The Factory from New Zealand helped to give an international flavour to the musical theatre on offer
Fiona Orr rounds off Edinburgh Fringe 2014…
This year has seen a general increase in the quality of musical theatre on offer and an international sample of the genre as well.
Certain shows stand out in the memory for this reviewer:
Land of Smiles from the USA via Thailand in a clear explanation of the tyranny of human trafficking, beautifully told.
Peter Straker’s Black Magic – a masterclass in the art of storytelling through song.
Siddhartha from Italy in a spectacular, operatic, euphoric rendition of the tale of the prince who became enlightened.
The Factory from New Zealand – soaring Polynesian harmonies and strong principal performances.
Out of the Lens – a new work from a British company with one of the best songs heard in the fringe this year.
Thrill Me: The Leopold and Loeb Story – tense and dark tale of murderers from 1920s Chicago.
Other homegrown hits include: Dracula, 6 – a new musical and Mildred in the Midnight City.
It is fair to say that the range this year has been as diverse as it is wonderful. The Musical Theatre Network Awards, announced on Friday at the New Town Theatre, continued their remit in seeking innovation in musical theatre. Recently appointed chair, Jodi Myers, was delighted to return to Edinburgh where she had her first professional role in theatre as ASM with the Royal Lyceum Theatre Company. She said that the MTN Awards celebrate: “the incredible diversity of the musical theatre sector’’.
The first award was made for Performance to Angela Darcy, for her portrayal of the lead in Janis Joplin: Full Tilt for Regular Music with support from the National Theatre of Scotland.
Three further awards were made “in celebration of innovation in musical theatre” to:
The Future for Beginners presented by liveartshow.
Lorraine and Alan presented by Bucket Club/Farnham Maltings/Pleasance Theatre/Colchester Arts Centre/Escalator East to Edinburgh.
Symphony by Ella Hickson, Nick Payne and Tom Wells, presented by nabokov and Soho Theatre.
https://musicaltheatrereview.com/edinburgh-2014
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