Emily Cat 176

 <meta name="google-adsense-account" content="ca-pub-8593178050323909"> There is a murmur all around me and the voices sound happy. The lights dim, the voices quieten and the music begins. Musical Theatre is back and oh how l have missed it.  The long wait was worth it. PLOS production of Chicago is brilliant. The two main leads, Rachel Rai (Roxie) and Nadia Gianinotti(Velma) were in fine voice. In fact, the singing collectively was of such a high standard.  The stage was pared back with the orchestra performing on scaffolding.  I think performances are better with live music and this orchestra did not disappoint. PLOS have always staged high standard shows and they delivered with a bang. Chicago is on at Frankston Arts Centre until 06 August. If you are in Melbourne definitely see this show.

  Today was cold, wet and windy. Today l went to the Kingston Arts Centre to see a play that is set on a day all Australia will know: Black Saturday. February 7 2009.  Hearth is a play by Fleur Murphy. It is the story of a family who come together for a birthday and fracture as the world around them burns. It's a powerful story that is told well by the ensemble cast which includes Geoff Payne, Sonya Suares, Martin Burn, Kurt Pimblett and Carole Patulo. Each actor played their role well. The stage is pared back with a table and chairs and a hearth. Around the stage are pieces of cloth that look like trees and as the family starts to crumble so do these trees. It is a powerful image. I imagined those trees burning as the secrets revealed tore down the family. A good play, played well in an intimate space. Congratulations to all involved. Kingston Arts Centre is based in suburban Moorabbin. I love the arts in the suburbs. Too often it's thought that the only good performances are...

  Today l received my 2020 birthday present. What a wonderful day. I love ballet.  Thanks to my BFF Suzie for a great day:)

   Firstly l didn't know that the film was a musical. I love a musical. Did l love this film; no but l did like it. The music and dancing were good and the costumes were stunning. Peter Dinklage and Haley Bennett are good as the leads as are the supporting cast. I didn't recognise Ben Mendelsohn. The storyline did drag in places and the battle scene didn't look realistic but it did show pathos with the men going off to die. So, overall, a good film.  3.5 stars

  It is a sunny Friday afternoon and l am sitting in the nave of a Uniting Church waiting. Luke Severn steps onto the stage and it begins. Soon l'm cocooned in the rich, deep, sensual sound of the Cello. The first piece is Bach Suite No 1 in G major. What beautiful music and played with such good musicianship.  Next the senses are awakened by the Kodaly Sonata for Cello. Such an interesting piece. It was learned, as we the audience were told, in lockdown. Live performances are back and l so happy. Nothing beats seeing performances live. If you get the chance to hear him perform take it. The music is brought to life by his wonderful musicianship. He can be contacted via his website lukesevernmusic.com

It starts as soon as l walked in the doors. The buzz of anticipation. I love the arts, especially live theatre and this is the first of several shows l'm seeing. Lux Radio Theatre Australia are a company of actors who perform radio plays. Yes, in their own words, this is theatre from a time before tv. Seeing the actors play different parts and all the sound effects made for a good performance. 4 actors doing a great job. Even the accents sounded good. If you ever get a chance to see radio theatre being performed take it. I've missed live performances so much and the entertainment industry as a whole has suffered due to Covid. It's good to be back.  

  Is House of Gucci a good film; yes and no. Firstly let me say how good it was to be in a cinema again. I haven't been in over 2 years. Now that's out of the way onto the film.  House of Gucci is an awful story about horrible people. The film is based on real events and, after the film l did look it up. None of the characters are likeable and the excesses of the 80's are there to see. Maybe all this coloured my view of the film.  Lady Gaga and Al Pacino are good as is the soundtrack and scenery.  House of Gucci is a film about greed and dishonour with unlikeable characters.