An End to Dreaming

An End to Dreaming – Emma Dean and Jake Diefenbach by Jane Durbridge

The  intimate and plush La Boheme is the perfect setting for the entrance of this cloaked and hooded pair.  Hidden from view and with a countertenor singing voice, Jake’s sexuality could be ambiguous, (apart from protruding man arms and an obviously male name!), but there is no doubting his musical ability.

The scenes are set in 5 stages, each set comprising 2 well crafted songs to lead you through The Darkness (hooded), The Awareness (Emma is now blond, and matching her Aryan brother-from-another-mother Jake), The Reckoning, The Healing, and finishing with The Light.

We’re taken on a twisted Hansel & Gretel tale into a mesmerizing dark place, each song filled with discord and a mix of strong emotions until we’re walked out of their darkness to a safer place.

Jake and Emma work effortlessly together, complimenting each other with their harmonies and styles.  It’s an awkward pas de deux within the confines of a small stage filled with a large keyboard and piano, but they move between their stations quietly and affectionately – supporting each other through the forest of life.

Their dream like state ends with such rousing applause that the pair demurely provide an encore – almost as though they’re surprised we’re in the room.  They seem a bit abashed at their ability to move the audience to such support, but it’s all very well deserved.

We’re charmed by their tale.

On tonight until Sunday….

Ps Bit thrilled to have my first review for this Adelaide Fringe Sammy J sitting next to me too (ok – at the next table) at my last review for this Festival….my circle of reviewing!