Songs in the Key of Black
While other kids were watching cartoons on television, Lucy Maunder was absorbing MGM musicals. It was there she came across Irving Berlin’s, ‘Blue Skies’, and was hooked. “I wish I’d been born in another time”, says Maunder somewhat wistfully, as she prepares to reprise her knockout ‘one woman show’.
Songs in the Key of Black is a tribute to the song writing genius of Irving Berlin, who composed every one of his hit songs in the key of F sharp – he only ever used the piano’s black keys. A Jewish Russian immigrant, Berlin’s lyrics spoke to the ‘everyman’ of America. Jerome Kern once said, “Irving Berlin has no place in American music – he is American music”.
“He is probably my favourite composer of the period”, says Maunder, “Because his lyrics are so simple, so clever and incredibly heartfelt.”
Propelled by a growing fascination with the Art Deco period, Sydney is rising to the occasion with little ‘speakeasy’ type bars popping up everywhere, so this show at the Hayes should fit right in.
“What I wanted to do was shine a light on the era because I love it so much”, says Maunder. “The vibe is infectious, the doors are locked, the teacups are full of gin and this is my little prohibition palace”.
Tuesday 7 April to Saturday 11 April 7:30pm, Saturday 11 April 2pm, Sunday 12 April 5pm, Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $39, hayestheatre.com.au, 80657337.
