Copacabana the Musical

Copacabana began life as a US TV project and was then translated into an hour long production at Caesar's Circus Maximus Theatre in Atlantic City which Barry Manilow directed with a script and song score created by Manilow and his longtime collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman. 
In 1994, this one-hour show was expanded into a $3M full-length musical.  It premiered at Theatre Royal in Plymouth and then played Manchester, Edinburgh and London's West End at the Prince of Wales' Theatre from June 1994 to September 1996 and tonight Matt, Sam & Laurie together with their cast, orchestra, set design and costuming have created a show that is entertaining and includes very well judged character development of the Principal performers.

Lewis Haycock in, I understand, his first major lead role with Erewash (Tony/Stephen) was in fine form with a strong development of his character throughout the night and with a great interplay with Stephanie Ure (Lola/Samantha), who was also very strong vocally and in character development, provided a strong nucleus at the centre of the production. 

The other Principal roles added just the right acting and vocal light and shade with Fiona Write providing a very entertaining Gladys, Gary Lever a completely believable Sam, Clare Toska a sassy yet vulnerable Conchita and Steve Wood a malevolent Rico.  These roles added significant power to the evening and were ably supported by Zak Charlesworth, Martin Mould, Martin Lewis, Christine Oakden, Karen Robbins, Heather Howe, Mark Perry, Jack Draper, Erin Keogh, Ellie Simmonds and the 12 members of the Ensemble.  Matt Powell had obviously spent a good deal of time coaching and helping his actors develop their characters and this was time well spent with a noticeable increase in depth and range compared to my NODA experience of previous Erewash productions.

Sam Griffiths and his 11 piece orchestra provided strong musical accompaniment to the production with an excellent balance throughout.  Again the time Sam spent in vocal coaching of the entire cast had obviously paid off as diction and musicality were strong elements throughout the night.  Choreography from Lorrie Trott was enjoyable throughout and sympathetic to the talents of the society ensuring the enthusiasm and enjoyment of both cast and audience alike.

Lighting and sound supported the production well with good use (but not overuse) of back projection and the simple yet effective set design/construction, and excellent costuming completed the overall production.

Many congratulations to one and all for Copacabana – and I look forward to Sister Act in October.

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