Whenever one is invited to see or review a brand new musical it is always a surprise and not always an entirely pleasant one. Often the most earnest heartfelt attempts of the amateur or unpublished independent writer are, at best an acquired taste, more appealing to those closest to the project than a public audience. However, once in a while something very special comes along that simply deserves much wider exposure. Something which has that elusive ‘something’ that makes it stand out from the rest and shout that this is an incredibly well told story [book and additional music & lyrics by director – Chris Chambers] against the backdrop of some exquisite songs [composed by MD – Ian Rae].
I make no exaggeration in stating my opinion that Olympus is exactly that. It is an ancient greek re-telling of the Romeo and Juliet story mixed with overtones of the Bernstein West Side Story version in places.
Prior to seeing the show I did some research into the group and the production and it appears that they are a mix of Croydon based group members and [resting?] professionals. Certainly there was not a singer or principal character among them who did not make me question if they were the hidden pro’s. However special mentions must go to Michael Hall who played Asclepios and was not only slick and well delivered but oozed charisma, engaging the audience in all scenes he graced; and also the young talent of Simon Perry who played Homer and held his own against his adult co-stars – certainly one to watch for the future.
The set was impressive and inventive using two periaktos [quite fitting since these were invented by the ancient Greeks!] and fixed risers finished off with clever use of projection and lighting. I am sure that this complemented the further week run at the Minack in celebration of the arrival of the Olympic torch to UK soil. Costumes too, were incredibly numerous and yet all offered the viewer the feeling that no expense had been spared to create the right feel.
If I had one slight criticism it would be that the sound [especially the fantastic band] was at times very quiet and did not accentuate the crescendos in the performance as well as I would have liked and was deserved. Composer Ian Rae and wife/assistant-director/producer Morven Rae should be incredibly proud of a production that deserves a wider audience and exposure.
LANCE MILTON - NODA REP
I make no exaggeration in stating my opinion that Olympus is exactly that. It is an ancient greek re-telling of the Romeo and Juliet story mixed with overtones of the Bernstein West Side Story version in places.
Prior to seeing the show I did some research into the group and the production and it appears that they are a mix of Croydon based group members and [resting?] professionals. Certainly there was not a singer or principal character among them who did not make me question if they were the hidden pro’s. However special mentions must go to Michael Hall who played Asclepios and was not only slick and well delivered but oozed charisma, engaging the audience in all scenes he graced; and also the young talent of Simon Perry who played Homer and held his own against his adult co-stars – certainly one to watch for the future.
The set was impressive and inventive using two periaktos [quite fitting since these were invented by the ancient Greeks!] and fixed risers finished off with clever use of projection and lighting. I am sure that this complemented the further week run at the Minack in celebration of the arrival of the Olympic torch to UK soil. Costumes too, were incredibly numerous and yet all offered the viewer the feeling that no expense had been spared to create the right feel.
If I had one slight criticism it would be that the sound [especially the fantastic band] was at times very quiet and did not accentuate the crescendos in the performance as well as I would have liked and was deserved. Composer Ian Rae and wife/assistant-director/producer Morven Rae should be incredibly proud of a production that deserves a wider audience and exposure.
LANCE MILTON - NODA REP
RSS Feed
