Irving Berlin and Stephen Schwartz - Wymsical

Having seen Wymsical in the past it was a pleasure to attend their first public performance since joining ‘NODA’ a short while ago. Most certainly a welcome addition to the association.

We were treated to 17 musical numbers rehearsed during their regular sessions over the last six weeks. A total of 15 talented young performers aged from 14 upwards, including six young men, sang their way through many well-known, as well as other less know songs, from the work of Irving Berlin and Stephen Schwartz.

Their opening number from Wicked, ‘No One Mournes the Wicked’ was most certainly a taster for the rest of the two 30 – 35-minute slots. Each of the company numbers were sang well and well-choregraphed including tap dancing for ‘Putting on the Ritz’. Equally well thought out was the continuity between numbers, as well as where cast members positioned themselves ready for the next number and getting on and off the acting area.

In between the company numbers many of the group members sang either solos or duets. All performed their numbers well and all put in either the emotion and or movement needed for the number. The contribution of each person was good, and it is unfair to name any one individual over others because one would be bound to miss someone off. The whole company put in considerable effort and where respectful of each other’s work. The quality of singing was clear as I heard every word.

The final number ‘White Christmas’ became relevant. Only 12 hours later we all stopped dreaming of snow as Worcester had the heaviest snow fall for years – not that I blame Wymsical Theatre!

With proficient senior members of the company and budding newer members the future could not be rosier.  The quote in the programme ‘The song is ended, but the melody lingers on’ is apt. Well done to the production team not least Tori Wakeman, Britt Packer and Stephen Watkins. The lighting was simply but effective.

I most certainly hope to attend future work done by these young people and especially look forward to seeing their production of ‘Curtains’ in February 2018.

Thank-you for inviting me and best wishes for future ventures.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.