Composer: Luke Di Somma
Starring: Julia Booth, Alex Pelham-Waerea, Ella Veitch, and Jonty Climo
Musical Director: Dr Nick Braae
Director: Kyle Chuen
Producer: Bold Theatre
Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa
22 February 2025
Luke Di Somma is one of only two kiwis to ever attend the intensive two-year Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Programme at New York University. He is also renown for writing smash hit That Bloody Woman, the punk-rock musical based on the life of Kate Sheppard; The Unruly Tourists for New Zealand Opera; and Seigfried and Roy: The Unauthorised Opera commissioned by the 2025 Sydney Festival.
Songs in the Key of Luke featured a dozen numbers performed by some of Kirikiriroa’s most revered vocalists. Julia Booth, Alex Pelham-Waerea, Ella Veitch, and Jonty Climo appeared as soloists, as half of a duet, and together as a harmonising quartet. The cycle of songs was about connections and relationships, or lack thereof, told in first person. Di Somma had set the songs in various locations including New York, London, and Kalgoorlie. A variety of genres were covered including musical theatre, jazz, a touch of gospel, and the sprechgesang-style of talk-sing.
Soprano Julia Booth’s first song was a comedic number about her criteria for a boyfriend. She delivered with humour throughout, and her versatile voice was mesmerising.
Alex Pelham-Waerea’s talent and work ethic knows no bounds. Pelham-Waerea was entertaining, and he sang each of his numbers with poise, portraying unique and believable characters while delivering a thrilling vocal performance.
Ella Veitch has a delightful way of connecting with her audience, and her powerhouse vocals were impressive once again. Veitch was able to display a performance maturity that belies her age.
Jonty Climo’s warm voice was beguiling. Climo shone equally as a soloist or part of a group and was a performer that drew in the audience and those on stage, with his calm demeanour and astute characterisations.
Outdoors festivals provide their own unique benefits and challenges. The shady set up of the American Modernist Garden, and the cool breeze flowing through provided immense relief from the hot weather. However, the sound bleed from the Symphony soundcheck several hundred meters away on the Rhododendron Lawn proved to be distracting. The four vocalists and Dr Nick Braae on keys powered on, not missing a note thanks to their professionalism. Kyle Chuen’s direction ensured a seamless performance, and Braae kept the music flowing at an ideal pace.
Bold Theatre continue their ethos of bringing new works to Hamilton, and Songs in the Key of Luke was a perfect choice for the festival. Those unfamiliar with the global impact of Luke Di Somma should support this event while there is still room on the bandwagon. There is one more performance of Songs in the Key of Luke on Sunday 2 March 2025 at 6pm in the spectacular Egyptian Garden.
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