Seventeen year old Director, Ben Francis, has worked his skills again. #SHe is Promise Adelaide's fourth such venture and was a fund-raiser for White Ribbon. For this production Francis teamed with the talented MD Camryn Jordans (17) and Choreographer Lewis Shilvock (14) and devised a slick, fluent presentation honouring women and girls through music.

 

It was a strength that the DV message was overt, with the songs clearly supporting the theme. Indeed, the whole production sensitively handled the material, using rear projections where appropriate and incorporating a powerful message by Arman Abrahimzadeh who addressed the audience during the show.

 

The ensemble work was strong, as were many of the solos. The songs ranged from the 1960s to the present. Some of the strongest pieces incorporated a narrative, such as Ned Baulderstone's "Oh Pretty Woman', and the male cast's "Uptown Girl". There were plenty of other strong voices, too. Serena Martino-Williams stood out. In her solo "One Moment In Time" she sang with great control and was well matched with Francis, too, in their duet, "Better Than I".

 

Tom Russell showed his experience and flair throughout, while Jess Muenchow and Monica Horta impressed in their pieces. The whole female cast excelled in the signature piece "I Will Survive". The two youngest cast members, Ethan Schembri (13) and Zara Blight (10) certainly held their own among the older cast, and their duet was delightful.

 

Ben Francis and Promise Adelaide are achieving remarkable things. #SHe was a great example of their continuing work.

 

 

Director Ben Francis