Give My Regards to Old Broadway

Give our Regards to Old Broadway: a concert performed by members of Opera Viva at St Mary’s College, Everest Road, Crosby on Saturday 25th June, 2022. 

This was my third invitation to see Opera Viva perform, although I did have the privilege and pleasure of being invited to attend a ‘Masterclass’ they ran in September 2021 led by the celebrated English Opera Soprano, Amanda Roocroft. What a day that was!  Not only did I have the opportunity to watch Amanda tutor several up and coming young opera singers, but I also had the opportunity to speak with her about opera and her career over lunch… what an amazing lady… such a privilege!  But when I got the invitation to attend this concert, I was even more excited!  I’ve never hidden the fact that my knowledge of ‘opera’ is limited (but I’m learning to appreciate it more with every visit) … but this concert was a celebration of the music from Broadway; music that I have listened to and performed to for the past forty years!  I genuinely could not wait to hear operatic voices sing songs that I really do know and love!  Guess what… I was not disappointed!

This was a concert was in two parts:

Act 1 - “Give our Regards to Old Broadway” from ‘Little Jonny Jones’, sung by the entire Chorus.
            “ Cole Porter Medley” again sang by the entire Chorus
            “ Where is Life that Once I Led” from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ sang by Steve Riordan
            “ Wunderbar” again from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ sung by Pam Armstrong and David Palmer
            “ I Hate Men” another from ‘Kiss Me Kate’ sung by Marie Williams
            “ Wishing You Were Here with Me” a Lloyd Webber classic from ‘Phantom of the Opera’
               sung by Lauren Estis
            “ Bring Him Home” from ‘Les Miserable’ sung by Chris Moss
            “ Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from ‘Evita’ sung by Joan Armstrong
            “ Rhythm of Life” from ‘Sweet Charity’ sung by the entire Chorus

Act 2 - “ I Feel Pretty” from ‘West Side Story’ sung by the Ladies Chorus
            “ Stars” from ‘Les Miserable’ sung by Chris Moss
            “ Circle of Life” from the ‘Lion King’ sung by Alison Davies and the Chorus
            “ I Could Have Danced all Night” from ‘My Fair Lady’ sung by Gretta Southern
            “ Bill” from ‘Showboat’ sung by Philomena Golding
            “ Till there was You” from ‘The Music Man’ sung by Alison Davies
            “ Mama Mia Medley” from ‘Mama Mia/ Abba’ sung by Pat Maitland, Karen Hawkins and
              Gretta Southern and the Chorus
            “ The Impossible Dream” from ‘Man of La Mancha’ sung by David Palmer
            “ Diva’s Lament” from ‘Spamalot’ sung by Clare Hyams
            “ Always look on the Bright Side of Life” another from ‘Spamalot’ sung by individuals and Chorus

Making up the ensemble and not named above were Eileen and Philip Johnson and Peter McColgan.  From start to finish we heard some wonderful solo performances and some terrific chorus numbers… so when it came to me selecting MY favourites, which I always do, things did get a little tricky!  But, never being one to ‘shirk responsibility’ please find below MY ‘Favourite Five’ …(I started with My ‘Tremendous Three’ and then MY ‘Fantastic Four’ but found that impossible) … so I settled on MY ‘Fabulous Five’… here goes!

I told you this wasn’t easy… so My ‘Showstopper’ is in fact ‘SHOWSTOPPERS’… I really could not separate these two even with the assistance of my wife… Lauren Estis’s rendition of ‘Wishing you Were Here with Me’ from Phantom of the Opera, one of my favourite songs from one of my favourite musicals… was amazing!  I first met Lauren at the ‘Masterclass’ where she sang so beautifully.  I again saw her as a chorus member in ‘The Elixir of Love’ with Opera Viva… I still think Lauren is a little shy and a little nervous, but there is no doubt that she sang this song to perfection… the future is so bright for this talented young lady well done Lauren.   David Palmer’s rendition of ‘The Impossible Dream’ from Man of La Mancha… was sublime!  David has such a rich and wonderful tone to his voice; it was a privilege to be there just to hear this!

So having used two of my ‘fab five’ … my ‘third choice’ is Pam Ashcroft’s rendition of ‘Don’t Cry for me Argentina’ from the musical Evita.  Again, another favourite song of mine and this was a ‘knock it out the park’ performance from Pam … really really well sung Pam, be proud, loved this!

Again, another ‘favourite musical’ of mine the ‘Lion King’ which I’ve seen three times live and many times on film!  When you add my favourite song from the show ‘Circle of Life‘… then you just hope and pray that the version you’re about to here lives up to your expectations… did it?  Without doubt!  Alison Davies was the soloist with the full chorus providing the harmonies and backing.  Great song choice… delivered to perfection… well done one and all!

Finally, I was ‘arm wrestling’ with myself which one of two from the musical ‘Spamalot’ would take my final spot! It was ‘nip and tuck’ but Clare Hyams’s rendition of ‘Diva’s Lament’ just stole it for me!  As Clare rose from her chair it started… her music folder was slung onto a table, then the rant started, Clare was having a ‘right old tantrum’ which continued throughout!  It was hilarious from start to finish and sung really well so be proud Clare … I know you were a little unsure about it… but be proud and be sure to sing it again!  

I’ve said this before and I will no doubt say it again and again, but to stage any type of production, be it a musical, play, concert or revue takes a vast amount of time, energy, leadership and dedication and there is little or no doubt that Opera Viva are blessed with many such dedicated and experienced people. So, many congratulations for this entertaining concert must go to Conductor Anna Beresford (Her Co-Conductor not present that evening Melvin Tay) and the amazing Robert Chesters (Society Pianist).  Well done folks… super job, be ever so proud!

So once again, can I take this opportunity to thank everyone at Opera Viva for inviting my wife and I, we really enjoyed the evening. Special thanks to Doreen Whitlow (Chair) for her warm welcome and to Viv Sharp for her hospitality throughout. I’m still no expert, but I’m certainly on the lookout for more operatic productions to attend, not only to review but just to listen to, learn and appreciate.... already looking forward to your next production.

Stay safe and keep well…

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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