Man I Love was stunning and A Foggy Day from all four was delicately rendered but their position upstage did not allow the song to have full effect.
Offering a total package that combines the best of Broadway with the glamour of the silver screen, Strictly Gershwin is a visually splendid and sizzling song and dance extravaganza that oozes with style. It brings together a wide range of talented creative artists ​musicians, dancers, tappers and vocalists – in turn attracting new audiences by widening the repertoire, while still presenting classical ballet. A clever move by Li Cunxin.
This has to be one of the best shows this year on the Lyric Theatre stage and should not be missed.
4.5 stars out of 5
Strictly Gershwin
Queensland Ballet and Queensland Performing Arts Centre
with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and guest dancers, vocalists and musicians
Devised, choreographed and directed by Derek Deane
Music adapted, supervised and conducted by Gareth Valentine
Lyric Theatre, QPAC
Until 4 June
