Jul 11

FILM – Pacific Rim – 3K

pacific_rim-wideBy Peter Maddern

Once more the world is faced with an apocalypse and near certain destruction. Massive sea faring creatures are destroying our cities one by one and the best efforts of nations can’t seem to do much about it, until….

Pacific Rim is the latest Hollywood, holiday blockbuster to play out good against evil through reviving the careers of former combat warriors (this time in the form of Charlie Hunnam), aided by a pretty woman (Rinko Kikuchi), when all others are shown to be fallible. While a well-meaning general in charge (always it seems an Afro American, this time Idris Elba) does his best, weird scientists acting as skunks beaver away at exposing the weaknesses of the foe and thus the way to the world’s ultimate salvation. In Pacific Rim, it is Hong Kong that is the scene of the action.

If nothing else, Pacific Rim must go close to the film with the biggest CGX budget in history, all beefed up in 3D but after the opening scenes, nothing much new happens, though the volume notch is sustained throughout hard up against the 10 mark. Of course, that means the script is somewhat banal and the character development wafer thin.

Some attempts at humour creep in after the first hour but they are somewhat half hearted – a father and son combination strut around with what I think are meant to be Australian accents but which sound rather more South African, but whatever they are nearly incomprehensible and there is some meanie in gold shoes that we are meant to relate to. But for the most part I think the execs at Warner Brothers may have feared too much humour would have blown their scriptwriting budget and have risked giving the game away as to what well worn crap this story represents.

Pure and simple this is a teenage fantasy flick for those with not much else to occupy their days. Of the most recent batch, coming up against World War Z and Man of Steel, it would take an idle mind and a similarly possessed $20 to warrant this 140 minute indulgence.

It is a bit sad to reflect that the major studios now have it seems budgets for only two films a year – this shock and awe extravaganza and something half decent for Oscar season. It doesn’t leave much for the other ten months of the year, especially as the overlap between those audiences is minimal.

Pacific Rim is what it is – if that suits go see, you won’t leave disappointed;  if not or if you already apocalypsed out, don’t fear you are missing out.

Kryztoff Rating   3K

Jul 08

DANCE – Ballet Revolución – 23-27 July – Her Majesty’s

Ballet_Revolucion_13_eventAfter its acclaimed world premiere tour throughout Australia in 2011 and then subsequently sold out seasons in London, Paris, Zurich, Berlin, Frankfurt and Vienna in 2012, the international Cuban sensation Ballet Revolución returns in 2013 with an extensive tour of Australia, including six shows at Her Majesty’s Theatre from 23 – 27 July.

What happens when some of the world’s most talented classical and contemporary dancers perform to the infectious rhythms of Latin America and No 1 hits from Usher, Shakira, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, J-Lo, Prince, Chris Brown just to name a few? The result is an explosive, intensive, sensual and impressively athletic performance, full of raw energy with a distinctly Cuban flavour.

“So many great things have happened for the show since we had our World Premiere in Australia two years ago,” said Australian Producer and Creator of Ballet Revolución Mark Brady.

“We have toured many countries around the world and had the amazing honour of being invited to perform in the presence of Queen Elizabeth II for the Royal Variety Concert on 19 November 2012. Internationally the show continues to wow audiences no matter where we perform, so bringing the show back to Australia is very exciting.”

Ballet Revolución’s young Cuban dancers let their athletic bodies do the talking anywhere in the world: audiences cannot get enough of their exuberant energy and contagious joy of life with which they turn any idea into an explosive and intense performance. With breathtaking twists, daring jumps and sensual moves from ballet to street dance, Ballet Revolución has already impressed audiences in sold-out shows from Sydney and Singapore to Berlin, Vienna and London.

Ballet Revolución mixes the dynamics of contemporary dance, brilliant ballet, powerful street dance and hip hop giving the work “Ballet with Attitude”. Combining 20 of the finest dancers you will ever have the pleasure of seeing from the island of dance, Cuba and eight of the hottest young Cuban musicians live on stage, results in a fuelled Cuban cocktail of unbridled passion, pure energy and athletic skill.

