Review: Guest Reviewer Kym Vaitiekus shares his thoughts on NED: A NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL

Guest Reviewer Kym Vaitiekus shares his thoughts on NED: A NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL

Thursday 20th December 2018, 7:30pm, New Theatre

NED: A NEW AUSTRALIAN MUSICAL by Adam Lyon (Music and Lyrics), Anna Lyon (Book), and Marc McIntyre (Book and Set Design) follows the story of the famous outlaw and the notorious Kelly family, with insight to the history of all the family members through the medium of musical theatre.

Whilst many may be familiar with the events at Stringybark Creek that saw Ned Kelly rise to infamy this new work also gives the insight into Ned Kelly's past. Ned first appears as a school lad who has been awarded a special sash for saving a boy from drowning. He grows up to be the typical Australian larrikin sharing jokes, coarse language and a rapscallion attitude with his friends and family. Crime becomes a way of life encouraged by Ned's ego, the difficulties of the time and by the corrupt police force. When the authorities can't find Ned they imprison Ellen Kelly his defiant mother. This escalates the riff between the local community and the governing lawmakers.

The score of this new work is superb. Adam Lyon is the hero of this well crafted enjoyable production. I always find it odd when it's considered usual that an audience has to warm to a score, having to hear it a few times. The yard stick for me is how the music and lyrics connect to your heart and if it's a pleasure to hear straight off the bat. I was tapping my toes and smiling with joy as the songs gave strength to the story of a folklore hero. Lyon's work excels as musical theatre. It captures the essence 1800 Australia, it engages the audience, it entertains and is a joy to hear.

The glorious voices of all the cast bring life and depth to the songs that are the strength of this work. Jodie Harris as Ellen Kelly almost steals the show, (her expertly executed performance prevents this from happening). She commands the role of Ellen Kelly with strength and power and her portrayal captures the characters life and struggles equally through her voice and performance. Harris ensures Ellen Kelly has the Irish cheekiness, toughness and sense of unity that leads her family through the outback lifestyle.

Joshua McElroy embodies the outlaw and larrikin that is Ned Kelly. His solos gave depth and sympathy to the characterization and his stature was power to Ned's leadership. The history books dispute the accuracy of Ned Kelly's life, is he a hero or criminal narcissist. This production favours the hero of the working class oppressed by the corrupt State. McElroy had the audience feel sympathy for Ned whilst also enjoying his hooligan ways. He commands the stage and audience with elements of charisma, superiority and even mania.

Cypriana Singh and Siobhan Clifford both bring strength, playfulness, cheek and charm to the Kelly sisters. Marcus Riviera portrays the superintendent with the perfect amount of power, clout and mastery. David Hov comes to the fore when singing, his Alexander is most stern and compelling during his musical numbers, less so in the dramatic scenes. The character has flaws and weaknesses yet Hov plays the role with affected mannerisms that can prove distracting.

Miranda Middleton directs the musical numbers with aplomb. The choreography superbly captures the essence of Adam Lyon's musical intent. The movements are smart, fun, and contemporary whilst capturing the of feel of a bygone Australia. There were however some less cohesive parts in the first half of the dramatic scenes which may improve during the season. The dramatic beats need the same finesse and handling that the musical numbers have. Whilst all the cast sing and dance with excellence, some of the dramatic performances wavier in execution. There is also a challenge with the gear shift of the story as the majority of the beginning is setting up the larrikin Kelly family and when Ned becomes the criminal the change is all too sudden. Middleton hasn't allowed for any early indications of his "evil" criminal intents.

For the second act the dramatic scenes were more effective and cohesive. The scenes and musical numbers worked to support each other but unfortunately the shootout between the police force and the Kellys felt a bit clumsy in choreography, which again may settle through the season. It was disappointing that Middleton opted for the Kelly gang to have their backs to the audience for much of this scene, especially as it obscures view of the the well designed and crafted helmets. The helmets were the star of Adrienne Dell's costume design. They are great examples of the iconic image, having a style of the period but with a contemporary edge. It was interesting to note that Ned didn't wear the suit of Armour and he didn't seem to be wearing the green sash that he was awarded at school for saving a boy from drowning. Historical reports indicatedNed Kelly did wear this sash when confronting the police in what he knew could be a fatal day and the sash should be prominent as it's an indication of Ned's mindset that he thought it was important to wear to a police shootout.

Adrienne Dell costumes give truth to the setting and era it's almost a shame that that era is a drab one but Dell does an excellent job in having a strong cohesive costumed cast. Ned's school uniform was a surprise and distraction and at first I wondered if we were watching a family in the 1950's about to reminisce on the story of Ned Kelly.

Set Designer Matthew Hourigan and Lighting Designer Peter Rubie do an inspired job of creating a stage that is effective, contemporary and stylish. The light streams/poles are ingenious. Another aspect that was a joy to see was the strength and presence of the female characters. The folklore of Ned Kelly is about his masculine, devil may care, stick it to the man attitude. A man that came from a chauvinistic time. The women in this version of the story are confident, strong, determined and this production gives them a voice. One that is a joy to watch and hear.

This is a musical worth your time. It's encouraging to see an Australian work so well produced and performed, and great songs too. With Ned A New Australian Musical, the approach to the musical genre may not be 'new', but this new work with wonderful musical numbers does engage, excite and entertain. When can I buy the cast recording?

https://newtheatre.org.au/33086-2/

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