Here Come The Musicals

Such a lovely night out at The Musicals! The Company had compiled a hugely diverse programme of numbers from historically well known shows to some of the up to the minute showstoppers which are still touring or playing in London’s West End.

It is always such a challenge to choose numbers, choreograph and produce a show to suit a whole cast in this type of review. Most directors would agree, it’s just as much work and dedication to rehearsals as it is producing a specific musical. Hat’s off to the Production Team!

This company certainly made the very most of their small stage area and wings, producing a seamless show with many vocal highlights, not only from seasoned, experienced performers but also from a very vibrant youth group.

Dougal Affleck, just back from playing Grandpa in Kelso’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, found the time somehow to also rehearse and perform in the opening number from 9 to 5, amongst many other numbers. Ironically, time must have focused heavily on him in the past few months to enable him to contribute so wholeheartedly in both productions, not least to The Music Man’s, Seventy Six Trombones with an enthusiastic, instrument bedecked youth chorus.  

'You and Me (But Mostly Me)' was humorous and harmonic. Giving a welcome introduction to Chris Drewery, who featured in many numbers, showing a lovely versatile voice. Leading ‘Nicest Kids in Town’ and ‘Close Every Door’, he was a popular choice to lead the youth chorus in both. His duet with one of the other star vocalists, Marie Forman in ‘Suddenly Seymour’, was another huge opportunity to shine.

Marie, aforementioned and Rachel Gray, both had amazing voices. Smashing their duet ‘What Is This Feeling’ and contributed to the quartet ‘Dancing Through Life’ from Wicked. Marie was also the practically perfect in every way, Mary Poppins, to lead the delightful bobbing youngsters in ‘Spoonful of Sugar’. 

Rachel truly shone in her solo from Waitress singing ‘What Baking Can Do’, while also using her skills with props during her solo. With Mum, Lynn Gray, the show Director, they wowed us with ‘Show Yourself’ form Frozen II.

A massive undertaking to direct and also perform, Lynn also joined forces with the ladies chorus for an entertaining and harmonic ‘Wash That Man’ as well as the not so well known ‘Anybody Have A Map’ from Dear Evan Hansen with Fiona Drewery who starred in ‘Me and the Sky’ from Come From Away.

Carol Robson, one of the stars from the last production of  Calendar Girls the Musical, featured in ‘Feed The Birds’ with Fiona and strutted her stuff as Dolly in a colourful ‘Hello, Dolly!’.

Another valued adult male member Ben Foreman, with his strong vocal ability and charisma, shone a light with his solo ‘Stars’. His duet with Dougall in the very difficult Sondheim number ‘Agony’ deserves special mention. He also acted and sung his way through a very entertaining ‘Master of The House’ and joined the kids in shorts for the upbeat ‘School of Rock’.

As for the youth group, it is so lovely to see such a healthy group of budding stars coming through to sustain the company for the future.

Alexa McKenzie, in a nervous portrayal, very sweetly sung ‘Unruly Heart’ from The Prom. Isla Gourlay, sang ‘Naughty’ from Matilda with great vocals and timing. Mirren Clark acted the role of Sandy, way beyond her years, in the iconic number ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’. ‘Once Upon a December’ from Anastasia was, without doubt, perfectly suited to the gorgeous voice of Bonnie Foreman. 

Every one of the enthusiastic youngsters have to be very proud of their massive contribution to this hugely successful production. I’m sure there are many very proud parents in Duns this week.

Thank you to James Shirreff and the Duns Company for their warm welcome and fabulous  entertainment.

 

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