International Number 1 hits from Shakira, Ricky Martin, Beyoncé, Enrique Iglesias, J-Lo and others ignite the fire of the 20 highly trained dancers allowing them to let their tremendous versatility, musicality and passion run free while infecting the audience with this mood in no time. The dancers were trained at one of the world’s most prestigious dance institutions in their home country, the Escuela Nacional de Arte, with its renowned faculty of modern dance, and at the famous Escuela Nacional de Ballet for classical dance. Dance training is strongly promoted in Cuba, as dance means more than art on the Caribbean island, it means life. The dancers thus unite in their movements a unique Cuban expression with the highest dancing virtuosity.

Boundless passion, attractive sensuality, stunning athleticism and exuberant joy of life – Ballet Revolución combines it all in a fireball of emotions that no one can escape.

“It pumps you up, delivers an endorphin high!” – The Guardian, London

“An irresistible Cuban cocktail of ferocious sensuality!” – The Australian

“Their jumps are astounding, their control is as strong as steel and their free-spirited joy for dance is infectious.” – Sunday Herald Sun

What:

Ballet Revolucion

When:

23 – 27 July

Venue:

Her Majesty’s Theatre

Hours:

23 – 26 July 7.30pm, 27 July 2pm and 7.30pm

Cost:

A Res Adult $98.90, A Res Concession $79.90, A Res Child $79.90, B Res Adult $89.90, B Res Concession $79.90, B Res Child $79.90, B Res Group 10+ $79.90

Suitable

12+ years

Bookings:

BASS 131 246 or online at www.bass.net.au

 

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Jul 08

EVENT – Speak Up 2013 – 3 Aug

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Musicians join forces to raise awareness about mental health

One in five people are affected by mental health issues

Speak Up is an event put together by local musicians to raise awareness about mental health on behalf of sufferers and their carers.

Event organiser and singer Kylena Vigus said:

‘Mental illness is still little understood by our community, although so many people suffer from these issues, and this affects many others, including families and friends. There is still a workplace stigma attached to these problems. In 2011, I lost three friends to suicide, and felt I really had to do something to put this issue on the agenda – something practical to help. Being a musician – an afternoon of music to raise funds and awareness seemed like one thing I could do.’

Speak Up is holding its third event, this year at The Soul Box, with four bands/musicians performing.

Kylena Vigus said:

‘This won’t be an afternoon of gloom, it will be a celebration of achievement and empowerment, as well as some very good music.’

The bands, Unnecessary Tension, SideFX, RAW Sugar and musician Chris Finnen will play originals and favorites, and the MC will be well known presenter Xavier Minniecon.

The event will be held on Saturday, the 3rd August, 2013 from 7:30pm – 11:30pm at The Soul Box, 252 Hindley St, ADELAIDE (The West End)

All proceeds will go to Grow SA Branch.  

Kylena Vigus said :

‘The main aim is to encourage those who suffer or are affected by mental illness, to not hide or suffer in silence. Too many lives are lost due to the stigma and public perception. Speak Up is not about education, but realisation that someone close to any one of us could be suffering in silence. ‘

Tickets are available through Kylena Vigus (0420 217 265) or facebook search: “Speak UP – A Community Awareness Event 2013”

More information and interviews: Kylena Vigus  (kylenavigus@hotmail.com) 08 8351 7934/0420 217 265)

Jul 04

THEATRE – A Comedy of Errors – Dunstan Playhouse – 4.5K

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi_COE2959 By Peter Maddern

It’s a good thing the great Bard did not wholly devote himself to exposing the foibles of humans in terrible tragedies. For if he had, we would have been denied this little gem, one of this earlier works.

The premise is kind of thin – two sets of twins get separated into pairs at a young age, one from each set, one of whom comes from wealth, with the other destined to be a slave. When the play commences they happen to be both be in Ephesus, one set as strangers (Antipholus of Syracuse with his Dromio) in search of their missing siblings, Antipholus of Ephesus (and helping hand – also Dromio) husband of Adriana.

