A SUMMER SHOWCASE

It is always a pleasure and a privilege to visit this Company in the excellent Walkerville Community Centre.

‘A SUMMER SHOWCASE’ is just what it says on the tin; a celebration of the kind of summery shows we can all identify with. We weren’t disappointed.

With a slightly different layout, the audience was entertained ‘cabaret’ fashion, all sitting around nicely decorated tables of 6 to 8. Raising our expectations again and enabling us to chat with our ‘neighbours’.

The cast of 34 adults and children provided not only the well-known but also sometimes less performed songs from KISS ME KATE, ANNIE, HIGH SOCIETY, and GUYS AND DOLLS in Part One. THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE KING AND I, 7BRIDES FOR 7 BROTHERS and WEST SIDE STORY in Part Two. A total of 36 pieces which had our toes tapping and gave us the understandable urge to join in.

My favourites from Part One were ‘Little Girls’ from ANNIE and ‘Marry The Man’ from GUYS AND DOLLS; and in Part Two the beautiful ‘Climb Every Mountain’ from THE SOUND OF MUSIC, ‘Officer Krupke’ and ‘Tonight’ from WEST SIDE STORY… all beautifully sung, well moved and performed. I particularly enjoyed the way the ensemble took their leave after the finale with ‘Goodbye’ from THE SOUND OF MUSIC; a nice touch instead of the usual bows.

Sad to say there were a few ‘gremlins’ with the sound equipment, but they were not able to dampen this company’s enthusiasm and dedication. The lighting added to a very colourful set of backdrops with costumes well thought out and very apt.

Congratulations to Producer Alan Tomkins, MD and Percussionist Peter Forster, Accompanist Peter Allsopp and Choreographer Lisa Nugent for a very entertaining show. Well done TEAM !.

Thank you from Pauleen and myself for the invitation and hospitality.

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