Festival Centre’s Christmas Proms – Her Majesty’s – 3K

By Peter Maddern

For the 2012 Proms, the Adelaide Art Orchestra under Tim Sexton’s direction has chosen a Glenn Miller, 1942 war time themed show, combing all the classics of that time with a healthy sprinkling of Christmas carols of all times. Dressed in various armed services gear, the AAT was somewhat squeezed onto the Her Majesty’s stage and accompanied by soloists Andy Seymour and local girl Johanna Allen and five ‘Chattanooga Crooners’. Two clowns and dancers rounded out the ensemble in a show that mimicked a live ABC radio broadcast of the time.

There was somewhat of a cobbled together feel about the performance (for example Sexton needed to refer constantly to his notes including when looking for the names of his own band soloists) but the playing was tight and the singing sound with Johanna Allen a delight.

Those who revel in music of Glenn Miller and that war time era will have 120 minutes in heaven. Those who recall those times will also see The Christmas Proms as an ideal occasion to get out of the home and enjoy a sing-a-long but the whole performance will not enthrall you beyond the sensation you get watching a show at a Leagues Club.

Kryztoff Rating  3K

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