What could be better than seeing Jeff Waynes classic concept album fully realised in all its over the top glory? What could be more amazing than a 30ft Martian fighting machine in the middle of the room? What could be more inspiring than the closest thing to a live performance any of us likely to see of Richard Burton? What could be more fun than seeing Shannon Noll getting what he deserves for subjecting us to that song about his car?
Michael Falzon in a uniform!
War of the Worlds the musical at Burswood Dome
....... Other guest artists included Rachel Beck, Chris Thompson, Shannon Noll and Michael Falzon. My major qualm about the show was these performers were not showcased enough. While the drawings and effects on screen were amazing and the orchestra played beautifully, as a musical I wanted a great deal more singing.
Of the performers, Justin Hayward was enchanting as he sang “Forever Autumn” and Michael Falzon can be credited for keeping the energy from falling throughout the piece. As for Shannon Noll, he did surprisingly well but I was unable to decipher his accent. Rachael Beck was in fine form adding to the drama of the narrative.
By Sandra Bahbah, September 10, 2007 10:39am
http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,,22392296-5005364,00.html
image source:www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,,22392296-5005364,00.html
From Mercury to Martians
Bronte performer and singer/songwriter Michael Falzon will play the role of the Artillery Man in the stage adaptation of 'The War Of The Worlds'.
Bronte's Michael Falzon is no stranger to surreal situations, having performed as Freddie Mercury to thousands and singing 'That's Amore' on the lap of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
But when he takes the stage alongside a 30-foot Martian spaceship and the hologram of a deceased actor for his role in the stage adaptation of The War Of The Worlds in September, he could be in for his most bizarre experience yet.
The 35 year-old will play the role of the Artillery Man in the musical version of HG Wells' famous novel.
"It is going to be huge. They have this huge stage with three massive screens, where the whole album is storyboarded, animated in CGI, and there is a 30-foot Martian machine that will shoot a heat ray into the audience," Michael said.
Michael will be accompanied by a 40-piece orchestra conducted by original composer Jeff Wayne.
Original singers Justin Hayward from the Moody Blues and Manfred Mann's Chris Thompson will also reprise their roles, while a hologram of Richard Burton will serve as the story's narrator.
Having listened to the album as a child, Michael was amazed when he got the call about the role.
"I did an audition and sent it off to Jeff Wayne in London. About three weeks later we were in the studio learning it all with him. It was a real whirlwind," Michael said.
His role in the show will continue a run of performances that pay homage to the musicians and music he grew up with, having starred as Freddie Mercury in the Australian run of the Ben Elton/Queen musical We Will Rock You.
"I keep on getting these things I listened to when I was younger. You never think that you would sing this stuff, which you sang with a hairbrush as a kid, with the guys who created it," he said.
Michael will also be giving people a chance to listen to his own music, releasing a solo EP during The War Of The Worlds tour, to be followed by a full album next year.
http://www.villagevoice.com.au/article/20070724/LFS07/707240332
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