Time is a Traveller – David Harris

David Harris_TIAT_reviewFresh from his acclaimed portrayal of The Baker in Victorian Opera’s Into The Woods, Australia’s leading man of Australian musical theatre, David Harris presented his one-man show Time is a Traveller for a three night season in Melbourne.

In the intimate surround of The Loft at Chapel Off Chapel, the sell-out opening night audience were treated to a candid but highly entertaining 90 minutes of the songs and stories that have helped shaped his career. From the embarrassment of appearing in his first school musical (Man of Steel), to the numerous talent quests, yodelling in the Swiss alps, Harris presents the highs and sometimes lows of his musical journey.

Accompanied by David Cameron on piano, Harris’ affable style is evenly match by his finely timbred voice in a variety of songs that included This is the Moment (Jekyll and Hyde), What About Love? (Legally Blonde), You Walk with Me (The Full Monty) and If I Only Had A Brain (The Wizard of Oz).

Even in the quieter moments, Edelweiss (The Sound of Music) and Tenterfield Saddler (Peter Allen), accompanied this time by Cameron on guitar, Harris is in full control of his vocal instrument. However, it was his renditions of Why God, Why? (Miss Saigon) and Bring Him Home (Les Miserables) that proved to be highlights.

Joined by the ever-popular Amanda Harrison in Irving Berlin’s You’re Just In Love from Call Me Madam, and Wicked’s As Long As You’re Mine, the two having the opportunity to perform in this musical at separate times in their respective careers, one can only hope that we will see these two performers together soon.

One can only hope we haven’t seen the last of David Harris, as he is about to embark for New York. Audiences though, will have another opportunity to hear David before he leaves in  Newcastle on Saturday 16 August. For more information, visit: www.davidharrisofficial.com for details.

Image: David Harris