The words and music were still ringing in audience members’ ears long after the curtain fell at Iona Performing Arts Centre on opening night of the wonderful musical Hello Dolly, presented by Bayside’s Savoyards Musical Comedy Society.
What’s the enduring secret to Hello Doly’s success as musical theatre on stage?
Of course, it has lovely lyrics and meaningful music composed by Broadway legend Jerry Herman in 1964, making it one of America’s longest-running musicals ever.
Maybe, we mostly remember the voice of Louis Armstrong, who produced a most memorable hit with the title song and performed it in the 1969 movie of the same name, starring Barbra Streisand.
But mostly, we believe, it’s because local theatre groups like Savoyards present Hello Dolly – for the third time – in a thoroughly accessible and entertaining fashion, appealing to all ages, and with an amazingly talented cast and team, many known in the local community.
Miranda Selwood – imported for the season from Moorooka on Brisbane’s southside – is a star in more ways than one, with her very professional portrayal of Dolly in true Broadway fashion.
Matching her in substance and style was none other than Birkdale local Warren James, playing the beleaguered Horace Vandergelder.
The colourful and comprehensive printed program reminds us that Mr James’ musical theatre career began at the age of 12 in the Australian production of Oliver in 1967. He went on to do many things on stage, as well as musically directing OIiver (in 2008) and Annie (2014) for Savoyards.
We cannot miss mentioning Conor Ensor – with West End experience – who left an indelible mark with his superb portrayal on Cornelious Hackel, most notably by his smooth rendition and vocal range in the moving song It Only Takes a Moment.
With a totally talented cast of 31, there are far too many with star-like qualities to name, except we cannot avoid drawing attention to those who reside in our expanded community.
The Bancroft family from Manly West is represented by three: David and wife Sonia in the ensemble, along with their dancing daughter Kayleigh.
We should also mention that grandmother Jan, from Eureka Wynnum, was in the audience to proudly watch her family perform to perfection.
Three other ensemble members to stand out were Jacob Ewan (Ormiston), Graham Colenutt (Thorneside) and Ben Webb (Wynnum).
Local dancers to gracefully hit the boards of the Iona stage were Angela Shoemaker and Melanie Southall from Ormiston, along with Kylara Swain (Wynnum West) and Kim Kee (Manly West), the latter also performing exceedingly well off-stage as Marketing Manager for Savoyards
This community theatre group has a massive team of more than 100 hard-working souls – mostly acting behind the scenes – by volunteering their time and skills to make this show run perfectly.
Not only was the Iona venue in Lindum up to international showtime standard in every way, but so was the orchestra, very ably managed by Jacob Cavanough, with the baton in his hand as Musical Director.
We must say it was a joy to hear – and see in the well-designed orchestra pit – a full complement of 20 trained musicians.
This reviewer has seen many musicals – including West End productions – and this showing by Savoyards is a class act and up there with the best professional theatre you can find anywhere in Australia and abroad.
The season continues with performances on October 4 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm; October 5 at 1.30pm; and October 11 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm.
For details, visit savoyards.com.au.
