A Bohemian Banquet

The Bohemians certainly served up a delicious feast at their banquet. It was a novel concept to compile a programme of musical numbers all with a connection to food, drink or celebration.The ’menu’ was extremely well thought out with some well known musical numbers but also many numbers which were completely new to me. This was a real learning curve and experience which I enjoyed immensely. 

This most varied programme was well balanced with solos, duets, small ensemble numbers and big company numbers. Bohemians are fortunate in having an abundance of excellent soloists who had been well cast with voices chosen to suit the varying musical styles. It is always encouraging to hear so many cast members being given the opportunity to shine.

Act One’s ‘Appetisers and Revelry’ compelation began with the initially sombre ‘Food Glorious Food’ but quickly changed to a jazzy wild party with Rosie and Bethany leading the revelry. The choreography from start to finish was most impressive with the company being kept on the move the entire time with some very eye catching dance rouitines which were perfomed with precision and vitality.

A great blend of voices asked ‘Who Will Buy’ and the male ensemble led by Darren and Donald certainly did whip up a frothy ‘Toledo Surprise.’

Lynne gained our sympathy as the naive, devoted wife ‘Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm’ and was followed by Colin and Craig’s most expressive ‘Santa Fe’. A most powerful trio of ladies took a delight in intimidating poor donkey with their threat of ‘Donkey Pot Pie'. Kirsty and Colin were absolutely fabulous as they reeled off the names of a variety of ‘Pasta’ in quick patter style. The party was in full swing with a most exuberant, energetic ‘Topsy Turvey’, ‘Have an Eggroll, Mr.Goldstone’ showcased Shona and Andrew’s true blend of voices and was followed by a most animated ‘I Can Cook Too'. Becky really sold that number. A most flamboyant Graeme invited us to ‘Be Our Guest’ with wonderful singing and choreography closing a joyous first  Act.

‘Desserts & Debauchery’ in Act 2 were equally enjoyable. ’Sunday’ which opened this part of the programme provided the opportunity to exhibit the strength of the choral singing in one of the few occassions when the company were static. Samantha and Donald’s bubbly personalities rocked ‘Sugar’ and was followed by a sparkling Becky with the female ensemble telling us the benefits of ‘A Spoonful of Sugar'.

‘What Baking Can Do’ was one of the numbers which was new to me and was powerfully delivered by Caitlin and an excellent backing group. Emily and Darren with their backing group were fabulous in ‘Get It (Feed Me)' which was utterly convincing.

‘Shut Up and Raise Your Glass’ was electric with Colin, Emily and the entire ensemble really engaging with the audience many of whom I’m sure wanted to get up and dance. The pace slowed down with Samantha and Lucie’s ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ which once more showcased a lovely blend of voices. Kirsty’s interpretation of ‘Somewhwre in the Dough’ as she tells of her personal confusion was spell binding.

‘Make an Omelette’ was fantastic with Grame, Darren and the Ensemble wonderfully expressive and gripping the audience. One of the real performances of the evening was Bethany’s ‘Macaroons’. Her personality and sense of comedy absolutely depicted Mrs Overall.

We were introduced to next years production of ‘We Wll RockYou’ with a stirring, powerful and energetic ‘One Vision’ which was certainly a good advert for the show.

This thoroughly enjoyable banquet finished with the bouncy, ‘Green Eggs and Ham’. The singing and movement throughout the production was excellent and well drilled and was accompanied by a superb five piece band - ‘James and the Side Dishes'.

I found the evening quite fascinating and so cleverly put together with its theme of food, drink and revelry. Congratulations to all the cast and production team for their talent and commitmnet in serving up such an enjoyable feast.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO.  All rights reserved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.