JACQUES BREL IS ALIVE AND WELL AND LIVING IN PARIS
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Production Conception, English Lyrics and Additional Material by Eric Blau and Mort Shuman Based on Jacques Brel's Lyrics and Commentary Music by Jacques Brel Directed by Benjamin Henson Musical Direction by Grant Winterburn By arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dramatists Play Service, Inc. at Unitec Theatre, Entry 1, Carrington Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland From 9 Nov 2012 to 17 Nov 2012 Reviewed by: Lexie Matheson; |
A musical by one of the major influential singer-songwriters of the 20th century performed by Unitec's graduating Year 3 actors.
Crimes of passion, webs of deceit, disintegration. The dark side of Jacques Brel's haunting lyrics is brought to the fore in a nightmare scape of lost souls; taking the satirised human narrative of his most popular chansons to find a unique and unnerving evening of cabaret. The sinister world of Brel's harrowed characters - at times disillusioned and bitter, at times full of worldly clarity – is re-imagined in a visionary take on this cult musical.
Jacques Brel wrote over 300 prolific songs, much respected and adopted by huge names from the music world, including Nina Simone, Shirley Bassey and Cyndi Lauper. His lyrics, bridging the gap between narrative poem and song, are distinctly heartfelt and brimming with humane truths, both ugly and beautiful.
Originally written for just four performers, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris is given new life with this 16 strong ensemble.
Venue: Unitec Theatre, Entry 1, Carrington Rd, Mt Albert, Auckland
9-17 November, 7pm
10 & 11 November, 2pm MATINEE
(No evening show Sunday 11 Nov and Monday 12 Nov)
Cost: Adults $15, Concession $10, Students/Unitec grads $5
Specials: 20% discount for bookings 4 and more. 2-for-1 specials for matinees only on Sat 10 and Sun 11 Nov.
Tickets: www.iTICKET.co.nz or (09) 361 1000
http://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2012/nov/jacques-brel-is-alive-and-well-and-living-in-paris
SONG LIST / Cast credits:
Le Diable (Ca Va) - Laura Daniel
If We Only Have Love - Cole Jenkins, Rebecca McFadzien and Laura Daniel
Alone - All Cast
Jackie - Saraid Cameron
Brussels - All Cast
Timid Freida - Chye-Ling Huang, Cole Jenkins and Eli Matthewson (David Sutherland)
Brussels Reprise - All Cast
My Childhood - Rebekah Brady
Madeleine - Eli Matthewson (David Sutherland)*
Sons Of - Alexandra Wylie, Tayla Pitt
Fanette - Jason Hodzelmans
Amsterdamn - Paul Lewis
Ne Me Quitte Pas - Rebecca McFadzien
The Middle Class - Paul Lewis, Eli Matthewson (David Sutherland) , Jason Wu and Cast
Funeral Tango - James Roque
My Death - Rebekah Brady
The Desperate Ones - Paul Lewis, Tayla Pitt, Chye-Ling Huang and Eli Matthewson
Marieke - Laura-Jean Bainbridge
Song For Old Lovers - Jason Hodzelmans
Carousels - Laura Daniel and Cast
If We Only Have Love - All Cast
*David Sutherland will feature as understudy in Madeleine (and understudies Eli Matthewson on th4e opening weekend)