Paterson Productions’ “Andrew Lloyd Webber On Stage” is, as its name suggests, a celebration of one of the world’s most legendary composers. More than just a concert, it serves as a tribute to the stories, melodies and theatrical magic that has made the songs of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber so timeless. The show concentrates on the musicals as well as other scores Lloyd Webber has written during his career, meaning that even if you’re not the greatest fan of musical theatre, you will most definitely recognise many of its setlist as the evening is bursting with hits from shows like “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Cats”, “Evita”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and more, shared by 40 singers and a live orchestra.
Under Musical Director Michael Keen’s baton, the orchestra sounds sublime, adding a level of floating romance to the haunting woodwind strains of the commanding ‘Music of the Night’ and affect to the timelessly delicate ‘Memory’. Producer and director Samantha Paterson’s orchestration (additional orchestrations Michael Keen and Phil Kan) not only captures the eclecticism of Webber’s rich body of work but introduces fresh interpretations to the music, breathing new life into well-loved songs. The resulting musical textures and rhythms add a level of interest as they bring, for example, an lively percussive-focussed arrangement to Ashleigh Mitchell’s bouncy ‘Bueno Aires’ from “Evita”, while Belinda Lewis’ following ‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ is more stoic than emotional in its dramatic draw of the audience into evocation of the generosity of Evita’s spirit in death by asking the public not to mourn her.
The principal soloists all have strong vocal and acting ability in their lead of iconic solos and duets, showcasing a multitude of vocal styles and stage presence. Many highlights come from share of numbers from the innovative ‘70s concept album and musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”, which feature throughout the show. Richard Muller’s ‘Superstar’ is full of gospel-esque energy and Erickson Ilustre gives a powerful, but still nuanced, ‘Gethsemane’, but it is Patrick Oxley’s highly-charged rock aria ‘Heaven on their Minds’ that serves as an undeniable electrifying testament to his spellbinding vocal talent and ability to engage the audience in Judas’s warning about living in an occupied state.
Some of the numbers have light-hearted cheek, while others bring sombre drama, which gives the program an appealing light and shade, for example, when Eleanor Grieve and Caley Monro’s tribute to “Cats” supervillainy, ‘Macavity’ moves into the eloquent hymn ‘Pie Jesu’ from Lloyd Webber’s requiem mass “Requiem” written in memory of his father, which is beautifully sung by Kirra Lang and Jeremiah Rees. The concert of 30+ numbers includes highlight of some rare gems like this within its catalogue of audience favourites.
The program unfolds as a series of solos, duets and chorus pieces, which sees the Twelfth Night Theatre stage often crowded with musicians, multi-generational vocal performers and undeniable talent, including a versatile ensemble that brings energy and harmonies in equal measure to group numbers. In particular, members of the Children’s Ensemble, elevate the energy of infectious numbers like Jesse Ainsworth’s ‘Stick It to the Man’ from “School of Rock”. Indeed, their contribution provides a number of memorable moments, including from the underrated “Jospeh and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”.
A lighting design of rich and textured palettes enhances the mood of each song, and sound is well-balanced and finely-tuned, allowing for both individual and ensemble harmonies to shine. The combination of the creative and vocal talents, ensures that while its music of the night remains at the forefront, befitting its core celebrations of one of the musical theatre’s most prolific composers, the Mother’s Day weekend season of “Andrew Lloyd Webber On Stage” also serves as an entertaining reminder of the talent that we are so fortunate to have appearing on our stages.
– Meredith Walker, Blue Curtains Brisbane
