Theatre and Concert Reviews from June 2012
THEATRE AND CONCERT REVIEWS
Donka.
Queen Elizabeth Hall. 4 stars.
Friday
8th June. 2012-06-09
Donka is described in its blurb as ‘dazzling
aerial acrobatics,
multi-media illusion and magic’ being written and
directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca. It is, as it is
entitled; circus, magic and mischief but what they
leave out is that it is truly bizarre. A dynamic work,
which is loosely based on Anton Chekhov’s plays
and tales of his life, the show has a few themes,
one being, the search of one’s soul via bodily
dissection with references to stains and fishing? A witty line is delivered in Act 2
stating that ‘no-one will
understand what this is all about’ and the audience
guffaws in response because it is all too true. On
listening to the audiences' reaction, I am not alone in
thinking this work is surreal and odd. It has elements
of a very early and raw Cirque Du Soliel and has a flavour
of, but being far less commercial; Slava Snow Show. The 8 multi-skilled
performers all sing (with the
addition of recorded music) and have specific skills
such as juggling, silks, aerial acrobatics or musical etc.
Obviously translated into English from either Italian
and/ or Spanish, the dialogue is delivered in thick European
accents, which can make it very difficult to understand and
follow the plot. Most of the songs though, are sung
in their native tongue. The first act is far more light
hearted and humorous with my favourite performances: the
3 ladies on a swing, all falling over each other and
pushing each other off and the lady tap dancing on ice
and nearly falling over which was accompanied by ensemble rhythmic body percussion. The close of Act 1 sees ice
being thrown around the stage whilst the performers
dressed in white and flowing dresses, hurl plates and balls
of ice=strange? Act 2 is more sombre but has my
favourite act, the male spinning around the stage in a
life-sized hoop, which is the image for publicity. There are some
incredibly innovative use of projections; shadow effects
and a very popular performance of acrobatics (whilst
lying on the ground) and projecting it on a sheet so it
faces the audience in an upright position,which was
hilarious. There is no rhyme or reason for this piece but for
pure spectacle and visual appreciation for the various
skills and techniques used. I struggled with the first act
because I am so used to the commercial and polished nature
of Cirque Du Soleil
but I very much warmed to the second
act.
Liza
Minnelli at Hampton Court Palace.
Thursday
14th June. 2012
I
have been thinking about what to write for a few days and this is a hard one.
In fact, I haven’t even put a review on my Audience Club page after reading
what is already there because it’s all glowing. Does one
write with honesty or see this performance through rose coloured glasses? There
is no doubt that Liza is a true and steadfast legend (I am a huge fan), who has
a pedigree from Showbiz royalty, one that I could only dream of. With countless
shows, movies and awards under her belt, her career and life is an inspiration.
The fact that she has survived her tumultuous life and marriages is true
testimony to her ever-enduring spirit and courage. But if one is going to keep
performing (and Liza is now 66 years of age-not old) one has to think about how
one can be seen/ heard in the best light. If the top notes aren’t there
anymore, take the keys down and re-arrange the music so that it’s singable. One
doesn’t want to acknowledge a faltering voice but if it is, something can be
done. I know that’s what I will be doing when the time comes. The presentation,
venue, stage setting and performance were all admirable and I am a huge fan of
Billy Stritch her talented singer/ pianist MD but the rambling dialogue needs
to be scripted and forgetting words (always a nightmare for a performer as it
happens to everyone) is a sign that more work needs to go into the production
in order to keep the show in tip top condition. I have now seen Liza and wish I
had taken the opportunity (couldn’t afford it at the time) to see her with Dean
Martin, Sammy Davis Junior and Old Blue Eyes back in the 80’s. What a show that
would have been, I missed it and have regretted it ever since.
