Broadway & Beyond

Taking the audience by storm took on an entirely new meaning at Market Drayton’s Grove School last evening as the stage curtains swept open on ‘Broadway & Beyond’ and revealed a mass of smiling faces of all ages, singing their hearts out in a rousing, full‑throttle celebration of pure musical joy staged by the Market Drayton Amateur Operatic & Dramatic Society.

What followed was an evening that never once let that energy dip. ‘Broadway & Beyond’ thrived on its ability to bring performers together across generations and this production embraced that spirit with wholehearted enthusiasm. The stage seemed to glow with purpose as song after song was delivered, each with a confidence that spoke volumes about the commitment of this award-winning local theatre company. There was a huge  sense of togetherness and pride in everyone on stage, from the youngest faces revelling in their special moment under the lights to the more seasoned performers whose solo, duet and trio work contributed equally to the shared sense of achievement.

True to its title, the programme drew from both the glittering world of Broadway and the rich musical heritage found ‘beyond’ the theatres of New York and much nearer to home. Yet regardless of origin, each number was delivered with the same high degree of vocal finesse that thrilled the capacity audience and prompted rapturous applause over and over again.

Such was the quality of the songs performed this evening that it is practically impossible to list them all, particularly as each number contributed its own distinct character to the wider musical impression. This said, a goodly selection distinguished themselves through the strength of their performance and the clarity of interpretation, and I have included further mention of these in my report.

Following an enchanting medley of three songs from ‘Matilda The Musical’ featuring the MDAODS’s Little Voices Choir and Junior Theatre Workshop and featuring Cathy Baker, Luke Baker, Anabelle Chapman, Martha Cooper, Hannah Faul, Kate Rowe-Bland, Xander Sokolov and Leonard Weaver. As they all left the stage to rapturous applause, Maisie Murray took to the grand piano to deliver a beautifully poised rendition of Billie Eilish’s ‘What Was I Made For?’ The song has won multiple accolades, including ‘Best Original Song’ at the 2024 Oscars and Maisie’s gentle musicianship and heartfelt vocal created one of the evening’s most affecting moments, warmly received by the audience.

Jon Edwards was next to take to the stage with a tender and heartfelt performance of ‘She’, the celebrated ballad written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer in 1974. Recorded by Aznavour himself, the song last featured in the film ‘Notting Hill’. Though Kretzmer enjoyed a distinguished career in journalism and as a lyricist, he is perhaps best known for crafting the English lyrics to ‘Les Misérables’, a legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

The next song came from the musical ‘Hadestown’, delivered with a lively, toe‑tapping performance of ‘When the Chips Are Down’ by Maisie Murray, Charis Virgo and Paula Virgo as the three Greek Goddess Fates. Their tight harmonies and mischievous interplay captured the number’s sly, quick‑witted spirit and brought a real spark to the stage.

‘As Long As He Needs Me’ is one of the greatest ballads ever written for musical theatre. From Lionel Bart’s ‘Oliver!’, which was first staged in London in 1960 and subsequently made into an all-time classic feature film in 1968, the song has since been covered by many famous names including Shirley Bassey and Dionne Warwick. Lily Faul delivered her own truly stunning rendition with heartfelt sincerity that brought real depth to this iconic number.

I have to admit that the next song is one of my all‑time favourites. Originally recorded by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram, ‘Somewhere Out There’ was beautifully performed by Emma Rowe‑Bland and James Marshall, who brought a gentle sincerity and finely blended harmony to this much‑loved classic.

The 2023 film ‘Wonka’ provided another perfect opportunity for the Little Voices Choir to display their wonderful stage presence and delightful voices with ‘For A Moment’ before the first half of the evening concluded with a rousing company performance of ‘One Day’ More’ from ‘Les Misérables’, delivered with tremendous strength and unity headed by Matt Baker, Steve Boronski, Jon Edwards, Kat George, James Marshall, Maisie Murray, Graham Richardson and Emma Rowe‑Bland. Their combined vocals and commanding stage presence brought real dramatic force to this iconic ensemble number, sending the audience into the interval on a wave of energy.

Audience and company fully refreshed and interval over, The Little Voices Choir returned to the stage for another enchanting performance of ‘May It Be’, accompanied by Charis Virgo on piano. This is a beautiful ballad composed by the Irish recording artist Enya and Roma Ryan for Peter Jackson's 2001 film ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring’.

Next up was Graham Richardson with a superb rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’, a song celebrated widely in its own right yet originating from the musical ‘Man of La Mancha’. Graham delivered the number with notable clarity and control, conveying its stirring sense of quiet determination with assured musical purpose.

‘Diva’s Lament’ from ‘Spamalot’ was brilliantly performed by Kat George, who revealed an impressive emotional range throughout the number, delivering a performance marked by a strong vocal agility and expressive clarity.

‘Take Me As I Am’ is a powerful and empowering love duet sung by Dr Henry Jekyll and Miss Carew in the stage musical ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ and was superbly performed on stage tonight by Emma Rowe-Bland and Jon Edwards.

I was fortunate enough to see ‘SIX ‘ at Sydney Opera House in January 2020, an experience that first ignited my lasting affection for this remarkable show. Since then, I have enjoyed several productions both in London and closer to home, each offering its own spark of energy and wit. It was therefore a particular joy to experience it once again, performed by MDAODS’s full company, to round off a very special evening of outstanding musical entertainment.

‘Broadway & Beyond’ was hosted by Roy Aldcroft and Candice Danleigh. The show was skilfully produced by Emma Rowe-Bland and Kat George with first-rate choreography by Martha Cooper and Millie Roberts.

Thank you for inviting me to join you for this wonderful evening of musical celebration and for, as always, your very warm welcome and generous hospitality. I’m already looking forward to ‘Dad’s Army’ at the Festival Drayton Centre in November.

Chris C Bell
Regional Representative
NODA West Midlands District 2

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