Just two days into its programme, the Adelaide Cabaret Festival was rocked by the tragic news of a murder... That’s right ladies and gentlemen, the composer is dead, and everyone on stage is a suspect.
Based on the works of Nathaniel Stookey and Lemony Snicket, 'The Composer is Dead' sees comedian Frank Woodley join forces with The Adelaide Symphony Orchestra to present a musical murder mystery which is both surprisingly informative and chaotically funny.
Once the 55 piece orchestra had filled the stage of the Festival Theatre, host Frank Woodley entered the room – or at least he attempted to – but a seemingly mistimed spotlight caused some confusion, which was the first in a handful of technical mishaps that would occur during the show. What followed was a hilarious ten minute rant by the easily distracted Frank about how “that was not the beginning of the show,” before he solemnly informed us that there had been a murder. As the orchestra – conducted by Brett Kelly – began their first sombre piece, Frank exited the stage only to return moments later as The Inspector: the gangly, bumbling investigator in charge of the case.
Throughout the 50 minute show, The Inspector divided the orchestra into sections – strings, woodwind, brass and percussion as Frank created a unique voice and personality for each; while cleverly worded interrogations allowed each section to not only explain their role within the orchestra but also demonstrate it through a series of beautifully crafted musical scores. This method allowed the audience to gain a basic understanding of the composition of an orchestra while also having plenty of fun, and – for those who had not seen an orchestra in action before – it was the perfect introduction to classical music.
With his razor sharp wit and lanky body perfectly suited to physical comedy, Frank was thoroughly entertaining as The Inspector, taking the technical difficulties in his stride and even daring to call out audience members young and old, who heckled or laughed at his misfortune. The talented musicians of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra shone, somehow managing to maintain their composure and their place as Frank danced and ran through their ranks, invading their personal space and, at one time, breaking an instrument.
