A Night of Musical Theatre

This time Kidderminster Operatic & Dramatic Society Youth Section staged a musical concert, from a wide selection of musical numbers, utilising all ages from this talented group.

The opening full company number from ‘Billy Elliott’ set the pace well, featuring Charlotte Hipkiss and Hollie Smith, whose northern accents came over well as did the whole company, as the number progressed. Other company numbers in Act 1 from ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘Godspell’ were also impressive and included some individual highlights; ‘Empty Chairs & Empty Tables’ sung by Daniel Richards, ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ by Faith Dickenson, ‘By My Side’ by Jessica Richards and Imogen Roff.

Act 2 opened with a stirring version of ‘Who will Buy’ from ‘Oliver’ and was followed by ‘Gus’ from ‘Cats’, sung very movingly by Louis Wharton and Jasmine Tooley. ‘When I grow up’ from ‘Matilda’ was full of energy and the two numbers from ‘Miss Saigon’; ‘Movie in My Mind’ by the senior girls and most of all ‘Why God?’ sung superbly by Daniel Richards, were additional highlights. There was no lack of good support from other soloists Lily L’Enfant, Casey Howles, Holly Workman, Hannah Lammas, Lauren L’Enfant, Evan Mancrief and Hannah Seaman.

The music was provided by a combination of piano and some recorded accompaniment and although the overall sound was good there were brief moments of feedback which I’m sure was resolved for the remaining performance. The set was simple, including a star cloth which is always effective, good lighting plus co-ordinated costumes which in total provided a great overall atmosphere, which I very much enjoyed, along with a full house.

Following the final sequence, we were given a surprise number from ‘The Greatest Showman’. It is often difficult to know what not to include and give everyone a chance to sing, given the wealth of material available and although this extended the concert I must compliment KODYS on not ‘over-running’ and proving that ‘less is sometimes more’.

Thank you for the usual warm welcome and I look forward to KODYS next production.

 

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