Hamar Hall, Arts Centre MelbourneReviewed on Monday April 11, 2022
This review may contain spoilers
Promoting the very best in Australian talent, Morning Melodies is an Arts Centre Melbourne tradition. Its existence in fact, spans as far back as the renowned facility’s opening almost four decades ago.
Lockdown forced the monthly celebration into a two-year hiatus. But in 2022, the complex once again kicks this live entertainment staple into high gear with a brand-new show at Hamar Hall from three local show business veterans.
Two Hits And A Ms is a charming throwback to the Golden Age of motion picture and stage musicals. Bobby Fox, Christopher Horsey, and Nicole Melloy bring a sampling of iconic Hollywood and Broadway moments from classics which include An American In Paris, Singing In The Rain, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Top Hat, to rich and vibrant life.
Drawing on their impressive singing and dancing resumes, Fox, Horsey, and Melloy, recreate a solid handful of show-stopping numbers which include:
- ‘Begin The Beguine’ (from The Broadway Melody Of 1940);
- ‘Gimme, Gimme’ (from Thoroughly Modern Millie);
- ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Singing In The Rain’ (from Singing In The Rain); and,
- ‘I Got Rhythm’ and ‘S’wonderful’ (from An American In Paris)
In this tightly paced sixty-minute production, the performers rotate between working as a trio, various pair combinations, and solo turns in the spotlight.
Not only does Two Hits And A Ms pay loving tribute to dance legends such as Fred Astaire, James Cagney, Gene Kelly, Elanor Powell, Debbie Reynolds, and Ginger Rogers, it serves as a gorgeous showcase for the team’s own considerable talents, tricks and skills. How the trio further personalise the overall experience, occurs during a short interlude when they detail their respective interests in tap and what it means to be a performer.
Fox, Horsey and Melloy also share playful chemistry and banter vital to the show’s success. At times, it is like watching three close friends catching up for a high-energy jam session. They are that comfortable together.
As an added bonus, Two Hits And A Ms is supported by a seven-piece band from some of the best instrumentalists in the business. Led by Craig Schneider on piano, Hamer Hall’s excellent sound and lighting design made this experience worthy of any arena spectacular. (It should be noted that Melloy’s stunning collection of beaded gowns was provided by the acclaimed costume designer, Kim Bishop.)
Scanning the audience around me for their reactions during the show, Two Hits And A Ms is perfect for viewers of any age with a taste for elegant nostalgia and zestful musical theatre alike.
In case you are reading this review and are sorry to have missed out on the fun, don’t fret. Two special encore performances will play at Prahran’s Chapel Off Chapel on Sunday May 1 at 2.00pm and 5.00pm.
I guarantee you will savour every delightful, delicious, and delectable moment.