BWW Reviews: Luigi Lucente channels the quieter side of Jim Morrison in KALIDOSCOPE
By: Jade Kops Jun. 15, 2015
Saturday 13h June 2015, 8:30pm, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point
Luigi Lucente captures Jim Morrison's music, poetry and erratic style in KALEIDOSCOPE with a quiet reverence. Paring back rock songs to piano self-accompaniments, the lyrics and sensitivity of the songs are showcased, peppered with references to Morrison's unpredictability.
A table with a cut crystal bottle of whisky, tumbler and candle sits upstage of the grand piano, appropriately positioned so Lucente's skills on the keys can be witnessed. In black paisley shirt and tight black jeans he stands front and center, tearing up a flier from the show we are about to see, ordering the audience to cast aside perceptions.
As he works through the 15 songs, Lucente slips between American and Australian accents as he poses questions directly to the audience, talks to characters unseen, and shares observations and snippets of poetry at random intervals. Whilst this may be easily recognizable for Morrison fans, for others this proved a little confusing, unclear if these interruptions were supposed to be humorous, directed at someone in particular or evidence of the side effects of Morrison's drug use referenced in the opening stages of the show. Whilst the songs are presented with an American accent, the spoken word accent changes add to the confusion of whether it is Lucente speaking to the audience or Morrison or another character, all of which may or may not be a deliberate way to keep the audience off balance and ensure that they don't become too settled with their ideas of what is happening.
Lucente, who also wrote the show, has created arrangements for piano and solo voice that generally give a quieter tone to the music. Some still retain a heavier beat including using the audience to provide a percussive beat in response to Lucente beating out a rhythm on the piano case. The pared back arrangements, whilst allowing Lucente's piano skills to be demonstrated, also allow the lyrics to become the focus, highlighting Morrison's poetry.
Lighting and smoke haze have been utilized to create a grungier atmosphere. Occasional use of brighter lights and color changes match changes in mood in the music and one song is presented in complete darkness.
This is a complex work that would appeal to Jim Morrison fans as there are a number of references and mannerisms that would be more recognizable to those familiar with his work. For those not as well versed, this is not a history lesson as other tribute shows may be. It is however a chance to hear new interpretations of works that have become part of music history.
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