Musical Extravaganza lV

Last night, the delicate and beautiful fabric of Morley Town Hall was under the most intense pressure from the amazing exuberance of MAOS, with their Musical Extravaganza lV  - what a show! Michael Kirkby (Director and Choreographer) and David Hann (Musical Director) had put together a cornucopia of musical numbers from all our favourite musicals - over 70 numbers in all, which had the audience clapping and cheering all the way through.

The cast, made up of soloists and ensemble were energetic and enthusiastic all the way through - Rehearsals must have been punishing, I didn't see a foot or hand go wrong and that is a rarity these days - Michael does love to make his cast give the audience their moneys-worth and they all stepped up to the mark.

The standard of singing in MAOS is very high - I was delighted to see the men on a par with the women in many numbers; even though out-numbered, they came through loud and clear! The songs had been carefully chosen to suit both solo numbers and ensembles, giving the cast ease to dance skilfully - and we also saw some brilliant tap!  Well done!

I have said already how very talented all the performers were on stage, I have to mention some stand-alone numbers which I really enjoyed - Paul Metcalfe was very touching in his solo from 'Made in Dagenham', the trio, Hayley Thomson, Becky Lenk and Paul Metcalefe, who sang 'Requiem' from the very new musical, 'Dear Evan Hansen', Richard Longbottom's lovely rendition of 'I'm Putting all my Eggs in One Basket' from 'Top Hat' (and his contribution in 'Putting on the Ritz'). Ysanne Morill and Jeni Riordan also made excellent contributions in their solo numbers. Before the rousing finale from 'Sister Act', we were treated to a quartet (Paul Metcalfe, Richard Longbottom, Ian Hartley and Jason Reynolds) singing 'One Moment in Time' from 'The Bodyguard' - truly amazing and well-rehearsed by David (MD).

Special congratulations must be given to the young people who took part, from the Society's Kids Club - they performed their numbers with confidence, clear singing and acting skills.

Apart from Michael's excellent direction, the staging of the show was also visually stunning - professional lighting from Chris McEvoy and Bobby Gilman - sound from the experienced Steve (Rusty) Melville and a good stage crew, under the direction of Stuart Wilson. Costumes, lovely to look at, were once again, in the experienced hands of Tina (Tacker) Riordan.

I really appreciated the care that had been taken with this well-produced musical concert  - a wonderful evening's entertainment - as I left the theatre, a member of the audience nodded to me, saying it had lifted his spirits no end to be in the theatre that evening - and that summed it up for me as well!

Congratulations to you all!!

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