Review: "KISMET" - Diamond Valley Singers

Review by Cucchulainn


"Kismet" is not a musical that many community theatre groups are keen to attempt because of the complexity of the music, especially its challenging eight-part harmonies. But Diamond Valley Singers has a strong musical heritage and is known for welcoming a musical challenge.

I attended the charity dress rehearsal and, true to the best theatrical tradition (and superstition), enough things went wrong to augur well for a highly-successful season. So, with that said, let me focus on the real substance of this thoroughly-enjoyable spectacle.

And a spectacle it truly was. Every scene is a feast for the eyes, one moment pulsating with vivid colours, textures and embellishments, the next offering a tapestry of richness, subtlety and depth.

The scenery combines the clean, sparse shapes and colours of the desert with the glittering variety and splendour of the Arabian Nights, the Kazbaah and Aladdin's Cave, beautifully augmented by lighting design and special effects that are at once dazzling and restrained.

Costumes also range from the sumptuous glitter of the court to the earthy tones of the souk and desert.

This is a visually stimulating and satisfying show for all ages.

I can't recall a DVS production with such a uniformly excellent cast of principals. It's a happy blend of popular favourites and impressive newcomers, and the balance is truly outstanding.

Graham Ford charms the birds from the trees as the disarmingly amoral and opportunistic poet (who seizes on any name he sees as another opportunity for gain), and is in fine voice and stage presence in this light-hearted role.

Laura Slavin is enchanting as his daughter, Marsinah, the female romantic lead with a clear, vibrant soprano voice and winning personality.

Gerard Schneider is a model of modest manhood as the handsome, dashing young Caliph, posing as a gardener, who falls in love with Marsinah. His fine tenor voice carries the show's all-time favourite love song, "Stranger in Paradise", to perfection.

John Filonzi is a thoroughly entertaining amalgam of villain and buffoon as the evil, conniving Wazir. His well-controlled, larger-than-life portrayal treads a skillful path that avoids crossing the line into caricature. It adds yet another welcome dimension to the production.

Meg Warren as Lalume, the vivacious, vampy wife of wives to the sinister Wazir, is a fabulous foil with her own special place in the scheme of things. It's yet another strong, dynamic performance from a seasoned performer with a great "Broadway Belter" vocal style.

Perennial favourite, Malcolm Wilton, features as the poet Omar Khayyam, advisor to the Caliph.

The minor principals also shine in this production, including hilarious performances by Adrian de Leonardis and Tim Warren as the Wazir's henchmen, Brad Buckingham as the brigand Jawan,  and standout vocals from Kath Buckingham and Jennifer Wilson.

Dancing is also a feature of the show, not surpisingly, with strong performances from Suzie, Louise and Catherine Wilton as the Princesses of Ababu, Michelle Reeves and Nova McNamara. Choreographer Julie Geddes continues her capable work in this production.

Music is provided by Eltham Orchestra under the baton of Mary Wright. I noted a strong complement of young musicians, and this was reflected in the accompaniment. Youth brings its own special zest to any musical ensemble, and I was particularly impressed by the orchestra's lightness of touch in some of the more pacy numbers, which can easily be mishandled by inexperienced musicians.
Chorus performances were generally well done and crowd scenes were well blocked and movement smooth and uncluttered. Singing was strong and melodic and cast enjoyment was clearly self-evident — always a good sign and communicates itself to an audience.

Director Lynne Counsel is well known for her ability to draw out talent and commitment from inexperienced newcomers to community theatre as well as old hands with years of involvement, and this production is no exception. She's a caring, intelligent director who obviously embraces Diamond Valley Singers' philosophy of offering all comers a chance to "tread the boards" and enjoy the thrill of being involved in live musical theatre. Her style and personality are reflected in her productions, which always radiate a high level of enjoyment and esprit de corps — the real spirit of community theatre.

In a nutshell...

This is a production that continues and enhances the tradition and standard of Diamond Valley Singers' musical productions. It's entertaining, it's enjoyable and you leave the theatre feeling satisfied and happy.

Highly recommended.