The ELTHAM Mob

Tomfoolery

The outpatients were out in force tonight as the MTC presented Tomfoolery. Covering many of the favourites such as 'We will all go together when we go', 'Poisoning Pigeons in the Park' and 'The Elements' it was a night of humour (and questionable taste *chuckle*).

If after hearing my songs, just one human being is inspired to say something nasty to a friend, or perhaps to strike a loved one, it will all have been worthwhile.” – Tom Lehrer

It was amazing to see that for many people the material was new! I mean most of the material was written in the 1950's and early 60's. But that didn't stop us singing along and annoying the neighbours :)

In concerts, television appearances and a series of now-classic recordings, Harvard-educated mathematics professor Tom Lehrer delighted millions of fans during the 1950s and ’60s with his dry, cynical but good-humoured attacks on the A-bomb, racism, pollution, pornography, the military, the boy scouts and, of course, mathematics.
Nothing is sacred in this hysterical celebration of Lehrer’s work, featuring such favorites as “Poisoning Pigeons in the Park,” “When You Are Old And Grey,” “The Masochism Tango,” “The Old Dope Peddler,” “The Vatican Rag” and an unforgettable Gilbert and Sullivan-esque recitation of the table of elements, linked together with his own inimitable patter.
TOMFOOLERY rediscovers the man and songs that have delighted and skewered the world for over 40 years.

If you want to do your own homework on the lyrics have a look at Tom Lehrer Song Lyrics (With Annotations)

“You know, of all the songs I have ever sung, that is the one I've had the most requests not to.” – Tom Lehrer

The reviews in The Age and The Australian seemed to be pitching the show for an older audience, but having been known to sing the odd Lehrer tune myself, thoroughly enjoyed the set. I do wonder if the show would have fitted better into the confines of the Speigeltent?

Until next time remember ... 'Yes we all will go together when we go.'

Labels: comedy, music, theatre

posted by The ELTHAM Mob @ 10:22 pm