RJ A Rock Musical

Tell most parents that their young child would not only be learning and delivering lines from the immortal Bard but also singing some of the most complex musical numbers ever conceived for a youth production and they may consider you a trifle mad!

Here we had both of the above skilfully interwoven into one of Shakespeares’ most popular tales; that of the tragic story of Romeo and Juliet.

The young leads were so well versed with the complicated, almost new language, that the sophistication of Shakespeares’ lines were as if delivered by  seasoned professionals ! As Juliet, (Francesca Banham) was able to convey the delight and angst of young loves awakening with a coquettish innocence in response to the restrained but insistent attentions of  Romeo, (Sebastion Morrison). As their forbidden love grew it was officially sealed by the seemingly covert marriage ceremony which led to the emotional bitter sweet confusion of loyalties between the warring families Capulets and Montagues, the repercussions of which led to the banishment of Romeo and separation from his new bride.

Along the way this story involves many supporting roles and cameos which without exception were performed immaculately by this young cast. I particularly praise Nurse and confidant to Juliet (Amelia Parker) for an outstanding supporting role, showing excellent characterisation and timing in the rare but necessary humour of her interactions with Juliet and others.

There were equally strong performances from Grace Baker as the ‘angry’ Tybalt, whose response to the death of Paris (Megan Blowers) led to an effective stage fight scene which was later to become a full scale skirmish between the families, this was a very realistic fight scene with each participant fully and energetically engaged! Benvolio (Rosie Ashdown-Nichol), Mercutio ( Ruby Byatt), Gregory (Rose Baker), Sampson (Phoebe Lawrence), Abram (Darci Boyne), ) together with each family member of Capulets and Montagues and a very convincing Narrator (Emily Steed), all played with conviction and confidence.

It was also pleasing to see some new younger faces complementing the very effective and not over powering band.

Now the whole rationale of this ‘new’ piece is its musicality, and here we had exceptional singing, with the whole cast providing ensemble parts to enhance the tricky harmonies, and vocal prowess of soloists was of the highest order. I especially praise Juliet with her emotionally moving renditions in Act two as the story moves to its tragic conclusion.

This was a brave and no doubt difficult show for a youth group to bring to the stage and I offer my sincere congratulations to the whole production team in presenting something completely different, and to all the cast who truly rose to the occasion. Well done ‘Rising Stars’…you all are!

I look forward to ‘The Evacuees’…come on lads there are some great fun parts in this show!

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.