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Once Upon A Time - A Musical Conedy

Author: Marie Coltman

Information

Date
21st November 2024
Society
Milton Musical Society
Venue
Forest Arts Centre
Type of Production
Concert
Directors
Emma Hardy and Kirsti Warne
Written By
Emma Hardy and Kirsti Warne

Once Upon a Time was written and directed by Emma Hardy and Kirsti Warne and is a wonderful mix of musical songs, comedy, and dancing. Set amongst fairytale characters complete with a Storyteller setting the scenes. The set is simple and effective, the sound and lighting are just right. Costumes are bright and colourful. The live band is set at the back of the stage, led by Jo Kent on keyboard, complete with Jacob Corbin on drums and Sean Samber on bass they make a great sound and backing for all the musical numbers. As the story begins we meet The Storyteller, played by Beverley Beck, she keeps the show on track reading from a large story book trying not to lose the plot. There are some great lines along the way, and Beverley gets to sing the last number which is great. We first meet Lady Goodmother played by Suzanne Teather singing 'Oh What a Beautiful Morning' which was lovely. Next is Mrs Tubbs the cafe owner played by Catherine Irlam, singing 'Opening Up' from Waitress, she has great vocals and is good in the role. The story is about love and friendship between the younger Princesses, I really enjoyed 'Don't Rain On My Parade' with Emma Hardy as Bella and Latayan Richardson as Jaz. The other Princesses Ashleigh Barker as Ruby and Emily Underwood as Ali join them in other songs, and 'For Good' from Wicked which was lovely with great harmonies. Bella's love interest is Gus played by Charles Henry, who has a roving eye for the ladies and is more into himself than Bella, and Charlie her best friend played by Oscar Trehane, who has a soft spot for Bella. I really liked 'You can do better than him' from Bonnie and Clyde, between the guys. The ‘older’ Princesses have seen it all, they are played by Pat Barnett as Audra, Kirsti Warne as Cindy and Tracy Knapp as Blanche, and their song ‘I’m So Over Men’ really had the audience in hysterics. The 'older' Princes are William played by Steve Tuddenham and Harry played by Terry Barnett, they sing a great 'Luck be a Lady' with Gus & Charlie. With all good fairytale's there are the baddies. Evil Queen Mel is played by Charlie Squibb and is every bit the villain, she sings 'Fabulous Baby' with the other outlaws. She is joined by Zelia and Annie the ugly sisters played by Olwen Adams and Sue Brown, they have a couple of great duets. Jeff played by Chris Meineck who was very funny in his robe and dance moves, and Ella played by Megan Green. Eva played by Jess Barras wants to forget the evil life and escape from Mel she is secretly in love with Gus and they sing a great version of 'Your Song' together. There are some great song choices, and comedy moments along the way, and you could tell everyone on stage was having fun with their characters which really came across. Well done.

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