Evolution

This imaginative show brought together four original operas - Aida, Romeo & Juliet, La Boheme and Madame Butterfly - with the modern musical shows they inspired – Elton John’s Aida, West Side Story, Rent and Miss Saigon. The evening started with a very evocative version of “The Humming Chorus” from Puccini’s Madame Butterfly by the female ensemble followed by a magnificent “Un bel di vedremo” from Moira Docherty. We then had four numbers from “Miss Saigon” including a touching “Last Night of the World” from Alex Flett and Michael Harbottle and “Bui Doi” from the Male Ensemble. Next we had three arias from La Boheme including a delightful rendition of “Musetta’s Waltz” from Lau Rowley. This led us into the final section of Act One – a selection from “Rent”. It started with an extremely powerful “One Song Glory” from Gavin McKay then a gutsy, attitude-laden version of “Take me Baby or Leave Me” from Amanda Watt and Samantha Gray finishing with a beautifully harmonised “Seasons of Love” from the full company. Act Two got off to a rousing start with the “Triumphal March” from Verdi’s Aida from the full company. This was followed by four numbers from Elton John’s Aida including a moving “Written in the Stars” from James Stephen and Anna Hamilton and sassy “My Strongest suit” from the female ensemble. Anna Hamilton gave us a wonderfully lively and soaring “Je veux vivre” from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet before we had four numbers from its modern counterpart West Side Story. The full company took us through a lively “America” to the lovely, romantic “Tonight” from James Stephen and Lau Rowley. The female ensemble, led by a vivacious Amanda Watt, then had the audience tapping their feet along to “I Feel Pretty”. The evening ended with a beautiful, quiet and reflective version of “Somewhere” from the whole company. The twenty strong cast of 12 ladies and 8 men, had obviously worked hard with the Musical Director and Director to achieve a high standard in both singing and movement. It was good to see that the “Opera” in Aberdeen Opera Company was still alive and strong. Well done everyone!

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