Orpheus At The Movies Preview

Concert:      Orpheus At The Movies
What:           Orpheus Choir and the Vector Wellington Orchestra, conducted by Michael Fulcher with Sarah Lineham (soprano) and Chris Crowe (baritone)
Where:        Michael Fowler Centre, November 30

When:          November 30
Reviewer:    Lindis Taylor

The title, Orpheus At The Movies, was a bit of a misnomer. None of the musicals in the show was written primarily for the cinema; most premiered on Broadway and were later filmed. Harold Arlen's Over The Rainbow from The Wizard Of Oz was the only real Hollywood tune, touchingly sung by Sarah Lineham.

Looking splendid in black, the choir made an immediate impact with It's A Grand Night For Singing (Rodgers and Hammerstein), singing with razor-sharp ensemble and diction. Further impressed by sensitive lighting and Michael Fulcher's obvious comfort in his role, I settled down for a good evening.

After a slightly less than punchy opening to Gershwin's 1927 Strike Up The Band, the choir had few moments that were less than full-blooded, animated and totally committed. And thanks to Christchurch arranger Richard Marrett, the choruses suited the choir perfectly, and the orchestra had a conspicuously stylish role.

These songs were second nature to the two soloists. Lineham's voice was sweet and musical, her lines beautfully shaped and evenly sung with well-judged vibrato. Chris Crowe looked the seasoned performer, voice a bit nasal, with a snarl that was just right for Luck Be A Lady from Guys And Dolls. I was pleased to be reminded what a great show Frank Loessner's Guys And Dolls was, with a rewarding bracket for both soloists and choir.

Lineham's If I Were A Bell was a real delight, and My Time Of Day gave Crowe a fine break. On the other hand Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady got scant attention, though with an excellent I Could Have Danced All Night from Lineham.

I had approached the evening wondering how this great choir, whose normal fare is classical choral masterpieces and which, until recently, would have sung Messiah at this time of year, would take to Broadway. The size and character of the audience suggested that they might have forsaken many of their traditional followers, but the evening was a winner for all that.