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Sign of the Seahorse Company:
Cast:
Director:
Tom Healey
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Underwater Symphony When
Graeme Base wrote and illustrated his popular children's book, |
Dressed
in glitzy gold and platform shoes, D. J. Foster stole the show as the
King of the Deep, although he was also memorable as the Mafia-like villain,
Gropmund. G. Groper. Conducted by Guy Noble, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
flawlessly played the beautifully contrasting score. The music was well
suited to the mystical ocean concept, with upbeat tempos blending in well
with the lyrical tunes. Overall, the children will be mesmerised
by the colourful and vivacious characters including the Soldiercrabs,
the Catfish Gang and the Sharks. The dancing in the Seahorse Café scene
was excellent, and enthusiastic children were copying the moves in the
foyer after the show. Adults will appreciate the quality of the music,
Melinda Oliver Send us your feedback on this article or anything else in The Blurb |
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Sign
of the Seahorse, he intended to eventually convert it into a musical extravaganza.
The result of this ambition is Sign of the Seahorse- The Concert, which
is a co-production between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Playbox
Theatre. The concert features orchestra, narration, singing, acting and
dancing, and is designed to appeal to children while remaining entertaining
for adults. Narrated by Shaun Micallef, who recently played Warwick on
Sea Change, the story follows the adventures of Pearl 
Trout
and her underwater friends in their search for a new home. The coral reef
in which they live has been poisoned, so Pearl follows a vision of a red
seahorse to lead them to safety. The story contains the right elements
of humour, drama, action and romance, as well as the underlying message
that environmental pollution is threatening the existence of beautiful
coral reefs. Supported by a fine ensemble cast of talented dancers and
singers, Andrea McEwan delivered a fine performance as Pearl Trout. Scott
Irwin was also impressive as Pearl's lover, Bert, and their voices complimented
each other in the duet, Wait For Me. >>>
strength
of the singing and the opportunities taken by Shaun Micallef to include
subtle humour. Sign of the Seahorse signifies a promising future for children's
entertainment in Australia, which is becoming more sophisticated. 
Graeme
Base should consider pursuing a similar concept with his other books,
as it is clear that there is definitely a market for such productions,
that people of all ages can enjoy.