Musicals R Us

For KODS’ Youth Section’s first production this year, I was pleased to attend their concert incorporating a great variety of more than 20 musical numbers involving 30 youngsters including an impressive line- up of lads. An open stage was utilised against a very good star-backcloth and just a few but appropriate props for some numbers.

For most numbers, the cast were dressed in black, with some suitable additional items for variety. For example, in the opening number ‘One’ from A Chorus Line, the full company added some gold hats which gave an overall smart impression. After an initial problem with the mic, an unflustered Hope Dickenson then restarted ‘Disneyland’ from Smile with power, and this was followed by a sensitive violin solo of ‘Where is Love’ by the talented Maria Riga. Shannon Drew provided some light and shade with ‘As If We Never Said Goodbye’ from Sunset Boulevard and 9 of the boys impressed with a Jersey Boys Medley, singing and moving well, this time dressed in red shirts.

The full company sang ’Skidrow’ (Little Shop of Horrors) with great feeling and Harrison Bianco projected ‘Grow for Me’ well, from the same show. Charlie Dancyger sang ‘It Must be Love’ from Our House, with a very nice voice and well expressed and this was followed by Darcy Hill and Immy  Maybury singing and moving well with ‘Bonnie & Clyde’. Oscar Yeoh sang ‘You’ll Be Back’ from Hamilton with confidence and Georgia Hyde sang a tricky ‘Waving Through The Window’ from Dear Evan Hansen, well. The final numbers in Act 1 , a medley from Return to the Forbidden Planet included ‘I Woke Up in the Morning’ (Hope) and a great characterisation (and hair) from Billy Brooks with ‘Monster Mash’.

Act 2 opened with some highlights from West Side Story; the girls with ‘America’ with some excellent choreography , followed by an impressive ‘Gee Officer Krupke’ from the lads. Larna  Richards sang another tricky number  (‘I know Things Now’ from Into the Woods) and Hope Dickenson and Georgia Hyde, sang well together with ‘Seventeen’ from Heathers.

Two numbers from Annie followed; Immy Maybury showing promise with ‘The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow’ and the girls carried off some good choreography with ‘Hard Knock Life’. Chris Kemp and Harrison Bianco did a first-rate job leading the lads with ‘We Will Rock You’ and then Roxie Jordon sang with power clarity and feeling with an easy delivery ‘Heart of Stone’ from Six, to be followed by a very slick number of the same name, by Georgia,  Larna,  Lilly Hickman, Lola Chivers, Maria and Roxie. Oscar Yeoh made a really good effort with ‘Anthem’ from Chess and everyone came together for a great finale medley from Hairspray, dressed in sparkly waistcoats or tops.

Russell Painter provided musical accompaniment and sound balance was good. KODYS has further potential by the bucket load which bodes well for the future and everyone involved are to be congratulated.

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