Anthems - Movie Musicals

As with the earlier concert, this was a programme delivered with style and professionalism.

The selection of musical numbers was so diverse and it was refreshing to hear some numbers less frequently performed and not the usual favourites which appear regularly in concerts.

What was most striking about this ‘concert’ was that it was in effect a ‘production’. The whole company remained on stage throughout the entire programme sititing or standing in various tableaus so that even if they weren’t singing they were engaged with the soloists and smaller ensembles reacting accordingly to what was happening so that there was continuity and total involvement. It was evident too that each performer was actually playing the part of the character from the movie or musical they were singing from and not just singing a number.

‘Opening Night’ (The Producers) was a powerful opening number followed by ‘Officer Krupke’ (West Side Story) which was delivered with great panache with fabulous acting as well as singing. Personalities shone through in ‘Gonna WashThat Man’ (South Pacific) and in the smooth ‘Cheek to Cheek’ (Top Hat).

The choreography for this and the previous show was quite outstanding with every individual demonstrating precision and slickness in movement. No more so than in ‘One’ (Chorus Line) which was indeed a big production number and could have been lifted from the stage show. The poised movement in ’Show Me How You Burlesque’ (Burlesque) was also memorable. A powerful and dynamic ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ (Hairspray) and ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ (Moulin Rouge) contrasted well with the beautifully sung ‘Something Good’ (Sound of Music)

‘Sit Down You’re Rockin The Boat’ (Guys and Dolls) oozed energy and fantastic company singing with imaginative, slick choreography. There were too some moving, tranquil moments. ‘Stars’ (Les Mis.) and ‘I Have Nothing’ (The Bodyguard) were quite stunning. ‘Blow Gabriel Blow’ (Anything Goes) had the company on the move and singing with gusto. The final ‘Seasons of Love’ (Rent) showed the strength and quality of singing in this company.

This was an amazing evening of entertainment. E.M.T. is an immensely talented, versatile company and it is impossibel to single out individuals. The quality of singing from all the cast whether soloist or chorus was most impressive. This plus the attention to detail in movement, the precision and personalities which shone through resulted in a slick, well rehearsed polished evenings entertainment. Congratulaions too to the small but most effective band who supported the singers in 2 very professional shows which I enjoyed immensely.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.