Dance is Not a Crime

This showcased the talents of the Advanced Musical Theatre Group at Next Generation and was staged in the groups studio in mill space in Mossley.

The show was loosely based on Footloose but used some numbers from other shows. The staging and props were simple but worked really well and the lighting complimented the different scenes. There were a few issues with sound with a couple of mics not working or balanced correctly. A couple of numbers were played to piano but in the main backing tracks were used.

The production team had done a fabulous job in all areas and the cast were all thoroughly enjoying themselves as was I and the audience.

Due to the size of the cast I cannot mention every cast member but everyone played their parts well and exuded confidence and professionalism.

Ren was brilliantly played by Mason Thomas with a gorgeous singing voice and a sarcastic style of delivery which suited the character well. Mason looked great in the dance routines and it was lovely to see the progression of talents of this young man.

Emily Lyons was stunning as Ariel with gorgeous vocals and a sassy style which suited the character beautifully. Dance moves were polished and extremely well executed. Emily has a lovely natural acting style and her scenes with both Mason and her stage dad Gary Jones-McCaw were compelling.

I loved Tom Kehoe as Willard the slow to learn but often smart to advise character. Tom’s diction which can sometimes be difficult when playing a slower talking part was spot on and clear to hear the comic lines. Again singing and dancing moves were fabulous.

Rusty was beautifully played by Katherine Farrow with wonderful vocals and stunning dance moves. Katherine has bags of stage presence and even in chorus numbers stands out. A lovely portrayal with a zest for life which was portrayed so well.

On the performance I saw Urleen was played by Emily Banks and Wendy Jo by Megan McKinlay. Both girls supported the leads well with lovely vocals and dance moves.

Melissa Saxon played the mother role of Vi Moore really well and was never upstaged by her stage husband Gary Jones-McCaw. Her scenes were powerful and full of empathy which was tangible to the audience. Dominic Dunne played with a menace and scary demeanour which was very well acted and portrayed by one so young.

The 2 adults in the production, Gary Jones-McCaw and Hannah Selby Hughes put in lovely portrayals whilst also producing some stunning work with these young people. Along with the other choreographer Stacey Maurice they put some  challenging moves and harmonies into the piece which were more than matched  by these talented young  people.

I really enjoyed the show and love seeing the progress that everyone makes year on year in this group of superbly talented youngsters.

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