John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra blends traditional New Year’s Eve favourites with a generous serving of musical theatre and pop hots for a thrilling presentation of their annual New Year’s Eve & The Day Before Gala Concert.
***rehearsal images – check back later for full production images***
New Year’s concerts are a custom the world over and Melbourne is fortunate to have its own tradition curated so lovingly by John Foreman. Showcasing three fabulous headline stars, the 60 piece orchestra is also joined by the eight-member Dana Jolly Dancers, resulting in a brightly polished performance that can truly be said to have something for everyone.
While rousing numbers such as “The Liberty Bell March,” “The Radetzky March,” and “The Can Can” are regular inclusions in New Year’s concerts, the presence of stars Silvie Paladino, Josh Piterman, and Paulini sways the repertoire well into the musical theatre canon, along with pop, disco, and concert standards, clearly demonstrating the breadth of musical abilities of the musicians and singers along the way.
With more than twenty musical items on the bill, on stage banter is kept to a bare minimum, allowing the quality of the music to simply speak for itself. This streamlined flow keeps momentum at a peak, boosting the emotional impact of the sterling performances. Variety is at a premium, with the well planned program moving smoothly from orchestral numbers to dance numbers to solos, duets, and trios.
The classy production sees the orchestra in full evening wear and the singers in multiple glamorous outfits. Lighting and sound are of pristine standard. All this, plus a free 14-page souvenir program!
A clear orchestral highlight is Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous “Waltz of The Flowers,” which is a joy to hear played by 60 musicians. Special mention of the exquisite work of Jacinta Dennett on harp.
Not seen on the Australian stage for almost two years, the gala concert marks the return to the spotlight of gifted Melbourne performer Josh Piterman. Piterman soars through ”Tonight” from his breakout performance in West Side Story, also giving a beautiful rendition of “Bring Him Home” from his recent London triumph in Les Misérables. Drawing on all his experience in the title role, Piterman wrings full emotion from The Phantom of the Opera hit “Music of the Night.”
Having blown away anyone lucky enough to see her in Sunset Boulevard this year, much loved performer Silvie Paladino brings Norma Desmond’s two iconic hits into her repertoire. Paladino recreates every ounce of affecting emotion in “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye,” her performance sounding all the more glorious with the 60-piece accompaniment. Paladino also revisits her London success in Les Misérables with a deeply moving rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.”
A pop singer who has enjoyed much success on the musical theatre stage, Paulini brings her own flare and vibrancy to the concert. Reminding the audience of her success in The Bodyguard, Paulini livens proceedings with “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” followed later by a sweetly mellow performance of “I Have Nothing.” Paulini and Foreman reminisce about Paulini’s memorable involvement in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular, where she first sang West Side Story power ballad “Somewhere.”
Paulini and Paladino join forces for a toe-tapping duet performance of groovy ‘70s hit “No More Tears (Enough is Enough).”
Sporting a sparkling new set of costumes every time they shimmy on stage, The Dana Jolly Dancers Cover a wide range of styles, including ballroom, disco, and tap, all performed with grace and flair to an impeccably high standard.
Leaving the capacity audience gratefully enlivened and entertained, the Gala Concert is an annual arts event to be cherished and celebrated. The 2025 instalment is eagerly anticipated.
John Foreman’s Australian Pops Orchestra plays their New Year’s Eve & The Day Before Gala Concerts again at 2pm and 8pm, Tuesday 31 December 2024. For tickets, click here.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/auspops