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Do You Know The Way To Ballarat? David Forster/Matthew Carey Piano Bar, Festival Centre, Sat 19 June During last year's Feast festival, David Forster proved that he had presence and talent with this show. 'Do You Know The Way To Ballarat' charts the long distance first gay love experience with many a rewrite to an eclectic range of show and pop tunes - from 'West Side Story' to Kylie and Savage Garden. And there is little doubt that the show is now tighter and that Forster has gained in confidence and his ability to interact with his audience. There is much in the lyrical rewrites that strikes as being na•ve, if not at times downright banal. And while there is much that could improve the show by excision and rewrite, at the same time the na•vetˇ of the songs genuinely reflects the innocent nature of teenage love be it gay or straight. Forster has presence and vocal ability; now a bit more training would make all the difference. Generally pitch and control were fine throughout, however problems did arise in Paul Simon's Bridge Over Troubled Water. The repartee and over all structure of 'Do You Know The Way To Ballarat' is closer to cabaret than some of the other shows seen during the Festival, however a tighter rein and excision is needed if Forster is to make it as a professional. His vocal ability was demonstrated in the diverse range of material drawn upon for the show - ranging from show tunes from 'Guys & Dolls', 'West Side Story' and 'The Music Man' to pop from ABBA, Bacharach and Kylie. And he often gained laughs and applause from the audience. High praise must go to the professional pianism of Matthew Carey who stepped in without rehearsal and with a mere three hours rehearsal. Now in order to make the jump from talented amateur to rising professional, Forster must concentrate on vocal delivery and technique, employ a script editor and dramaturge.  |
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