A Musical Year, Can We Make It?

I received a very warm welcome on my first visit to the Broadway-Players and the Seagull Theatre – a
lovely theatre and a vibrant hub for community events throughout the year. I’ve always enjoyed visiting
smaller venues, where the imagination, effort, and creativity of local groups truly shine. What makes these
experiences even more special is how inclusive they are, offering individuals the chance to participate, build
confidence, and foster a real sense of belonging. From what I saw, the Broadway-Players embody this spirit
beautifully.

Their latest production, A Musical Year, Can We Make It?, tells the touching story of Frank and Angie, a
happily married couple approaching their 60th wedding anniversary. The narrative unfolds over the course
of a year—from 2025 to 2026—taking the audience through the seasons with intertwined storylines and
familiar songs that bring both nostalgia and joy.

The journey began in the summer, with a delightful segment around St Swithin’s Day. A charming musical
tug-of-war between sun and rain featured a clever medley of weather-themed tunes. The character of David
rounded off the season with a rousing rendition of “The Wanderer.”

As we moved into autumn and winter, the mood shifted beautifully. Highlights included “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”
by the Beach Boys and “A Winter’s Tale” by David Essex, followed by a spirited Christmas medley to close
Act One.

Act Two took us through Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and into spring. I found myself feeling a sense
of nostalgia—though a sweet one—as the company performed numbers from musicals I’ve been involved
in over the years but haven’t heard in some time. Donna and Luke’s renditions of “Secret Love” and “Higher
than a Hawk” from Calamity Jane were particularly touching, followed by a quartet performance by the
characters of Donna, Luke, Pete, and Grace with “I Like Your Style” and then Luke with “There Is A Sucker”
from Barnum. These brought back fond memories—I only wish these shows were staged more often.
The story concluded on a high note, celebrating Frank and Angie’s 60th anniversary, with the whole “family”
joining in a joyful finale of “Groovy Kind of Love.”

A heartfelt thank you to the cast, Connor, Ian, Jamie, Scott, Terry, Warren, Alice, Charlotte, Hayley, Jackie,
Jane, Michelle, Sam, Sarah, Susan, and everyone involved with Broadway-Players. You delivered a very
enjoyable and uplifting evening.

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