One Day More

This compilation show was a very enjoyable experience of music from shows over the last one hundred years. Some of the synopses and songs from shows like “Guys and Dolls” and “Crazy for You” date back to the 1920/30s although not made into fully fledged musicals until a few decades later. We were also treated to selections from another five shows from the 1950s and 1960s. Another five came from the 1970s and 1980s. A further seven shows from the last 30 years completed the eclectic mix of well chosen songs performed by a cast of twenty people.  

I have seen this company perform many shows now but all of the productions were with live musicians. This particular production was put together in just one month and the accompaniment was by backing tracks. The technical side of the music was handled expertly by the sound technician and the singers coped very well with the introductions, sometimes tricky rhythms and pauses for dialogue  within the tracks.

One possible problem with compilations can be continuity between songs but the minimal and apposite dialogue between this evening’s selection of songs was perfectly achieved.

There were some extremely well rehearsed production numbers both musically and choreographically with the full cast. I include “Come Follow the Band” and “One Brick at a Time” from Barnum, “Oom-Pah-Pah” from Oliver, “Masquerade” from Phantom of the Opera, “One Day More” from Les Misérables and the two songs from “Mary Poppins Returns”. As with nearly all the compilation shows that I have seen, I can usually find a new gem that I have not heard before but which impresses me much. This time it was “Seize the Day” from Newsies.

Although I know the names of some of the soloists, from my seeing this society’s previous productions, I feel it would be unfair to just pick out a few. Also, the standard of singing was so good that every one of those who took the solo lines did a terrific job and all need to be equally congratulated.

The first song performed was “We can do it”. They certainly did! Thank you to all involved for a most enjoyable evening of song and dance.

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