_COE3241Of course, all manner of confusion breaks loose when they get separated and then happen upon the other not knowing who exactly they are while Adriana awaits at home with her sister, Luciana, for their Antipholus to arrive for dinner.

This delightful production, the joint work of the State Theatre Company and Bell Shakespeare, does not just rely on the script to carry the day and embellishes it with all manner of visual and physical humour and a fair smattering of digs at our contemporary world.

The Syracusians, Nathan O’Keefe as Antipholus and Renato Musolino as Dromio dominate with endless reserves of shock, schemes and slapstick. The female siblings, Elena Carapetis as Adriana and Jude Henshall as Luciana are delightfully clueless about what is going on around them with Henshall revelling in the new found attraction and overtures she receives from what she believes is her sister’s husband – the washer scene is a cracker.

The set presents as eight swinging doors that get variously used as an immigration interrogation centre, dingy night club lanes and the street frontage to a monastery. Curiously, while this design halves the usual stage space made available, it sets up somewhat like a stand up comedian’s stage which all seems about right given the treatment that gets meted out.

Eugene Gilfedder’s cameos as Egeon who opens up proceedings and is also the doctor, part Colonel Sanders, part unregistered soothsayer, called in to explain the strange behaviour are great and while Anthony Taufa’s Duke, played as Marlon Brando’s Godfather works nicely, Suzannah McDonald’s Sister Wendy impersonation could be dropped as the lisping all tended to detract from the purpose of her concluding speech of resolution.

But still better to err on the side of the silly fling than the strict form as Imara Savage’s direction is full of fun and invention and sustains a rollicking good pace that farce like this needs to ensure audience members don’t have time to ponder on the improbabilities of it all.

Adelaide has been waiting for the Brookman brothers to deliver on their promise as the new supremos of the State Theatre Company, with Hedda Gabler just an inkling to what may be possible after the near death experience of The Kreutzer Sonata. But this work will surely comfort the doubting Thomases for this Comedy of Errors is seriously fine theatre.

Jul 04

VISUAL ARTS – Ghoti 16 – Light Gallery

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi37simonBy Peter Maddern

The Ghoti series of exhibitions are about the work of the students of the Centre for Creative Photography and comes around each six months. There was much to like in #15 last Christmas as we reported at Ghoti 15 Review

This sixteenth collection is perhaps not quite as alluring to the disinterested visitor but nonetheless well worth the visit.

Simon Gammon’s A Swan’s Reflection (left) is the image used to promote the exhibition and certainly a good place to start when examining the highlights. Rather than focus on the mirror image of a black swan, Gammon alludes to the real form by cropping at its feet and then letting the bird’s reflection bend and disperse in a delightful, almost sensuous manner down the frame.

All sorts of interpretations are available from Michelle Richards’ From Another Point of View. Here we look outward from a suburban bar through a row of ornate whiskey and other spirit bottles, keenly focused and contrasted, towards a large billboard on the wall on the street opposite that reads ‘Jesus Chris Superstar’. Are these the temptations we must resist in order find holy grace? It’s all a bit dingy but not without hope and recalls John Bracks’ The Bar with the heavenly bodies and drudgeries of men juxtaposed and of inanimate objects.

Phil Flower’s Reflections has its chocolate box elements to it yet his capture of the often shimmering, sometimes stark blue, green and yellows arising, melding and emerging from river red gums swamped in the flats of the Murray just happens to be delightful. The light is either from the dawn or dusk yet the structure of the image does not overplay that, rather it uses that to bring out the colours in combination and contrast rather than being just a play on shadows.

Finally and by no means least is Steamer by Li (Victor) Zhu, which for this reviewer was the stand out capture and by some distance. A steamer is heading away at sunset and its vapour and smoke trail expands out horizontally across the water, dividing the frame between a sea or lake that seems ill at ease if not angry against tranquil but somewhat mighty hills in the rear ground that slide into the water ahead of the vessel. The capture of the yellows of the steamer, hills and smoke is magical and the contrasting emotions of the land and the water makes the viewer take more notice of the scene.  Victor, why just $50 for this rocket, the cheapest in the exhibition? No wonder it has sold. It’s stunning!

