Edinburgh Festival Reviews for ROB ROY ( continued )
ROB ROY - EDINBURGH FESTIVAL REVIEWS Friday, August 25, 2006
Musicals 2006
WWW. one4review .COM ****
My immediate impression after seeing this new musical by David Warrack was the power and quality of the singing both individually and collectively. With a dozen or so performers in the cast and most of them having their own solo, there was a consistently high standard throughout the performance.
The story of Rob Roy and his creation as a folk hero provides rich scope for musical theatre. Although not costumed in the clothes of the period, this Canadian company did convey the Scottishness of the action and the Scottish accents were convincing, perhaps too convincing at times. In terms of the acting scenes, David Dunbar’s portrayal of the Duke of Montrose did bring out his malevolent arrogance in a comedic way. As might be expected most of the songs were of the rousing type or love songs but there were a number of surprises… Michael Mackenzie Danso as The Bard sang ‘He’s a Magician’ in a slick cabaret style.
Venue & Venue number Roxy Art House V115
Dates 21 to 26 August 2006
Times 17.00 to 18.30
Company Demarco RocketProductions
Rob Roy
***
CLAIRE SMITH
ROCKET @ DEMARCO ROXY ART HOUSE (VENUE 115 )
THREE years ago, Canadian composer David Warrack visited Rob Roy McGregor's grave at Balquhidder and was overcome by the desire to write his story.
This musical is the result. It is the kind of production you hardly ever see these days on the Fringe, with a small orchestra and a large cast of professional singers.
Warrack's music is somewhere between light opera and a film score, and is full of emotional resonance. The cast dress simply in greys and blacks and sit watching the action, waiting to play their parts. There are some strong voices and fine performances, although some of the cast struggle with the faux-Scottish dialogue.
The love story between the Scottish hero and his wife, Mary, is well done, but it is rather too similar to the Hollywood version of events to have anything new to say.
Musicals 2006
WWW. one4review .COM ****
My immediate impression after seeing this new musical by David Warrack was the power and quality of the singing both individually and collectively. With a dozen or so performers in the cast and most of them having their own solo, there was a consistently high standard throughout the performance.
The story of Rob Roy and his creation as a folk hero provides rich scope for musical theatre. Although not costumed in the clothes of the period, this Canadian company did convey the Scottishness of the action and the Scottish accents were convincing, perhaps too convincing at times. In terms of the acting scenes, David Dunbar’s portrayal of the Duke of Montrose did bring out his malevolent arrogance in a comedic way. As might be expected most of the songs were of the rousing type or love songs but there were a number of surprises… Michael Mackenzie Danso as The Bard sang ‘He’s a Magician’ in a slick cabaret style.
Venue & Venue number Roxy Art House V115
Dates 21 to 26 August 2006
Times 17.00 to 18.30
Company Demarco RocketProductions
Rob Roy
***
CLAIRE SMITH
ROCKET @ DEMARCO ROXY ART HOUSE (VENUE 115 )
THREE years ago, Canadian composer David Warrack visited Rob Roy McGregor's grave at Balquhidder and was overcome by the desire to write his story.
This musical is the result. It is the kind of production you hardly ever see these days on the Fringe, with a small orchestra and a large cast of professional singers.
Warrack's music is somewhere between light opera and a film score, and is full of emotional resonance. The cast dress simply in greys and blacks and sit watching the action, waiting to play their parts. There are some strong voices and fine performances, although some of the cast struggle with the faux-Scottish dialogue.
The love story between the Scottish hero and his wife, Mary, is well done, but it is rather too similar to the Hollywood version of events to have anything new to say.
posted by Michael Danso | 3:48 PM
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