Submitted by Simon Parris on Thursday, 18th Aug 2011 for theatrepeople.com.au

Lovers of time honoured musicals would be hard pressed to find a more beautifully sung production than The Production Company’s Kismet.

At The Production Company’s Kismet, audience members are the Strangers in Paradise, enjoying a glittering production of a seldom seen musical.

Owing more to the world of operetta than Broadway, Kismet harks form a bygone age of the theatre and as such it fits perfectly into TPC’s long stated goal to present rarely staged shows. Clearly a labour of love from all concerned, the production is as lavish as one could hope for in a concert setting, with costumes and choreography, in particular, being artistic highpoints.

Adapted from the work of classical composer Alexander Borodin, the 1953 Tony winning musical has an exceptionally lush score. Giving a superb performance of the score, it is wonderful to see Orchestra Victoria featured downstage, adjacent to the action rather than framing it. Full credit goes to Musical Director Peter Casey for having musicians and singers sounding so beautiful.

The plot takes full advantage of the exoticism and pageantry of a Baghdad far removed from today’s image. The pace of the storytelling, however, has not kept up with current trends and some sections could have benefitted from judicious trimming. The theme of fate drives the action, mocking the characters’ attempts at manipulation, miracles and wizardry. Director Terence O’Connell demonstrates a sure hand in balancing the believability of the lovers with the high camp of the villains…

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