Review: Melodia is a delight that raises the bar high for original local productions
YAF should consider restaging this gem – or even taking it on tour. It’s a top-notch professional production at every level
Lindsey McAlister, founder of the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation, has pulled off quite a coup with this new YAF show, Melodia, which not only delighted audiences young and old over the weekend but also raised the bar for original local musical productions.
An English-language collaboration between McAlister (script and lyrics), composers/vocalists Rose Winebrenner and Violaine Corradi (who had penned music for Cirque du Soleil) and a cast of 100, Melodia is a top-notch professional show at every level. The score – an eclectic mix of rap, pop and world music – is so gorgeous and catchy it is worthy of a record contract; the singing and dancing was of such high quality that I forgot most of the performers on stage are still at school.
And the story? The planet of Zymbalia is in danger and our eponymous protagonist is to save it, and all its inhabitants, from destruction. But Melodia is not your typical heroine – she’s reckless and full of self-doubt. It’s only with the help of friends from three different tribes that she eventually finds victory, and some answers to her mysterious background (well, kind of).
5 must-see performances at Macao Arts Festival 2017
Aoi Toba is astonishing as Melodia. Not only does she have the voice, she practically led the 90-minute show from beginning to end. With only one cast, to sustain half a dozen performances is no mean feat. On Friday evening, Giancarlo Samson (who played Marbo) showed signs of strain in his voice in What’s in a Name, a duet with Toba towards the end of the show. He still managed to hit all the high notes though.