George’s Diner

Set in an old style diner in the area of New York, this story follows the personal history of ‘George’ over several years.  The music put together comprised jukebox hits of the time, sung by the cast as they danced to rock and roll and other numbers.   The show contained some very good script as well as forming a background to some of the classic music of the era and the production was very well planned.

The set was simple yet very effective. The jukebox was dressed with a string of lights that changed colour throughout the scenes, adding greatly to the impression of a real music machine. The creation of the diner bar downstage right was brilliant, with the spirits dispensers, two chrome stools and the glasses adding to the reality of the effect.  The tables and chairs upstage fitted the scene very well and gave the opportunity for customers to sit and chat.  The use of a table and chairs down stage left for one number created variety.  This all worked very well.

The music was played very well.  The 8-piece band was set up at the back of the stage, behind a black gauze curtain.  The advantage of this was the adaptability of timing and volume, which were both very well managed, while not distracting from the action onstage. The sound was very well balanced, and the effect of the car crash was stunning!

Lighting was vital to this production, to provide selected emphasis and to help create the mood for a song.  Most of this was very well done and was subtle.  The section of film was very well worked in, and added greatly to the depth of the story of George and Rose.

The costumes for the show were lovely, with vibrant colours dressing black outfits. The costumes for the Michael Jackson and the end medleys were very good – all those diamond right hand gloves and the gold tops! 

The choreography was inventive, but also challenging at times – and demonstrated the high level of fitness of the cast, to be able to dance energetically and to sing at the same time.  Just once or twice a little more variety in the moves and mood might have been good, as there was a lot of hand jive. 

The high energy of the whole cast was excellent and produced a vibrant and engaging production. All the cast are to be congratulated on their performances in the group numbers, and as characters within the diner.  One that stood out was the waitress who never lost her character.  The relaxed ‘chatter’ onstage was very realistic and the reaction to the car crash was highly believable.  All the lead singers did really well in putting across the chosen songs. 

Altogether this was an innovative and interesting mix of music and drama, with a novel storyline.  For a first Directorship of original material, it was very good. This was a very entertaining show, well performed and novel in its structure and concept.

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