Aspects of Love

Aspects Of Love                     Newcastle Operatic Society             April 2016

This musical doesn't have the simplest of plot lines. It is a story of relationships and their consequences, it explores how Love can change everything (hence the recurring song). Alex falls in love with Rose. Rose  falls in love with Alex's Uncle George who is having an affair with Guilietta. There are indications of a three way love affair between George and the two women in his life but eventually  Rose marries George and has a daughter, Jenny. Alex who has remained friends with the couple, despite the fact that he still loves Rose, returns and meets Jenny who becomes infatuated with him. There are numerous twists and turns along the way but the characters all seem to accept the changing relationships until  fifteen year old Jenny's feelings for Alex are revealed.

The set remained simple throughout and the use of the company to change the various scenes was very cleverly done, almost using the changes as little scenes of their own. The projections were a lovely touch but were often lost under the full stage lighting. Costumes were well chosen and suited the time and place in which the musical was set.

To make this show a success it needs a cast of strong principal vocalists. It is virtually sung throughout and the music is certainly not easy (or tuneful at times). Newcastle Operatic Society chose their cast well and so the story was told with ease and clarity.

Andrew Robinson, as Alex, competently showed the transition between gawky seventeen year old to soldier and man. He handled the more emotional scenes well especially in his scenes with the older Jenny. Shelley Anne Rivers performed the part of Rose with confidence and strength. She brought energy and life to this somewhat complicated story and appeared effortless in her vocal delivery. Ian Brereton, as George, was an absolute joy to listen to. The song  'The First Man You Remember' in Act 2 was so touching and created the perfect image of what a father and daughter relationship should be. Catherine  O'Reilly, as Guilietta, was feisty and glamorous and portrayed this self confident character with the assurance and strength it needed. Eleanor Meredith, as the younger Jenny, was a delight to watch. A confident portrayal of this character was delivered with apparent ease. An accomplished performer already. Lottie Morris as the Older Jenny captured the teenage spirit perfectly, youthful and yet sophisticated. Both young actresses are to be commended for such maturity and realism. David Blakham as Marcel and Amanda Bossom as Elizabeth, both added humour and lightness to the proceedings through these lovely cameo roles.

Although I can't say I enjoyed the show itself partly due to the underlying weakness of the story, I can say that the directors and cast did a fantastic job with it. The strong principal cast moved the story along with fabulous vocals and storytelling skills. Well done!

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