Director and Choreographer: Emlyn Moment.
Band Leader: Gabriel Fitzsimmons.
Additional Choreographer: Cynthia Maxey.
Vocal Coaching: Gemma Harvey.
Costumes: Ann Stromanis.
Lighting: Stephen Palmer
Sound: Robert Williams
Set & backstage: Phil Griggs, Arturs Stromanis, Dean and Jack Willbye.
Act One masks: Amy Stromanis.
Tree and Act two masks: Alex Low and Craig Tolley.
There was so much to enjoy about this production both from the artistic presentation on the night and the actual content of the show which was new to me.
Based on the book of Genesis; the story moves from the creation of the Garden of Eden to the story of Noah and the Flood. Regardless of personal beliefs, this production was quite sensational and RATz Youth section once again rose to the challenge with another production to add to its impressive track record.
With the Tree of Knowledge set up stage right and a sweeping quarter circle ramp from up stage centre to down stage right this company never ceases to impress with its artistic use of the performing space. On the technical front, sound and lighting design and execution were to a high standard. The opening sequence “Let there be light” and the onset of the deluge were particularly effective.
Costumes set the right tone and collectively looked well co-ordinated and I just loved the animal masks, they were excellent.
A near faultless production sparkled with numerous cameo roles and some fabulous songs, I particularly liked “Stranger to the Rain” and “The hardest part of love”, both of which moved me to tears. Musically this production was supported by an eight piece orchestra which sounded terrific and balanced well with the cast on stage.
Direction and choreography were very tight and it was a real joy to watch so many youngsters move and sing as one. Individual performances were all good and much rested on the shoulders of Jess Bates (Father) her stage presence and singing set the bench mark for the rest of the cast.
With so many notable performances from the cast it would be unfair to name any others individually. Suffice to say, for any group with a set of talented youngsters, this is a show well worth considering and I congratulate RATz on their choice and first class presentation.
