Let’s go to the Movies

The stage setting worked really well for this cabaret. With a raised area at the back, steps down to the front and exits on both sides, there were plenty of opportunities for variation. The narration between songs in the style of a movie being rehearsed and shot linked all of the numbers together and the signs announcing the show hung on the stage in various guises, such as a washing line or notice board, worked really well. Costumes provided by Pat are always excellent and this cabaret was no exception, with plenty of changes to suit each number. With a cry of ‘lights, action’, Act 1 began.

As usual with this group, there was an interesting mix of songs and musicals. The show started with a group number ‘Let’s go to the movies’ from Annie, which was sung with a good energy. It was followed by a beautiful rendition by Emily G of ‘Love will come and find me again’ from the little known musical, Bandstand. It was so lovely to hear music from some of the less well known musicals, rather than the popular songs that are often included in cabarets. ‘Perfectly Marvellous’ from Cabaret is another fine example, which was well sung by James and Gemma.

A highlight for me was ‘Sisters’ from White Christmas. After a very good performance by Laura and Jazz, Steve and James then repeated the number and the moves with aplomb; very funny. This was followed by the beautiful ‘Papa, can you hear me’ from Yentl which was superbly sung with gorgeous harmonies. ‘Slipping through my fingers’ from Mama Mia was also a beautifully sung and a very engaging performance by Emily M. 'Pure Imagination’ from Wonka had fabulous giant flowers and lollipops and was another very enjoyable number by Anthony and the dancers. Act 1 was finished by a full company number from Rock of Ages, with nicely blended voices and very effective outfits of all black with a glittery silver lightening motif on T shirts.

Act 2 started strongly with another company number from Wicked, with effective strong arm movements. Glinda had a fabulous dress and I loved the green baby! ‘I put a spell on you’ from Hocus Pocus was a committed performance with a good energy and there were some nice moves from the dancers on either side. ‘Therapy’ from Tick, tick….boom by Emily M and Anthony was one of my favourite numbers and worked really well. Simply set with each hiding behind a book with ‘Therapy’ written on it, it was well timed and very amusing.

Mary Poppins was a charming number and really suited Joanne’s lovely resonant voice. Again, it was lovely to hear the more unusual ‘The place where lost things go’ from Mary Poppins Returns. ‘El Tango de Roxanne’ from Moulin Rouge was a very impactful number with great vocals from James and Simon, especially when the full company joined with the singing. There was some great chair choreography too. The Grease medley finale had pleasing harmonies and an energetic hand jive which ended the evening on a high.

Despite a very limited rehearsal time of just 12 weeks, the group still managed to put on a really good evening’s entertainment. The audience thoroughly enjoyed hearing new songs and familiar favourites and the cast gave it their all. Well done to everyone involved.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.