Red Hot and Cole

Red Hot and Cole is a particular favourite of mine and I was thoroughly looking forward to an evening of musical entertainment immersed in the songbook of the great Cole Porter, and I wasn’t disappointed. The story of Porter’s life was depicted in song and dance in a very classy way. The style and ambiance of the period was beautifully captured in the intimate setting of the Phoenix theatre. I really did feel at times as if the cast were singing in my living room, and just to me. The opening focus was on the very talented Luc Bailey at the grand piano who accompanied everyone so beautifully. His effortless handling of the individual performers style and delivery was faultless and not easy when they are not even looking at you. And to the cast themselves, to sing without any eye contact with the MD or accompanist did so extremely well.   

The lady’s dresses were divine and the stunning jewellery the envy of most of the audience. The lighting made the necklaces, earing and bangles come alive and dance in the spotlight. The men in their elegant evening attire looked handsome and a perfect match to the glamorous lady’s. The attention to detail really does make for a polished show and the matching headwear with the dresses was brilliant and so a special thanks to the costume team for creating a spectacular result. I especially loved the peacock dress and hat.

From the top – Cole Porter was portrayed by Andrew Doyle and he was excellent! His singing voice was not only good but was enhanced by his superlative diction. His musicality and stage presence were captivating and even in the sadder moments of Porter’s life maintained a command of the stage in every way. I enjoyed every song he performed but his duet ‘True Love’ brought a lump to the throat as it became apparent that his life was coming to an end.

Melanie Bailey was fabulous as Elsa Maxwell, the self-centred hostess and friend of Porter. Her opening number set the tone for the evening ahead but her best song in my humble opinion was ‘The Physician’ which she performed wonderfully and really suited her character and Mel herself. A fabulous role to play and very well done.Enter Lori Weber as Linda Cole! Lori was stunning and her voice so incredibly descriptive with no effort at all. The light and shade she poured into songs such as ‘In the still of the night’ and ‘Begin the Beguine’ was a masterclass in perfection. I honestly could have listened to her singing all night, such was the mellowness and tone of her beautiful voice. Lori was very relatable in her love and support of her husband throughout his life, hiding her frustration of his lifestyle until tragedy struck and then love and loyalty prevailed until her death.

Brian Jackson was Monty Woolley and he delivered his song ‘Miss Otis Regrets’ with all of the drama that I would expect from Brian. He not only sang a song; he told a story in the wittiest way.

Jacky Bedford with true poetic license portrayed the Black nightclub owner Bricktop and her first song of the performance was a perfect delivery of the bluesy number ‘I’m in Love Again’.

Natalie Smith was good as Hedda Hopper and her ability to pop up and overhear the gossip was acted well. Her rendition of ‘Just one of those things’ was gentle and well delivered.

Tony Hearn was delightful in all three character’s he undertook but I was most impressed by his portrayal of Noel Coward and I enjoyed his version of ‘Lets do it, lets fall in Love’ it was comical and succinctly put.

I couldn’t wait for Amanda Barrett to make her entrance as the wonderful Ethel Merman and boy! did she make an entrance! I have always enjoyed watching Amanda in plays at the Phoenix but was not expecting the powerhouse that erupted onto the stage. I was so pleased as Ethel Merman was such a brilliant performer and to act such an iconic legend could have been daunting, but this was not the case and her ‘blasting’ out ‘You’re the Top’ was fabulous…

The supporting principles of Suzanne Hill (I loved her Bella Spewack portrayal), Roger Williams, Stephanie and Bill Piggott and John and Jenny Spencer in various roles was a round up of a truly talented group who treated us to a fabulous evening. The dance showcases were excellent too. I so admire Stephanie and Bill the ability to move the way they did.

John and Jenny directed this wonderful show and took part in it too. John was the ubiquitous man servant Paul, not a major role but he had two amazing songs to sing. The duet with Linda gave us an insight to his glorious voice but his solo ‘Wake up and Dream’ was heavenly.

Without doubt, Mary Brigg had brought out the best in the cast musically and whilst most of the songs were so familiar, there was no mistaking the difficulty in delivering some of them. The finale in particular was an overlay of song after song and they faultlessly delivered. It must have been interesting during rehearsals!

Thank you so much Phoenix Theatre for a fabulous evening of pure joy

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.