Magic of the Musicals

Magic of the musicals brought us an eclectic mix of songs from some of the greatest shows ever written. These shows have stood the test of time and still make regular appearences on both the Amateur and Professional stages ; a testament to their enduring popularity with the theatre going public. It is therefore no surprise that Magic of the Musicals was warmly applauded by it’s audience who greatly appreciated the fine work done by Director Mike Eccles and MD Sian James

Hello Dolly led the way and whilst I thought “Put on your Sunday clothes” lacked pace we were soon transported into the world of Dolly Levi matchmaker extraordinaire. Danielle Vernon gave us |Ribbons down my back, a nice song this, and led the way for the gentlemen to to tell us men what we already know, that “It takes a woman”. Nicky Brown aided by the chorus swept us into the eponymous “Hello Dolly” and we enjoyed a touch of “Elegance” from Sue Rannard and Bill Brown.

Showboat as a full scale production is rarely seen these days due the restrictions imposed by the rules of political correctness; however, in concert, excerpts are allowed. The “rights” holders do impose certain rules about concert versions which include time and costume. These restrictions do however enable Societies to rapidly move from one excerpt to another maintaining the flow between the various items.

Thus we seamlessly passed from “Dolly” to “Showboat” into several of Jerome Kerns most endearing musical songs and Dorothy Fields most enticing lyrics. Jean Sanchez, Nicky Brown, Joanna Barker, Sue Rannard and Kathy Jordan-Wright supported by the ubiquitous chorus were the recipients of this songfest.

During the period enacted by Showboat in America a totally different scene would have been observed in Russia. This period marked the way Jewish society changed and this is reflected in the beautiful show “Fiddler on the Roof”. Steve Riordan gave us a delightfully rousing “if I were a rich man” and Joanna Barker, Kathy Jordan-Wright and Danielle Vernon followed with the plea “Matchmaker Matchmaker make me match”. Jean Sanchez and Steve Riordan with the chorus gave us the Sabbath Prayer followed by the wonderfully poignant “Do you love me” charmingly done by Mary Milne and Bill Brown. Sunrise Sunset provided Claire Tomkinson and Mr Riordan took the opportunity to demonstrate the variety and strength of the score whilst Nicky Brown reflected on what was going to happen “Far from the home I love”. “To Life” courtesy of the whole cast brought the first half to a close.

Follies which open act 2 is probably the least known show featured in this tour of musicals although It is a splendid show from the pen of Stephen Sondheim and the songs need to be seen in the context of the plot. “Beautiful Girls” allowed the ladies to show themselves off and was a fine start to the excerpt. Janet Bird gave us 2 excellent numbers with “Broadway baby” and “I’m still here” Kathy Jordan-Wright brought us “In Buddy’s eyes” while Jean Sanchez and Danielle Vernon were hoping for “One more kiss”. “Losing my mind” is in my opinion the best song in the show and Nicky Brown certainly did it justice. Kathy Jordan-Wright returned with “Could I leave you” after which the cast reprised “Beautiful girls”

St Pauls chose the King and I to close the evening and it was a good choice. It is full of great tunes form “Getting to know you” to “Shall we dance” I whistle a happy tune to Hello Young Lovers.

These may be the best known songs but let us not forget “We kiss in a shadow” “my Lord and Master” and my personal favourite “Something wonderful”; everyone a winner.

The finale featured a Rogers and Hammerstein compilation a fitting end to a great nights entertainment. The entire cast did well and were obviously well supported by a strong back stage team. Congratulations to all involved. Budge

 

 

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