A farewell concert at the Ellington Jazz Club. New
beginnings imminent in the UK. Perth loses one of its brightest independent
theatre stars. London gains a unique talent, equally adept at belting out a
song or acting the hell out of a scene, often whilst wielding her trademark
ukulele.
Fittingly, the Ellington was full of friends, colleagues, and
those who’ve come to appreciate Taryn’s contribution to the Perth theatre scene
over the last few years.
Taryn first burst onto my radar in 2015 with the opening
production of her graduating year at WAAPA, playing Little Sally in the musical
Urinetown. But it was the mid-year spectacular at the Regal Theatre, Legally Blonde the Musical, where she cemented herself as one to watch with a show
stealing performance as Paulette. As I wrote in my review, “I must confess I didn’t even recognise Taryn until checking the
programme at interval. She was fantastic as Paulette bringing a different kind
of kooky energy to match Elle’s eccentricities. Her showpiece number Ireland
was a highlight as was her ‘bend and snap’…”
Picture courtesy of Chris Firman |
Other lauded productions that I unfortunately didn’t see
include Porto (nominated for Best Supporting Actor (Female), PAWA Awards);
Laika: A Staged Radio Play; and Tissue. Taryn also contributed her vocal and
comedic skills to a reading of the hilarious first draft of Tyler Jacob Jones’
new musical, Summer of Our Lives, earlier this year. It’s an impressive resume.
Picture courtesy of Chris Firman |
In this she was aided by an excellent band comprising Joe
Louis Robinson on piano and vocals; Krista Low adding class and texture on the cello;
a last-minute replacement on saxophone; Stephen Walker on bass/guitar; and
Jasper Miller on drums. Robinson also provided new arrangements to many of the
songs. The expert accompaniment was loose and relaxed which suited the evening
to a tee.
Picture courtesy of Chris Firman |
Highlights included Sondheim’s Getting Married Today; a
stunning rendition of No One Else from Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of
1812 dedicated to local theatre writer-director Scott McArdle; the tandem pant-suited
disco attack of No More Tears with Megan; crowd pleaser Mein Herr from Cabaret;
an original song on ukulele with piano and cello accompaniment from The Naked
Truth; culminating in a rousing finale of As Far As The Eye Can See that is
such a wonderful moment in the Australian musical Once We Lived Here. A perfect end to a special evening.
There is no doubt Perth is losing a unique talent. But there
was a sense that Taryn has outgrown us and that bigger and better things await
as she chases her dreams on the other side of the world. On the evidence of her
body of work to date and this memorable performance London will be gifted with an
accomplished performer who will flourish in the spotlight.
Thank you for providing so many theatrical highlights both at WAAPA and in Perth’s independent theatre scene. It has been a singular pleasure to witness you act, sing, strum; move and entertain us.
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