Encore - 60th Anniversary Concert

To celebrate 60 years of Elgin Musical Theatre (previously known as Elgin Operatic Society) the group decided to put on a programme of songs from shows the society had previously performed and from those they might wish to perform in the future. Due to the closure of their usual venue for refurbishment – Elgin Town Hall – the show was transferred to the Universal Hall in nearby Findhorn. This was perfect for this type of show with its large thrust stage surrounded on three sides by tiered seating meaning the audience felt an intimacy with the performers not usually achieved on the proscenium stage of the Town Hall. 47 members, backed by an 8 piece band, delivered medleys from shows ranging from musical theatre standards like “My Fair Lady” and “Carousel” through shows by Andrew Lloyd Webber to more modern musicals like “Waitress” and “Dear Evan Hansen”. The standard of singing and movement from the cast was of the highest calibre throughout so it is difficult to decide on which performances to mention. However the highlight for me in Act One was the closing medley from “Les Miserables”. It included an emotional and heart-rending rendition of “Bring Him Home” from Callum McLeod which had more than one member of the audience reaching for a tissue to wipe a tear from their eye. This contrasted nicely with the wonderfully comic rendition of “Master of the House” by the delightful pairing of Sandy Duncan and Lesley Mitchell as M. and Mme. Thenadier who had the audience in fits of laughter and tears of a different kind at their antics. The highlights for me in Act Two included Keith Ewen’s rendition of “Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera” and Julie Gray’s “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” from “Evita”. Julie Gray also gave us a beautiful rendition of “Tell Me It’s Not True” from “Blood Brothers” backed by excellent harmonies from the ensemble – spine tingling! On a lighter note the female chorus gave us uplifting renditions of two songs from the film version of “Sister Act” again with the impeccable harmonies soaring through. The evening was brought to a close with a rousing selection from “Mamma Mia” with the audience being encouraged to sing, dance and clap along to “Dancing Queen”. This was a superb show showcasing the many talents of the company – a truly diamond evening! Well done everyone and here’s to the next 60 years of Elgin Musical Theatre.

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