Jun 28

GREASE – School Holiday Production – Preview and Details

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi11-14 July – Middle weekend of SA school holidays
Thurs 11th  – 11.00am (school show-Junior cast) & 7.30pm(Senior cast)
Friday 12th – 11.00am (school show-Senior cast) & 3.00pm (Junior cast), 7.30pm (Senior cast)
Saturday 13th – 11.00am (Junior cast), 3.00pm (Senior cast), 7.30pm (Junior cast)
Sunday 14th – 1.00pm (Senior cast), 5.00pm (Junior cast)

WALFORD THEATRE – 316 UNLEY ROAD, HYDE PARK
More info and tickets at www.pelicanproductions.com.au
Stay in touch with the Rydell High gang on facebook

Everyone’s favourite high school musical, Grease, will burst into the spotlight in July when local company Pelican Productions stages its first ever full-scale musical.

For the past ten years, Directors Kylie Green and Jen Frith have held regular youth theatre camps, teaching Adelaide kids to act, sing, dance and of course, how to have fun on the stage.

“It’s been a dream of ours for many years to produce a full-scale musical, and finally this year the timing was right to launch into this project,” said Ms Green.

“We chose Grease because we have such fond memories of the movie and the musical from our childhood, and really, who doesn’t?

“Even our youngest students knew of the production and were thrilled to have the chance to perform their favourite songs, like Summer Lovin’ and You’re The One That I Want.”

What’s special about this production of Grease is that the 80 participating students have been split into two separate casts.

“So there’s a junior cast, made up of primary school aged children and a senior cast with high school students,” said Ms Frith.

“We wanted to do that mainly to give the younger kids a chance to have a go at the lead roles, like Danny and Sandy, because otherwise they would have had to settle for a spot in the ensemble and some of them are such stars we just couldn’t resist giving them the chance to take centre stage.”

The students will work with an entirely professional production crew, including vocal coaches and choreographers who have worked on some of Australia’s grandest stages.

“Of course the main reason for the kids to take part in the show is to have fun, but our professional tutors mean that they also get an insight into what it’s like to be part of a real production,” said Ms Green.

Pelican Productions are encouraging everyone in Adelaide to come along and see their students shine.

“It’s a really fantastic, fun musical. Everyone knows at least one of the songs, so it’s a show that’s great to sing along to in the audience, and it’s something special to do as a family these school holidays,” said Ms Frith.

Pelican Productions have taught hundreds of local performers over the years, some of whom have gone on to bigger things – securing places to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and even appear on reality TV singing contests.

“One of our former students, Mark Stefanoff auditioned on The Voice this year. He didn’t turn a big red chair, but we hear he was thrilled to have coach Ricky Martin offer to lend him some support to pursue his dreams of performing on Broadway in New York. We wish him all the best of luck in his endeavours,” said Ms Green.

“Some of our students also performed in the hit-musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at the Festival Theatre last month, playing the lead role of Jeremy Potts, as well as 10 of our students in ensemble cast roles. You will see some of these up and coming stars from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang playing roles in the junior cast including Kenickie, Sandy, Doody, and everyone’s favourite cheerleader Patty Simcox.”

Jun 28

CABARET FEST – Hans Like A German – 5K

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi2013 Cab LogoBy Julia George,

To put it into Hans’ words, German-born Matt Gilbertson (who plays Hans) is a “lucky bitch!”. Incredibly talented, Matt is more than a triple threat – he can sing, dance (including tap), act, as well as play the piano & the piano accordion.  There’s no doubting he is a great entertainer, even proving himself with some ‘hilarious’ impromptu comedy on the night.

For 70-minutes of bling & dazzle, the scantly clad, hot pants wearing, feather adorned & sequin covered German drag-esque performer sang pop covers, including a splash of ABBA. Hans’ spontaneous, crude banter entertained the sold-out audience, who were seated on round tables in true-cabaret-style.

