A Class ReACTivation

This evening of songs from the most iconic stage musicals of recent years (as it was billed) was a perfect showcase for the talents of this wonderful Community Theatre group. At each visit you can sense the strong commitment of the Group from its Youth Ensemble to its adult shows to being fully accessible to all who want to be part of it and there is a joy that comes across the footlights from everybody taking part that is fully reciprocated by another full house. The warm welcome front of house, the energy and efforts of the cast and the good use of technology to present the show is a great credit to the society.

The six shows chosen were the pop concert style hit from 2017,Six,the classic 1950’s musical Guys and Dolls, the recent rather moving Dear Evan Hansen, the wonderful sexy Chicago from 1975, the brilliantly grim Sweeney Todd from 1980 and the rather black comedy from 2010, Heathers. Not so much recent in some cases and some quite complicated tunes and harmonies to deliver with rather dark themes of executions, gambling addiction, bullying, murder, cannibalism, and suicide.The overall feel of the show was upbeat and fun making a very enjoyable quick dip into these shows.

The use of the three TV screens and introductory voiceovers was excellent to set the context of each song for those not familiar with the shows and despite the use of different directors for each piece gave the show an overall unity that was pleasing. The choreography was wonderful, drawing from the original shows’ styles, adapting to the abilities of the cast and creating well blocked pictures that never made the stage feel full when the whole ensemble was onstage. Very enjoyable and great experience for directors and cast that bodes well for the future productions of this society.

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