Date: 13 June 2009 09:57:41
Well, I was last night. Braving the cool temperatures of the Highlands [Moss Vale is near enough to give some idea: my car had a temperature of one degree higher], I headed down last night to see The Wizard of Oz put on by the Southern Highlands Youth Art Council. An operator in the Call Centre for the company I work for is the director and choreographer, so a few of us are heading down at different times. I was planning to go with my fellow IT colleague, but he was rather unwell this week so he could not make it. So I headed down myself.
What a performance! What a marvellous performance! Words cannot express how it surpassed, by miles, my expectations. I do not know why: everytime I go to an 'amateur' production I am blown away; the heart and soul put into the performances, and the often more relaxed atmosphere, allows for a rollicking good time. All of the cast were superb, and I would hate to highlight any as unless I could list them all someone would miss out. They each had their own take: a wonderfully wicked Witch of the West relishing her role and laugh; Dorothy with a superb voice and such animated expressions; a rather camp Tin Man; and on they went -- each stamping their style on their character. And then you had the wide ages of the cast, ranging from 8 to 25: the little-ones in particular as munchkins or residents of Oz were just too cute. The choreography of the dancing, and even the movement of the cast, was simply fantastic -- all praise to the choreograher and director: I'll be sure to tell him when he returns to work [he has holidays while this is on, and some well-deserved rest time afterwards]. In addition, the deleted 'Jitterbug' scene was also included, which was simply wonderful to see and hear. The orchestra [conducted by someone I have met before through work training days: and, no, not musically related training! :)] not only played the music wonderfully and with gusto, but stamped their own creative style on the songs -- making it a unique and special performance.
As well as to the director and choreographer, music director, dance coaches, sound and audio operators, caterers, and backstage and front of house helpers, praise must go to Coty & Andrew Farquhar who designed the superb sets and even more superb costumes -- take a look at Coty's blog entries on "The Wizard of Oz" to see the wonderful work done. Truly amazing and simply wondrous.
Well done to all involved: words and descriptions could not adequately describe the wonder and joy of this performance. If you are free next weekend and can make it to Mittagong, go -- you will not be disappointed.
Thanks also to Miss Lisa who, with family involvement, recommended various restaurants for me and my colleague to go to. I went solo, but still treated myself to dinner [sadly a bit rushed as I left work late] at Eschalot at Berrima [10 mins out of Mittagong]. I had the roast riverina lamb rump, cannellini beans, confit garlic & rosemary jus roti, with pommes frittes [a huge serving] -- and could not have been more content. A superb meal: the lamb rump was so tender, and so juicy: and the pommes frittes crunchy and tasty. I was given a complimentary small serve of artichoke soup which also pleased the palate, as did the local Rosé. I shall have to get back and have a more leisurely meal -- and dessert!