A Night At The Musicals

I feel bold enough to share my inner thoughts concerning  Burnley Light Opera Society's production “A Night At The Musicals”, Fellow Gypsies. This show was for me a special journey down the byways of the best songs from some of the finest musicals ever written.  From the very first moment when the full company appeared on stage to perform “Masquerade” from Phantom to the final notes of “Old Red Hills Of Home” from Parade, we were entertained to a cornucopia of fantastic entertainment. It is always reassuring when you hear an old favourite such as “Time Heals Everything” from Mack and Mabel, yet the thrill that comes with being introduced to a new song that hits the mark is to be especially relished. This is one of the strength and attractions of showcases such as this. I did not know  (other than its title), “Soho Cinders” at all yet I am now a confirmed fan. The song “Gypsies Of The Ether” was movingly sung by Andrew Tuton and Peter Gardiner. Another piece that I was introduced to was “Fifty Percent” from Ballroom. A showstopper if ever there was, brilliantly conveyed by Joanne Gill.

Every single performance hit the spot. The performers were of the highest calibre.

This was not just musical theatre... this was Burnley Light Opera Society musical theatre.

Of the many moving moments over the course of the 35 songs Leanne Bradshaw’s “Memories” and Andrew Turton and friends’ rendition of “Being Alive” stood out for me. I was in the circle in 1972 when “Company” first took to the stage in London at Her Majesty’s.  “Being Alive” immediately took hold of me then. It has remained part of my life ever since.  Sondheim is, as the narrator reminded us, The Master. The Sondheim section stood head and shoulders above the rest for me. Not because it was better performed but because the songs have the strength to stand alone. All the others, to reveal their true power, need context and costume to fully appreciate. Whereas “Comedy Tonight” or the “The Boy From Tacuarembó La Tumba Del Fuego Santa Maulipas Zacatecas La Junta Del Sol Y Cruz” hold their own without the need to place them inside their plots. Not that “The Mad Show” has a plot of course.

The staging was immaculate with perfectly worked out entrances and exits: magnificent in their precision. The lighting, streaming the stage with a wonderful coating of many colours, beautifully complemented the songs.

The pit band were on top form. I regret I cannot name the multi talented keyboard player, flautist and clarinetist as his name did not appear in the programme but I can offer sincere congratulations to MD Steven Mercer and his other three musicians.

Director and Choreographer, Anthony Williams is of course someone who rarely, (if ever) puts a foot wrong. Let me up that a few gears. Burnley is fortunate to have someone of such talent.

The audience, nearly a full house, loved the show. Without gilding the lily their loudest appreciation was for the Sondheim section. This was a show that will have undoubtedly inspired many to explore musical theatre in greater detail.

I cannot finish though without giving a special mention to Megan Ingham's amazing interpretation of “The Queen Of The Night”  aria.  Mozart? Who he? Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!

Thank you Burnley Light Opera Society for spoiling us with a glittering night at the Mechanics.

 

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