Twisted Broadway Hits Melbourne for Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS

Melbourne's Musical Theatre community came together at The BMW Edge on Monday night in a celebration of togetherness for a wonderful cause. Thousands were raised for Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights Aids. Hosted by the highly entertaining Leah Howard and Brent Hill, the programme featured performers from musicals being performed around Australia including Rock of Ages, Mary Poppins, Wicked and Love Never Dies. The concept was simple with performers singing songs originally written for the opposite gender.  There were many highlights of the night including Gareth Keegan's  charismatic performance of Life of The Party from the Wild Party, David Rogers Smith and Troy Sussman's highly comic version of I know Him So Well from Chess was vocally effortless and the riotous Amy Housewine had the audience in stitches with her outrageous parody of If I Only Had A Brain from the Wizard of Oz, (If I Only Had Cocaine). Matt Robinson's Original Composition from his show Sing Through Tomorrow was also a real feature of the evening.

The standout of the night without question was the opening of the show with Love Never Dies dance captain Brendan Yeates choreographing a particularly talented male ensemble in The Cell Block Tango form Chicago. The Boys' talent, energy and commitment to the number was evident from the outset and was executed to perfection.

Special mention must go to Musical Director James Simpson who led his five piece band with skill and who was constantly playing through a myriad of material from Sondheim to Strouse through to Guettal and Lippa.

The night had an energy and a vibe that shows raising money for charity have. Any sense of judgement and critique vanish and are replaced with support and togetherness. The glass outer shell of the BMW Edge provided the backdrop, with the Melbourne skyline creating a magical set. The performers shared their gifts with an appreciative audience and by the end of the evening their was a sense that everyone had come together for a common cause.

 

Photos: Kurt Sneddon Blueprint Studios

 

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