Rogers & Hammerstein & Jukebox Musicals

To round off their summer term, 19 from the senior group ‘Encore’ aged between 14 and 21 years presented a ‘Juke-Box’ of musical numbers, predominantly from the pen of Rogers & Hammerstein, beautifully directed and choreographed by Britt Packer.

All the company numbers were strong, opening with R&H’s ‘It’s a Grand Night for Singing’ from ‘State Fair’. Following on, the range included ‘Mamma Mia’ headed by Lizzie Jones, ‘All or Nothing’ sung well by Beth Bullas & Will McCrea, and a superb version of ‘Shall I Tell Him What I’m Thinking’ from ‘The King & I’ sung by Ella Sutton.

It is difficult not to mention every number, but special reference must be given to another great selection from Part 2 including the opening number ‘9 to 5’ led by Ella Cain, ‘I am 16 going on 17’ sung with great feeling by Molly Hill and Emily Kitcat, ‘Wonderful Guy’ (Hannah Jones), ‘Go Now’ (Ella Sutton) and a beautifully sung version of ‘If I loved you’ by Issy Khogali, which held our attention like a magnet.

Although the boys ( Adam Blakemore, Eddie Thomas, Will McCrea and Sam Nield) were in the minority, they provided great entertainment throughout, not least in ‘Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby’ from ‘Five Guys Named Moe’ and ‘Down By the Riverside’ (Million Dollar Quartet). Best wishes to Matt Street who was regrettably hospitalised just before the performance. The finale of the show was a moving version of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ by the Company.

Although the company were undoubtedly strong, their enthusiasm at times over-powered some of the solo work, but this was a confident full on performance and a credit to Stephen Watkins musical support and the Wymsical Theatre, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

 

 

 

 

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