Colour My World

MYCO’s annual Playhouse production inevitably provides relatively few opportunities for the company’s members to take on principal roles, so the Summer Concert is a really valuable opportunity for many more young people to show us what they can do.  The breadth and depth of the talent pool is truly remarkable.  There were perhaps fewer standout performances this year than there have sometimes been in the past, but I think that reflects the fact that the overall standard continues to rise.  In particular, the quality of the boys’ singing, with a succession of highly capable soloists backed up by some strong part singing, was both impressive and powerful – to the point that on a few occasions the harmonies threated to overwhelm the melody rather than, as is more usual, the other way round.

 

The concert retained its familiar format, with company numbers interspersed with solos and small ensembles, a tight band in the pit, and a couple of alumnae to compere proceedings.  Everyone is onstage practically all of the time, and the attention to detail is evident in the attractive tableaux and relaxed groupings on stage.  The whole concert had been put together in a dozen or so rehearsals, so there clearly wasn’t time for the company to perfect the sort of precise, dazzling dance routines that elevate many of MYCO’s Playhouse productions, but there was still much to admire in the energetic, disciplined choreography.  It was evident that proper attention had been paid to stagecraft; the performers had the self-confidence to let the songs do the work, with very few pointless gestures or unnecessary movements.  The overall impression was of a company packed with talented individuals, but also one with a palpable sense of inclusiveness and community which provides a safe and supportive environment in which each member can develop and grow.

 

I felt that there was a much better balance in the programme than there has sometimes been in the past, with songs in different styles and from different eras jostling for space in the running order.  It was also good to see a nice blend of solos, ensembles and choruses scattered through the programme.  The comperes were noticeably less gushing in their remarks – this company is so good, and the audience so supportive, that we don’t need relentless encouragement to show our appreciation.

 

The production was understated, as you would expect for a concert performance.  The dress code was more of a colour code – black – although some performers chose outfits appropriate to a particular principal role.  The lighting was effective, with frequent adjustments to the colour palette to help with mood changes, while the sound system – a combination of fixed and radio microphones – ensured that the sound balance was generally good and that most of the words came across clearly.

 

The programme closed in traditional fashion with the leaving class of ’24 demonstrating their part-singing skills in “Why We Sing” – an emotional moment for them.  Evenings like this don’t happen by accident - a lot of people had to put a great deal of time and effort into this concert, most obviously parents and carers, and the volunteers on the MYCO committee.  Their efforts sustain a group that has given thousands of local youngsters an unforgettable early experience of musical theatre, which continues to provide developmental opportunities for its membership (current members wrote musical arrangements and assisted with the choreography) and can point to professionals in the industry who started out with MYCO.  Hopefully evenings like this make everyone feel that it’s all worthwhile.

 

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