Copacabana

Stephen/Tony Forte (Stuart Mitchell), Samantha/Lola La Mar (Lauren Gracie), Gladys Murphy (Tracey Mulholland), Sam Silver (Andrew Everitt), Rico Castelli (Raymond D’Agrosa), Conchita Alvarez (Fiona Gallagher) The Copa Girls (Rachel Inglis, Iona Cuthbert, Imogen Hoppe, Zoe Hood, Donna Dodds, Kara Roberts) Maitre D’/Mr Brill/McManus (Robin Murray), Willie/MusicPublisher (Jodie Millar), Skip/Carlos/Luis (Kyle Fairbairn) Pianist/Manuel (Alister Borthwick), Accompanist (Lorraine Lynn), Auditionee (Karen D’Agrosa), Veronica Lake (Yvonne Mitchell), Coat Check Girl (Julie Craig)

 

This effervescent company have shown great stoicism in the face of two night’s cancellation due to adverse weather conditions. The disappointment and anguish that the severe snow storms had caused, was finally overcome when the weather eased and the Friday night, Saturday Matinee and Evening could go ahead. Bravo!  It’s almost unimaginable, that after months and hundreds of hours rehearsal, that a show could be shut down and all the hard work not be applauded. The company threw their hearts and souls into the final night performance, which I was privileged to attend. Such a welcoming company, still having a few stalwarts supporting on stage but also many back stage and front of house continuing their involvement. It was lovely and refreshing to see so many new young talented cast members and superb dancers. An incredibly well balanced band  with exciting rhythmic drums made for an uplifting opening chorus leading into a busy and smartly clad cast for our introduction to Lola, in ‘Just Arrived’. Each instrument accompanied beautifully throughout, enhancing the energetic, lively, sexy, dramatic and glamorous choreography. Each, tall and slender showgirl was beautifully costumed for every number. 

The young leads were outstanding, portraying excellent characters and maximising every moment together to massive applause. 

Tony, cruised from Dancin’ Fool to Sweet Heaven on an euphoric cloud of adoration. With superb vocal ability and dancing prowess, he enhanced the stage during his numbers by also featuring the exquisite Copa Club showgirls and totally wowed his audience. ‘Who needs to Dream’ was an outstanding highlight for me, as was the beautiful and dreamy duet 

‘This Can’t Be Real ’ with Lola in act 2, which was harmonically perfect and dramatically included a superb dance break for the couple. 

This brings me to the starring leading lady of the show, Lola. This outstanding young lady, not only played a stunning role, she also choreographed the whole show. Amazing! And it was revealed on the last night speeches that she was expecting her first baby. How did she keep that a secret? The audition sequence, with the split set, AND the clambering onto the piano for ‘Man Wanted’ was totally sold…. especially when encouraged to lose the hanky and present the upbeat and lively version to Mr Silver. Lola’s Copa Girl character was excellently portrayed, and the very sexy and provocative ‘I Gotta Be Bad’ number’, with the red and black costumed showgirls was another showstopper. 

A highly charged scene ensued, with, the perfectly cast, Rico and Conchita, (both wonderfully hot headed), to wind up the drama with their Bolero D’Amour leading to the abduction of the drunk Lola. Opening Act  2 in massive party style, with black and pink themed tail fathers and turbans, Conchita with Company and dancers owned a very lively stage. The travelling scene with Sam & Gladys, Willie, McManus and two singing showgirls made for an outstanding quintet as they made their way to try to save Lola. The big company number, ‘El Bravo’, sees Lola bring a happy conclusion to an aggressive intimidation, resulting in Tony and Lola’s grateful and heartfelt reunion. The Sweet Heaven  Reprise, with the wonderful Copa girls, rolled into a superb finale, full of life and dancing. Bravo! The band equally deserved , Bravo!  Thank you for an amazing night’s entertainment.

  

 

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