Star Theatres – Theatre One, Wed 22 Feb.
Davine Interventionz presents another South Australian premiere for the 2017 Adelaide Fringe with the poignant musical VIOLET.
Set in 1964 USA, its music by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Brian Crawley has a great deep south bluegrass and gospel influence and tells a sweet story of a determined young girl travelling across America to visit a TV Evangelist she is hopeful will cure her scarred face. On the journey she finds love and slowly learns to accept herself among the racism and the Vietnam War occurring at the time.
Tonight, it took a significant amount of the first act to warm to the story and some of the characters. The completely lit outstretched stage, which ended where the first row began and having characters that were blocked on opposite sides made it hard to focus on what was occurring or develop a connection. The set design was haphazard and elements that were featured the least in the show were the most impressive, while the stable backdrop was wrinkled with random plastic leaves around it.
In contrast, the orchestra led by Musical Director Peter Johns was fantastic and was complemented beautifully by the vocally strong cast. Leading the cast was Casmira Hambledon who was outstanding in her role as Violet Karl and well supported by Young Violet, Eloise Valentine and Violet’s Father played by Adam Goodburn. Fahad Farooque presented an excellent portrayal of Flick and Mitchell Smith sang superbly, but hasn’t quite grasped his characters rougher side. Special mentions must go to standout cameo roles from Andrew Crispe as Preacher, Lisa Simonetti as gospel singer and Jenny Scarce-Trolley as the Old Lady.
Well worth the trip to Star Theatres if you want to check out some musical theatre this Fringe.
3.5 stars
Bobby Goudie
VIOLET continues at Star Theatres – Theatre One from 7.30pm until Sat 4 Mar.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.
#ADLfringe
Star Theatres – Theatre One, Wed 22 Feb. Davine Interventionz presents another South Australian premiere for the 2017 Adelaide Fringe with the poignant musical VIOLET. Set in 1964 USA, its music by Jeanine Tesori and libretto by Brian Crawley has a great deep south bluegrass and gospel influence and tells a sweet story of a determined young girl travelling across America to visit a TV Evangelist she is hopeful will cure her scarred face. On the journey she finds love and slowly learns to accept herself among the racism and the Vietnam War occurring at the time. Tonight, it took a significant amount of the first act to warm to the story and some of the characters. The completely lit outstretched stage, which ended where the first row began and having characters that were blocked on opposite sides made it hard to focus on what was occurring or develop a connection. The set design was haphazard and elements that were featured the least in the show were the most impressive, while the stable backdrop was wrinkled with random plastic leaves around it. In contrast, the orchestra led by Musical Director Peter Johns was fantastic and was complemented beautifully by the vocally strong cast. Leading the cast was Casmira Hambledon who was outstanding in her role as Violet Karl and well supported by Young Violet, Eloise Valentine and Violet’s Father played by Adam Goodburn. Fahad Farooque presented an excellent portrayal of Flick and Mitchell Smith sang superbly, but hasn’t quite grasped his characters rougher side. Special mentions must go to standout cameo roles from Andrew Crispe as Preacher, Lisa Simonetti as gospel singer and Jenny Scarce-Trolley as the Old Lady. Well worth the trip to Star Theatres if you want to check out some musical theatre this Fringe. 3.5 stars Bobby Goudie VIOLET continues at Star Theatres – Theatre One from 7.30pm until Sat 4 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe
VIOLET – A Musical: She Goes Looking For Healing But Finds Self-Love – Adelaide Fringe Review
VIOLET – A Musical: She Goes Looking For Healing But Finds Self-Love – Adelaide Fringe Review
2017-02-23
Bobby Goudie
Bobby Goudie
70
A musical with a bluegrass and gospel flavour well worth checking out.
User Rating: 4.95 ( 1 votes)
70
