E.M.T. Does Pop/New Generation Musical Hits

 As part of the Edinburgh Fringe E.M.T. presented 2 very different concerts, one immediately following the other.

The first of these concerts ‘EMT Does Pop’ presented a variety of chart toppers released between 1958, Chuck Berry’s ‘Johnny B.Good’ and 2017, Imagine Dragons ‘Believer’ along with a host of well known numbers by famous artists .

The evening got off to a cracking start with Pharrell Williams ‘Happy’ which immediately established a lively party atmosphere which was maintained throughout this exuberant hour long programme. This extremely high energy production with its excellent singing and dynamic choreography moved along at a great pace and had the audience engaged throughout.

Excellent vocal arrangements showed the strength of the part singing in the company particularly in Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’, E.L.O’s ‘Mr.Blue Sky’ and Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In the Mirror’. The variety of contrasting musical numbers offered many of this extremely talented cast the opportunity to excel in this hugely diverse programme whether as a soloist or in smaller ensemble numbers. Every number was a winner. Ike and Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’ was dynamic and had the audience jumping in their seats and contrasted beautifully with the acapella Beatles ‘Let It Be Me’ which was quite captivating.

It was obvious from start to finish that everyone performing was having fun and putting every ounce of energy into this most joyous production. The final Jennifer Lopez number ‘Let's Get Loud’ was vivacious and I’m sure that by the end of the programme every cast member must have been exhausted BUT 30 minutes later they were all back on stage with ‘New Generation Musical Hits.’

Although the content of this part of the programme was quite different from the first, this was again a programme of non-stop action. We were treated to a most refreshing selection of wonderful numbers from modern musicals some of which were very familiar and others perhaps not so well known. What was apparent once again was the strength of the soloists and excellent ensemble work. Choreography too was mesmerizing.

‘What’s Inside/Opening Up’ from Waitress was charming and was followed by a most humorous ‘You and Me (But Mostly Me) from the Book of Morman. The arrangement of ‘Waving Though A Window’ (Dear Evan Hanson) involving the whole company was most expressive. I did also enjoy ‘Pulled’ (The Addams Family). The choral singing in ‘Wait For It’ (Hamilton) and ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ from the musical of the same name was superb with strong harmonies coming across loud and clear. One of the most poignant ensemble numbers was ‘Why We Build The Wall’ (Hadestown) with the cast almost encircling the audience. Very powerful and threatening.

‘Diva’s Lament’ (Spamalot) is a favourite of mine and this rendition was very well put across. One of the best new generation musical hits has got to be ‘Ex Wives’ (Six the Musical) and these ladies absolutely smashed it. The final ‘Raise You Up/Just Be’ (Kinky Boots) was rousing and brought the show to an absolute climax.

This was an evening of real style and professionalism delivered by a most talented company. Soloists and all members of the ensemble gave first class performances both vocally and in the intricate choreography which was full on and executed with precision. The cast was very well supported by an excellent 4 piece band.

This was more like a full scale production rather than what one might imagine as a concert.

Fabulous work E.M.T.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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