From a brush with death to back on stage!

REPRISE - from Heart Failure to Artistic Success

Teatro Vivaldi

ANU Arts Precinct

October 28, 2007

by Ian McLean

Stephen Pike. Photo: Nathaniel de Hoog

CARDIO-VASCULAR disease may seem an unusual subject for cabaret but the story of Stephen Pike’s encounter with the affliction made for a fascinating, inspirational and uplifting evening of entertainment at Canberra’s home off cabaret, Teatro Vivaldi.

Stephen is a much loved and respected figure in the entertainment industry with his contribution to theatre spanning performing, directing, writing and producing. A near death experience in 2005 inspired him to write “Reprise - from Heart Failure to Artistic Success” and it was a capacity audience of family, friends, colleagues and admirers who journeyed with him as he recounted his fears and shared his thoughts.

The evening commenced somewhat nervously and it was not until Stephen told a wonderfully funny Irish joke that the audience and cast fully settled and the show began to move along at a relaxed and suitably informal pace. Whilst medical stories were insightful and very scary, I felt additional information about the relativity between songs (A Slow Boat to China seemed somewhat random without an explanation for its inclusion) and stories was required.

Stephen is renowned for passion and emotion in his voice (a primary reason for the success of Les Misérables in 1994 and 1996) and this was most evident in his interpretation of Anthem from Chess and later in the night, the beautiful You Raise Me Up.

Stephen had gathered some of Canberra’s finest theatre talent to share his stage with each singing individually as well as providing backing harmonies.

With clarity and a deep sense of understanding, Adrian Flor sang Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Tim dal Cortivo demonstrated his purity of sound with This is the Moment and a Stephen discovery, 13 year old Bill Bourchier, was commanding in stage presence with his Close Every Door from Joseph.

Dave Evans, who also directed, was at his character portrayal best with True Love Ways from Buddy and he and musical director Tony Magee concocted an amusing set of “heart” songs. Tony was somewhat of a highlight for me providing subtle and delicate piano accompaniment throughout the show as well as solid vocal support.

Stephen has come through his medical worries with a renewed determination to widely share the joy and happiness that music and theatre can bring. Like may others, I am most grateful that he has been granted the opportunity to do just that.