Opera Australia: Encore! Songs from the Musicals review

“I dreamed last night I got on the boat to heaven.” So goes the encore to Encores! Songs from the Musicals, a lyric that proves entirely apt for the thrilling experience of the enraptured audience of this lavish concert. ***check back later for full production images*** Continuing their 70th anniversary celebrations, Opera Australia takes the chance to give an “encore” performance of hit songs from the parade of successful musicals they have staged over recent years. Director Mark Sutcliffe works with a starry cast of six performers to present a slick, highly entertaining concert. Sutcliffe wisely keeps chat to a minimum, simply having each performer take a turn to speak, strengthening their bond with the audience by sharing the backstory of their involvement with Opera Australia. International leading lady Caroline O’Connor begins proceedings, instantly warming and engaging the audience with her trademark exuberant flair. Under the highly exacting baton of maestro Vanessa Scammell,…