Copacabana

Like so many societies Carnoustie Musical Society’s plans over the past couple of years has been thwarted by the onset of Covid. However, their latest show, like a phoenix has risen from the ashes and what a colourful and lively production it proved to be.

The story inspired by Barry Manilow’s song Copacabana begins in a New York apartment in the present day, with Stephen, a young songwriter struggling to compose what he hopes will be a winning musical. Stephen is performed in a very natural and convincing way throughout by Kevin Smith. The story evolves in his imagination in a 1940's night club with a stage full of show girls for the opening number then suddenly switches back into reality as his wife Samantha reminds him her parents are visiting and wishes he would spend as much time looking at her as he does his keyboard.

As the song he is writing comes to life Samantha becomes the heroine of his musical, (Lola Lamar) and we follow this aspiring young singer as she arrives in New York from Tulsa to try for a job at the famous Copacabana nightclub. Claire Smith, as Lola/Samantha undoubtedly sparkles as the young performer. As she progresses through various “Auditions” her rendition of “Man Wanted” draped over the top of an upright piano had the audience in stitches. Eventually with the help of the club’s bartender, Tony Forte (Stephen) she lands the coveted job as a Copa Girl - and his love. When she is befriended by fellow employee, Gladys Murphy, performed with warmth, liveliness and sincerity by Karen Fleming and endorsed by scatty nightclub owner Sam Silver played with zeal by Mark Masson, her life seems complete.

Unfortunately her talent is noticed by the menacing Rico Castelli a local crime boss who drugs and abducts the young Lola to replace his older star Conchita Alvarez to ensure the success of his own Club Tropicana in Havana. Gavin Burton as Rico commanded the audience’s attention well. As you can imagine Conchita, sung and danced with aplomb, vivacity and assurance by Kerry Mitchell, does not take too well to Rico’s plan but thankfully she becomes an unexpected ally to Lola. Together with her, Tony, Gladys and Sam achieve the daring rescue of Lola.

As the modern day Stephen re-enters his New York apartment and Samantha also re-enters, he realises she looks exactly like Lola and she is all he wants and it is only then we discover that the young songwriter has based all his characters on his wife and parents-in-law. Numerous cameo parts were played to effect with commitment and enthusiasm and we were entertained throughout by lively choreography and some super singing from the chorus. - all against the dynamic effects of a video wall.

I was delighted to be invited on stage at the end of the performance to congratulate the company and to present a number of well deserved long service awards. Well done to all involved and thank you for a very entertaining production – it was worth the wait.

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