Women in Voice Fifteen

Date of release: Until Nov 25

Date of Review: Monday, 27 November 2006

Venue: Playhouse

Women in Voice has become something of an institution in Brisbane
over the past decade or more. It has grown from fairly humble
beginnings into one of the finest showcases of female vocal talent
in the country.

This year's offering, featuring a highly talented group of women
including Stacey Broughton, Leah Cotterell, Emma Dean, Christine
Johnston, Kristina Olsen and Megan Sarmardin have continued a strong
tradition of bringing quality cabaret, song and patter to Brisbane
audiences. There is, quite literally, something in this show for all
tastes.

While moving around the after party on the opening night I found as
many opinions of the night's entertainment as there were women in
the show. That is to say each person has their favourite, just as
they had performers they were less keen on. But that, I don't need
to remind you, is the stuff of human nature.

For this particular reviewer the highlights were – quite apart from
the wacky talents of MC Carita Farrer – the incredible voice of Leah
Cotterell and the folksy "love `em and leave `em" songs of the multi-
talented Kristina Olsen.

That is not to say that the other were not wonderful. The punchy
rock voice of Megan Samardin perhaps did not quite touch my mellow
mood on that particular evening, and the bizarre antics of Christine
Johnston rather failed to hit the mark this year – which is a pity
given the incredibly talented performances the multi-award winning
performer has put forward in previous years. All performances were,
however, of a high quality and standard

Emma Dean's striking vocal style was perhaps another contender for a
tag of `favourite' and Stacey Broughton's jazz inspired performances
were amusing but her chosen theme (telephones) did feel a little bit
overplayed toward the end of her bracket.

Congratulations of Annie Petersen as producer and to Karen Crone as
director and choreographer for turning out another fine night of
entertainment. It's well worth a look. Rarely does one have the
opportunity to witness such a varied showcase of multi-award winning
talent in one place at one time and I encourage you to go and
experience Women in Voice Fifteen for yourself.

You will, undoubtedly, come away with your own list of likes and
dislikes – and one that is likely to be rather different to my own –
but that is, as I said, the nature of the beast. When it comes to
music it is rather likes sport in Australia. We all have our clearly
thought out preferences and opinions and none are either totally
right or totally wrong.

- Nigel Munro-Wallis
http://www.abc.net.au/brisbane/stories/s1798055.htm?brisbane