The seating plan allowed for table dancing by Hans & his back up dancers, and the dancers plus support band, The Ungrateful Bastards, completed the show’s cabaret-unit, though it can be said Hans was the star of the show & could’ve shone on his own.

The most memorable moment of the show was the closing act, when Hans had the audience on their feet, singing & dancing to the “Korean love song” Psy’s ‘Gangham Style’.

Hans’ popularity is skyrocketing and this latest installment into his colourful career will only add to his credibility as a truly talented, national artist, and his ability to create performances, which captivate a wider, mainstream audience will serve him good.

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival is a stellar event, and Hans is the star of the show.

Hats off to Hans!

 

Kryztoff Rating    5K

Jun 27

FILM – Man of Steel – 5K

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpiMan-of-Steel_01Man of Steel, directed by Zack Snyder revisits Superman’s origin through a reboot. Man of Steel is basically a science fiction drama, revolving around an alien trying to find himself on Earth and dealing with humanity’s reaction to his presence.

It runs for about 2 hours and 20 mins and it’s an interesting story from start to finish. It’s a slightly darker version of Superman than what’s been seen before, but the main idea was to make a Superman movie with realism. A more realistic take on the hero.

It is a film that consists of both action and emotion. There are some strong emotional scenes between characters, and the action is full of very well done CGI, quite possibly the best I’ve seen depending on the environments. There are many explosions, and destruction throughout the film.

Michael Shannon who plays General Zod, did a superb job imposing the main and best known of the villains from the comics. A comparison of his performance with that of Heath Ledgers ‘Joker’ from The Dark Knight, can be well made. Henry Cavill, who plays Clark/Superman, creates a stand-out performance on every level. A real connection was brought to the character. The score from the film is both catchy and moving. The film is enjoyable and creates depth within characters.

In saying this, some people may argue that there could have been more room for character depth, creating a film that is a bit more relatable to the audience coming from the Lois and Clark perspective. However one feels sure this relationship will surely follow within future sequels.

Lastly, this film is surprising in the direction that it takes sometimes, veering off a little from the original material of the comics. Because they aren’t major changes, it doesn’t shelter the film at all. Overall, the best movie I have ever seen. Hands down. Loved it. It’s an action-packed thrill-ride from start to finish.

Kryztoff Rating  5K

Jun 27

NEWS – Adelaide Pianist Composer’s Hand Surgery deemed a Success

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi

Rich-Batsford-side-profile-Web-Res-1024x682For Adelaide based pianist, composer and singer/songwriter, Rich Batsford, the latter part of the run of his Adelaide Fringe show Mindfulmess was tinged with worry as a lump which had been growing on his finger began to cause him problems.

The finger was starting to contract into a claw shape, forcing Rich to make adjustments to his playing and raising concerns about the possible cancellation of the latter few shows.  Fortunately Rich made it to the end of the run, gaining some several good reviews.

 By the time of his surgery, the tip of his finger was almost pushing into the palm, but thankfully the surgeons at Adelaide’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital were able to remove the lump and restore the finger to something close to its original state.

Post-op analysis has shown the lump, originally thought to be a giant-cell bone tumour, is due to Dupuytren’s disease which causes thickening of the connective tissues in the hand.  Unfortunately, there’s an even chance it will recur, but it is treatable in various ways, so is hopefully not a threat to Rich’s long term career.

 

Meanwhile, Rich has been working with Adelaide electronica artist Jason Sweeney in producing short ambient pieces for Stereopublic, an art project involving a smart phone app which triggers relaxing music as users traverse a city space.  After the success of the project in Australia, the app is currently being rolled out for cities in Europe, America and China.

 

Rich says ‘I’ve never had a single disease in my life so far, so I’ve been very lucky, tho as pianist, its a bit ironic that the first turns out to be a disease of the hand.  Still, I’m relieved its treatable, am very grateful to all at Queens Elizabeth and am looking forward to getting back to the piano soon to learn to properly play some of the many new pieces of music I’ve written in the last few years.”

