A Bohemian Life

This was a perfectly polished production showcasing many musical theatre songs which were varied and exciting.

The Bohemians are fortunate in having such a talented cast of principal vocalists and individual voices and personalities had been well chosen to match the diverse range of numbers. As is often the case, the women on stage outnumbered the men but each of the ten men in the cast was a superb soloist.

A very well balanced ensemble were in fine voice in the opening number ‘There Will Be Sun’ and maintained the high energy and excellent harmonies throughout the evening. The jaunty ‘For Now’ showed a real blend of voices, while the trio with their animated choreography convinced us that there was ‘Something Better Then This’. The mood was changed with a most expressive ‘Lost In The Wilderness’ superbly sung by Colin. I found ‘Breathe’ quite bewitching as the soloist told her story backed by a vocally strong ensemble of ladies.

‘When I Grow Up’ was very light-hearted and amusing as the cast had fun with their childlike playground games and was followed by the innocent ‘Happiness’. Congratulations to the group of singers on their splendid diction and frothy, light-hearted performance of ‘All for the Best.’  Ross and Max, a most animated duo presented a most amusing ‘You and Me (But Mostly Me)’. Amy had a real twinkle in her eye indicating that ‘It Must Be Love’ and she and Donald complemented each other vocally.

‘Times Are Hard For Dreamers’ was delivered with real conviction and strong characterisation by Kirsty as she told her story. Hannah’s soaring, easy voice led the ensemble’s ‘Everything Changes’ demonstrating their fine singing and rhythmic moves. Act 1 concluded with another very strong trio of ladies and company rocking and swinging ‘Change It’

I was unfamiliar with ‘A Happy Beginning’ lilting and relaxed with a strumming banjo player and once again showing the strength of the ensemble work. Another unknown to me ‘Little Lamb/Time Stops’ was beautifully animated and smoothly sung by a strong quartet.

One of the spell binding performances of the evening was Emily’s ‘A New Life’ as it built in strength both vocally and in her display of emotion. Christine knows how to sell a number and the jazzy, expressive ‘I’m Still Here’ with its topical references was put across with real style.

A well-tuned ensemble backed Deans most soothing voice in the most appealing ‘Left Behind.’. The company’s choreography throughout was lively, slick and snappy but the contrast in the static ‘Sunrise, Sunset‘ was quite charming . Another two fine singers David and Rachel were delightful us they made us believe that they were watching their children play ‘Our Children.’

The excellent band were in great form as they supported Colin and Emma’s most powerful, captivating ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’’, a favourite with the audience. The small ensemble presenting ‘Raise Our Cups’ again had strong voices which were well suited to the number.

The penultimate number in the programme ‘Out of the Darkness’ was another hit. Dean was spot on in his role and the excellent choreography and positioning of the cast resulted in a most rhythmic, lively energetic and powerful performance by all.

The final number ‘Colour My World’ was an introduction to the Bohemians spring production of ‘Priscilla Queen of the Desert’ and was an exuberant, flamboyant ending to a wonderful concert. It surely was an excellent advert for what to expect next year.

This was altogether a thoroughly enjoyable concert which had been well rehearsed and presented with style and accuracy. Excellent ensemble work, first class soloists, creative, slick choreography and a small, superb band combined to create an evening of sheer entertainment which was very well received by a capacity audience. Most enjoyable.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.