New Year’s Eve and the Night Before Gala Concerts (Australian Pops Orchestra), at Melbourne Recital Centre - 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval
- Alex First
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
A spectacular four concert series over 11 days finishes in grand style with three of the doyens of musical theatre treading the boards.
I run out of superlatives when I try to describe the phenomenal voices of Marina Prior, Lucy Durack and Simon Gleeson … for they are living treasures.
Their depth, range, texture, tone and control are something to behold – a privilege to witness in their full glory.
Together, they are an incendiary combination.
The concert incorporates upwards of a couple of dozen numbers, including medleys – a mix of Broadway classics, musical theatre fancies and orchestral favourites.
Elegantly attired, with Marina and Lucy in several magnificent, colourful gowns, the sensitive and lyrical combine with the big orchestrations that build and build.
Conductor John Foreman leads the outstanding 40-piece Australian Pops Orchestra with gusto.
Adding to the entertainment on a few tunes are six of the Dana Jolly Dancers.
All up, it is more than two hours of solid, enriching entertainment, excluding interval.
Marina, Lucy and Simon perform Puttin’ on the Ritz and Time to Say Goodbye.
Marina and Lucy join forces for I Know Him So Well, while Lucy and Simon sing If I Loved You.
In fact, Lucy points to Simon and his songstress wife Natalie O’Donnell as inspirations for her musical journey.
Marina and Simon have heaps of fun with Master of the House from Les Misérables.
Throughout, the Melbourne Recital Centre is bathed in batons of light and matching fairy lights, providing an enticing backdrop.
There are also umpteen opportunities for solo numbers, with Marina highlighting Andrew Lloyd Weber, before turning to her Celtic roots.
In the repertoire is ample time for the Australian Pops Orchestra to wow us with its talents, on occasion accompanied by the Dana Jolly Dancers.
In fact, it is the orchestra that sees us out after a fitting encore from all on the program.
If concert brilliance is what you are after, you can’t go past the mighty special New Year’s Eve and Night Before Concerts.
There are two more performances, both on 31st December, one at 2pm and the other at 8pm.
To book, go to www.apoconcerts.com
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