 

www.richbatsford.com – www.youtube.com/user/RichBatsford – www.twitter.com/richbatsford

Jun 27

A DAY ON THE GREEN – Bernard Fanning – Barossa – 16 Nov

SMA Kryztoff banner May 13 100dpi

BernardFanning_0345With a #1 debut for his new album ‘Departures’, rave reviews, press covers everywhere, plenty of radio love and fans more than thrilled with his new songs, Bernard Fanning is once again at the forefront of Australian music.

And that being said, it’s the perfect time to announce the much-loved, multi-awarded singer-songwriter has teamed up with the equally much-loved winery event a day on the green for a series of concerts nationally in late October/November.

Fanning is set to bring his acclaimed ‘Tea & Sympathy’ and ‘Departures’ albums to the stage on a warm summer’s night against the back-drop of the beautiful vineyards of Mudgee and the Hunter Valley in NSW, Barossa Valley in SA, Yarra Valley in VIC and Mt Cotton in Qld, and the picturesque Kings Park in Perth.  How good will this be?

Special guests will be the incredible Sarah Blasko, the charming Bob Evans and Band of Frequencies. The tour hits Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley on Saturday November 16.  

“I’m really looking forward to these a day on the green shows,” Fanning said. “I have been hearing about them for years and am glad to be playing my new songs in such a dignified setting. And I’m looking forward to a couple of vinos with Bob Evans and Sarah Blasko.”

Fanning’s ‘Departures’ album, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA chart last week, is his first since Powderfinger called it a day and is the highly anticipated follow up to his 5 x Platinum solo debut ‘Tea & Sympathy’.  His recording success is paralleled in the live arena, where he has proved again and again why he is one of Australia’s finest and most popular live performers.

He is delighted to have three top quality Australian acts in Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans and Band of Frequencies joining him for what promises to be a very special a day on the green.

Sarah’s fourth album ‘I Awake’ has re-affirmed her status as one of the country’s most outstanding and most applauded artists ……‘a defining, unsettling masterpiece’ (Rolling Stone), ‘a great Australian talent’ (The Australian), ‘a truly once in a lifetime artist’ (West Australian) and ‘captivating’’ (Herald Sun).  After a sojourn in Paris touring and promoting ‘I Awake’, the ARIA award-winning Best Female Artist returns home in July for further concerts to coincide with the release of the haunting single ‘All Of Me’.   Enchanting and undeniably brilliant, Sarah is set to thrill a day on the green audiences.

Bob Evans, the lovable alter-ego of Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell, has been charming fans with his quirky solo projects for the past decade.  His fourth album instalment ‘Famous Stranger’ was released in March and showcases a progressive pop sound that is downright irresistible. He’s sure to be a crowd pleaser at the upcoming concerts.

Surf roots rockers Band of Frequencies have played with Donovan Frankenreiter, Ash Grunwald and John Butler Trio and at major surfing events around the world.  Their feel-good roots-blues-funk sound, anchored with a strong environmental conscience, will be the perfect start to the day.

Fanning is the first national tour announcement for the upcoming – and 13th – a day on the green summer season for which promoter Roundhouse Entertainment is pleased to welcome two sponsors, AAMI and Sunsuper.

Bernard Fanning, Sarah Blasko, Bob Evans and Band Of Frequencies – sounds like a wonderful day of great Australian music!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16 – PETER LEHMANN WINES, BAROSSA VALLEY  

EVENT INFORMATION:

a day on the green is a fully licensed event.  Strictly no BYO alcohol.  Food will be available on site or BYO picnic.  Deck chairs and picnic rugs are recommended.   For all event information, go to adayonthegreen.com.au.

 

TICKETING INFORMATION:

Platinum:  $179 plus b/fee

Gold: $149 plus b/fee

Silver: $129 plus b/fee

General Admission (BYO chairs & rugs): $94.90 plus b/fee