Tag Archives: Guy Simpson

DREAM LOVER – THE BOBBY DARIN MUSICAL

 

David-Campbell-starring-as-Bobby-Darin-in-Dream-Lover-image-by-Kerrie-Pacholli-©-pationpics.com
David Campbell starring as Bobby Darin in Dream Lover image by Kerrie Pacholli © pationpics.com

Dream Lover has hit Melbourne like a dazzling and magnificent tsunami of entertainment.

From subject matter in the late, great Bobby Darin through to the original concept and stage play by John Michael Howson and co-writer Frank Howson, adapted for the stage by Frank Howson, Simon Phillips and Caroline Burns through to all the outstanding production team and performances.

The dynamics and genius that fuel this years stage extravaganza in Dream Lover will continue to reverberate.

 Hannah-Fredericksen-starring-at-Sandra-Dee-in-Dream-Lover-image-by-Kerrie-Pacholli-©-pationpics.com_.jpg
Hannah Fredericksen starring at Sandra Dee in Dream Lover image by Kerrie Pacholli © pationpics.com

I was fortunate enough to be at the second dress rehearsal before opening night.

From beginning to end my body pulsated with toe tapping glee to Bobby Darin’s iconic and  heart warming songs from the fifties and sixties, arranged and conducted by legendary musical supervisor Guy Simpson and performed so beautifully by his amazing orchestra.

 

 Amon-Prete-as-the-young-Bobby-Darin-and-Marina-Prior-as-Polly-image-by-Kerrie-Pacholli-©-pationpics.com_.jpg
Amon Prete as the young Bobby Darin and Marina Prior as Polly image by Kerrie Pacholli © pationpics.com

The synchronicity between the flawless performances by the actors, the music, the sound design by Michael Waters, the oh so effective and atmospheric lighting design by Paul Jackson, the razor sharp costume design by Tim Chappel and choreography by Andrew Hallsworth; all showcased within one of the most versatile and  sophisticated set designs by Brian Thompson.

The collective genius played me like a Stradivarius emotionally.  I was transported back to my early childhood where Hollywood’s magic and romance reigned.

Needless to say, I really enjoyed the show and would like to thank producers John and Barbara Gilbert from Gilbert Theatrical, the legendary John Frost of GFO and last but not least Director Simon Phillips along with the cast and crew, all of whom received a deserving standing ovation.

By Kerrie Pacholli

Dream Lover’ is on until 1 March 2018 at Arts Centre Melbourne.