Ira Gershwin gave a fitting tribute in 1937 to his brother George, who had sadly passed away of a brain tumour; “Those of us who loved George never believed his music would stop and it hasn’t. His music is here to stay.”
And stay it has! The popularity of Gershwin’s delightful music is just as strong 100 years later, if not stronger.
The latest production by independent theatre company, OPERATING THEATRE, has brought us a dazzling and invigorating cabaret of Gershwin songs, led by internationally renowned, multi MO award winning pianist, Bernard Walz.
It is called FOR THE LOVE OF MIC, ‘BY GEORGE’.
Founding members of the company and co-directors, Jo-Anne Cahill and Rebecca Kypri-Inacio, open the show with a lovely, harmonious duet of ‘Tonight’s the Night’.
Alan Zitner does humorous, multiple character extracts between certain songs, beginning with Moishe Gershovitz, father of George and Ira, who quips; “We never had much money – we could only afford one pair of pants. My wife Rosa decided she should wear them.”
Alan also plays Ira (see quote above about George) and Oscar Levante; “What the world needs is more geniuses with humility- there are so few of us left”.
The songs flow on as each performer introduces the next;
Michelle Collins does a playful version of ‘When You Want Em’ and a hilarious, drunken version of ‘Vodka’.
Maree Johnson, on holiday back home from her successful career on Broadway, joins the cast for this run with the classy duets, ‘Embraceable You/Treat Me Rough/Do it Again’, accompanied by the wonderful Wayne Scott Kermond. Maree also sings a beautiful version of ‘Someone To Watch Over Me’, accompanied by Andrew Cutcliffe on ukulele.
Trent Kidd graces us with his impeccable tap dancing for ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ and joins Ana Maria Belo in tap and song for ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’.
Unfortunately I can’t mention all of the equally talented cast, but highlights of the evening were;
Bernard Walz’s hypnotic rendition of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ brought the audience to its feet. Walz says of this extraordinary song, “This is as dynamic and energetic as it gets…it is a pure affirmation of life!”. His performance of this piano piece at the Vanguard in New York was so well received that Larry Adler commented, “If Gershwin were alive to hear Bernard play ‘Rhapsody in Blue’, he would have loved it”.
With over 40 productions for Opera Australia to her credit, Adele Johnston gives a chilling rendition of ‘Summertime’ with an improvised, blues-inspired Prelude. She followed this with a powerful version of ‘Bess You is My Woman Now’, from Porgy and Bess.
The OPERATING THEATRE’S production of FOR THE LOVE OF MIC, ‘BY GEORGE’, played the Sydney Sound Stage, Seymour Centre on the 20th and 21st of March.
OPERATING THEATRE will follow this 2 night season with shows in hospitals, to “give back – not only to act with artistic integrity, but with social integrity – this is our reason for being”, said Jo-Anne Cahill.
Their next show, GRACELAND, will be at the Sidetrack Theatre in June. Hopefully we will also see BY GEORGE return to the stage – it is wonderful entertainment.
Tags: Sydney Stage Reviews- FOR THE LOVE OF MIC, ‘BY GEORGE’, OPERATING THEATRE, Sydney Sound Stage Seymour Centre, Bernard Walz, Jo-Anne Cahill, Rebecca Kypri-Inacio, Alan Zitner, Michelle Collins, Maree Johnson, Wayne Scott Kermond, Andrew Cutcliffe, Trent Kidd, Ana Maria Belo, Adele Johnston, Sydney Arts Guide, Bronwyn Fullerton.