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Reviews | | "April - Performer"
The Make-A-Wish Jazz Album
Reviewed by: Simon Sweetman, Dominion Post Friday 1 April 2005
"All proceeds from April are being donated to the Make A Wish foundation (“granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy”, as it is explained in the liner notes). And certainly that is to be admired. And it is reason enough, I believe, to support this artistic endeavour. But, April is also a lovely album, because April Phillips can really sing. And her voice is put to perfect use across a mix of jazz and pop standards, from Old Devil Moon and It Had To Be You to Someone to Watch Over Me and The Man I Love. Backed by the best local jazz musicians (Norman Meehan, piano/keyboards; Johnny Lippiett, saxophone; Lance Philip, drums) April’s voice dominates the rich layered tunes. And Norman Meehan’s sympathetic, gentle arrangements perfectly account for this. Fans of vocal jazz will be impressed with this local talent – and what a novel way to support a wonderful cause. If you can’t find it in shops it’s available through her website: www.aprilphillips.com "
Unforgettable - Nelson Jazz Fest Review 2008
"April Phillips, has a voice of honey. Her excellent phrasing in The Very Thought of You brought meaning to the lyrics. One of Cole’s most famous songs, Nature Boy, really suited her and her duet with Teka of Unforgettable was tenderly sung. "
Unforgettable - Tauranga Jazz Festival Review 2008
"Vocalist April Phillips was equally outstanding; understated, with a strong modulated-voice and, like Teka, a powerful ability to bestow meaning on Cole’s especially poignant lyrics of love; her cover of ‘Nature Boy’ was the best live version I have ever heard, and Nils Olsen’s soprano sax augmented the moment with haunting eastern-arabesques. Phillip’s version of ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ was also breath-taking when accompanied by Andrew London’s acoustic guitar, Olsen’s echoic sax, and Norman Meeham’s beautiful, expressive keyboards. "
A Tomb With A View
"April Phillips (as Monica) is the most memorable. Her languid lines and animated facial expressions were worthy of any of Dracula's brides."
Shona
"Shona…is movingly portrayed by Phillips. In a highly charged emotional performance she manages to capture the many sides of Shona's complex character - angry, aggressive and logical, yet also unconfident, scared and terribly vulnerable"
"April Phillips' portrayal of Shona, the schizophrenic at the centre of the play, drew praise from the judge and an ovation from the audience."
Move Over Mrs Markham
"April Phillips as Mrs Markham was outstanding. She had a perfect sense of timing."
"Jenny Taylior Show" sketch, Hens Teeth
"April…was quite stunning in a Whitney Houston spoof. It was a tidy piece of satirical send-up that finally gave the evening bite."
"April - Playwright"
STIFF
Click here for STiFF reviews.
KILLING ME SOFTLY
Reviewed by Laurie Atkinson, Evening Post, Wellington
"It is odd to see a new play these days in which the first act ends with a carefully constructed curtain line, in which the second act begins immediately after the dramatic line is spoken, and in which a debate between two characters is the raison d'etre of the play. The example of Terence Rattigan has not been forgotten. And the playwrights have added some surprises to the climax of their dramatic story which Rattigan would not have sneezed at."
"The audience was held in that taut silence that signifies that the acting, the script and the drama are working together to suspend disbelief. It is also safe to say that April …has not opted out with a "safe" ending."
BLUE EYES
The music of Frank Sinatra, Circa Theatre, February 19.
Reviewed by: Garth Wilshere, Capital Times, Wednesday 26 February 2003
This is a clever and well-constructed show, devised and written by vocalist April Phillips.
Frances (Tracey Savage) is in her parents home going through some of her late mother's personal effects. She discovers an old diary in the form of letters to Frank Sinatra, and for the first time realises that her mother had been a singer in the 1960s.
As she reads, the spotlight dims and the lights come up on the cabaret representing her mother's band (The Roulettes at the Speak Easy Club).
Many of Sinatra's great songs are covered as the play alternates between the reading of the letters and the band's performance.
The musicians are excellent. April Phillips plays the 'mum' role with some nicely personalised renditions while Andrew London is a stylish singer. I particularly liked his number One for my Baby (one more for the road).
The band is tight and jazzy with swinging-cool when required, driven by great musical direction and superb piano playing from Norman Meehan, exciting drumming from Lance Philip and vibrant saxophone from Johnny Lippiett.
Levin Performing Arts Society production of BLUE EYES August 2008
Review by "EH"
"A smooth, easy on the eye and very easy on the ear show unfolded".
"These letters are the device the playwright uses to carry us back and forward from the narrative to the musical numbers. Technically the cross fades worked and I was totally accepting of the concept".
"This is a MUST SEE production. "Top of the heap" in every way."
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