Synergy

A Synergy of musical partnerships…

by David Simmons

What do we know about Synergy? For starters, it’s the new song and dance celebration between husband and wife duo Ian and Vivienne Von Memerty. However, one tends to forget that Synergy and creative collaborations in musical theatre has echoed throughout the decades by some of the world’s greatest musical partnerships of all time. In a somewhat gracious and tender ode to the icons and musical leaders of stage and screen the simplicity and light- heartedness of Synergy brings to life a true and impactful bond of love, relationships and musical alliances.

In this instance Synergy commemorates the combination of a connection between husband and wife which is elegantly portrayed on stage but tributes a gentle fondness to the acclaimed theatrical scores and the creators behind them. Applauded shows such as Fiddler on The Roof, Mary Poppins, A Little Night Music, Chicago and Cabaret to name a few have effortlessly become synonymous in the musical history hall of fame, not only for their music but the artists who brought their scores to life. We are treated to snippets from these productions giving the audience some time to indulge in an evening of nostalgic reverie!

Our dancing and singing twosome who take centre stage, evidently enjoy their time as musical partners and with a 26-year marriage behind them including the ups and downs of their journey together, theirs is a notable energy and understanding of each other which makes Synergy so pleasing to watch. At the centre of their staging lies a single prop– a simple white lounger – a space and comforting station to contemplate and join force. As such, this was nothing glamorous or eye catching but an inanimate object that somehow understands in a figurative sense the true essence of where partnerships are established and more importantly, ones that are just about to flourish. Ian and Vivienne make use of their ‘Personal Lounger’ whether sitting, reflecting or dancing on!

Ian Von Memerty needs no introduction to musical theatre and his dancing wife Vivienne (who previously stared with Ian in Fabulous 50) is comfortable in the different roles that she plays. They are both joined by the amazingly talented Roelof Colyn who tampers away effortlessly at the piano, bringing songs from the past to life.

Some of the best known partnerships in musical history have provided the songs to countless theatrical productions to which our sprightly duo explore with an impactful eagerness. With soft lighting, minimal set design, and a background filled with the foggy haze  of yesteryear (yes, the smoke machine was working overtime!) will transport you to a dreamlike world filled with the sexiness of Kander and Ebbs’ Chicago to modern day Lennon and McCartney’s All You Need Is Love.

Enter the Gershwin Brothers who brought us songs of love and passion from Hollywood and Broadway in the 1920’s and 30’s. Songs such as Embraceable You, Stairway to Paradise and, I’ve got a crush on you were remembered and enjoyed through Ian and Viv’s song and dance routines. Cut to a very quick wardrobe change and we are transported to Tsarist Russia in the little village of Anatevka where Tevye and Golde sing that memorable yet poignant song ‘Do You Love Me? With Ian in full impoverished milkman ensemble and Viv playing the part of his long-suffering wife was probably the highlight of the show and proves that love and mutual partnerships grow even in the worst of times. Cut to our next act where we are introduced to the magical music of the Sherman Brothers where song and dance sketches from Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the Jungle book ignited a true sense of giddiness in all of us, not forgetting the claps and laughter from the audience…Young and old!

Other famous duos explored were Fred Ebb and John Kander with Chicago and Cabaret tributes not forgetting the great Steven Sondheim’s Send In the Clowns sung with affection by Vivienne and ending off with one of the greatest collaborative partnerships of all time- Lennon and McCartney with a throwback to the Beatles and some of their greatest hits.

If you are mad about musical theatre as much as I am, you will appreciate the music and what our duo has set out to portray. Synergy will mainly attract an older audience looking for a dip back into something a little sentimental although the younger crowd familiar with Ian’s work on A Handful of Keys will love his showmanship energy and performance.

Synergy will be on at Pieter Toeriens Montecasino Theatre until the 2^nd of July 2017.