Bring it on

It was such a pleasure to be invited to see BOSSY back on stage after an enforced 2 year gap.   This show, one of several involving the creative talents of Lin-Manuel Miranda, was a good choice for the company.   The age range for the performers fitted well with the cast available and the sassy nature of the girl’s performances, and the ‘cool dude’ from the boys set the scene nicely.

All the Principals did well, Abbie Mason (Campbell) produced a stylish performance, creating the typical ‘cheerleader/prom queen’ character so typical of the American schooling system.  Her vocals were good although, on occasions, a little less secure than they could have been. 

Julia Nibbs-Ramsey played Bridget, and, for me, this was the performance of the show.  Julia’s comedy timing is impeccable and her complete commitment to the character was impressive.  Add a strong singing voice to the mix and we have a future professional performer in the making.

Darcy Herbert played Danielle, with strength and empathy.  This character could easily have been too tough, but Darcy produced a well rounded character and her singing was strong.

Darcy Pilgrim (Eva) was strong and her transition from likeable girl next door to hardnosed and ambitious cheerleader captain was excellent.   Here was another good singing voice.  Rylie Kingsnorth (Skylar) and Amber Shanley (Kylar) made an excellent pairing, producing some key moments of ‘attitude’ which were so crucial to the plot.  Kelly Jonaj (Nautica) and Kieran Rai (La Cienega) produced very strong supporting roles and Kieran is to be congratulated on the professional way the mic pack problem was handled!

The male line up was good, I particularly liked Charlie Hunt’s performance as Twig, another professional performer in the making.   Devon Adams played Randall well, a likeable character, his vocals were also a little insecure, but like others in the cast, this was probably due to first night nerves.  I am sure they will all get stronger as the show continues.  Sam Mirams (Steven) and Ben Latchford (Cameron completed the male cast.

The ensemble worked very hard and the dancing, from the entire cast, was energetic and well performed.  Congratulations go to choreographer Katie Lawrence for getting them all into shape.

Max Harris, the Musical Director, had a job on his hands, this music was not easy as it consisted of a lot of rap and similar styles of music.  This is the trend with new musicals, and I am sure that it works well for the young cast performing here.  As a veteran Musical Theatre Lover, it has taken me a while to adjust to this new musical theatre genre but this show has helped me to understand the attraction for young people to this type of musical.  And if it brings more young people into the performing world then that must be a good thing.

The scenery was simple but effective and the use of projected backdrops worked very well.  The costumes were exactly right for the show and the sound was, generally, good.  An occasional delay in turning a mic up but, again, it was the first night! 

The lighting, created by Jack Liddicot was exceptional.  This is not an easy venue to light and the effects were excellent.  It was a shame, though, that some members of the cast  did not stay in the light pool for their solos.  This is an element of stagecraft that cannot be rehearsed until the cast get into the theatre but there is a simple rule for soloists (and duets).  If your face is in the shadow when you are singing, then move until it is back in the light!  The light pools were generous but some of the cast just didn’t use the whole lit area.

Overall a good show to restart BOSSY’s musical theatre programme and I look forward to seeing more.

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