SEPTEMBER SERENADE 2013

From well known shows through film scores, into country and western, and finally into the great showstoppers of the modern era, what more could one ask for in an evening’s musical entertainment!

Wombwell certainly gave their all on Friday 13th September --  no hint of nerves or superstition from having to perform on this wicked Friday. The chorus work throughout was of a very high standard, with subtle movements round the stage which gave us quite different sounds as the singers traversed the set. From numbers which were sung at a cracking pace and belted out to superbly controlled quieter moments which had the audience spellbound. The rendition of a difficult arrangement of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” was more than excellent as a good example of choral singing at it’s best, whilst the very clever and hilarious clapping rhythm of “Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious” had the audience in stitches.

The major soloists gave delightful performances and one must mention the strong and versatile performance of “Defying Gravity” by Jonathan Wakeford who virtually stopped the show. What a find for the Society, following in his parents footsteps.

This Society is not afraid to allow other chorus members also to have solo parts and this does indeed show off the depth of quality and talent within the group.

The costumes were an absolute delight matching, each section of the show with such a variety of styles and colour and here I must give extra marks to those ladies who completed such a mammoth task,

Staging and lighting were simple but effective, as was the choreography which never intruded upon the performance whilst the cast were moving. Josephine Owen must be quite content with her efforts in this field.

The small group of musicians accompanied the on stage performance admirably with enthusiastic playing which on occasions gave the impression of a much larger combination of instruments. Praise indeed must be given to Julia Fellows for her excellent direction and  arrangements.

An excellent production.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.