A Magical Musical Extravaganza

Set up as a one-off fundraiser concert predominately with an audience of family and friends this concert allowed the youth of Teesside MTC (supported by a small number of their adult mentors) to shine – and shine they did.

Inevitably in such a venture it is impracticable to mention everyone but there were a few sections that stood out for me starting with the opening number of a selection from ‘Newsies’ and ‘Seize the Day’. This is such bright upbeat music and set the scene for the fun evening to come with some ‘classics’ such as medley’s of ‘Les Miserables’, ‘Mary Poppins’ and ‘Legally Blonde’ as well as other lesser well known concert pieces such as ‘School of Rock’ which is now on my ‘must see’ list of productions given the energy and verve the youth of Teesside poured into the numbers.

Throughout it was obvious the youth were relishing their moment on stage and that was in turn reciprocated by the appreciative audience. The youth didn’t have all the fun as the adults joined in also, no more so than Angela Hare and Anita Smith who acted as ‘continuity’ throughout the evening and didn’t take themselves too seriously adding much humour appearing as geese and reindeers at various places.

Hannah Smith as well as co-directing excelled in her vocal work throughout but particularly in ‘With You’ from ‘Ghost’ as did Holly Matthews singing ‘The Life I Never Led’ from ‘Sister Act’

Lighting and staging were superb, the rehearsal space at Langdon Square being turned into a colourful and versatile playing area for all. Sound was spot on all evening.

The evening however was primarily for the youth and a few notable mentions; Holly Scarlett-Carr for her fine rendition of ‘I dreamed a dream’ (Les Miz); Emily Boardman leading the singing in the Legally Blonde medley having stepped in at the last minute after Emily Kay had hurt herself; Katie Shepherd and Abi Whitehead in ‘Popular’ (Wicked); plus others in various numbers from Les Miz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Shrek and Beauty and the Beast.

Well done Teesside Youth and their friends….

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