Showcase 2019

As newcomers to a Showcase Production, we were blown away by the sheer energy and obvious enjoyment that emanated from the stage tonight. With chorus and soloists numbering over sixty, this music extravaganza was well supported by a 14 piece orchestra.

Each half of the programme comprised three sections – Act One offering a Neil Diamond Medley, Guilty Pleasures (an excuse to feature favourite songs by several soloists – and why not!), and closing with a selection of Showtunes from recent Broadway musicals.

The Neil Diamond section provided a balanced grouping including hits like “I’m A Believer” and “Sweet Caroline”, plus a couple with soloists, giving us a taste of the quality that was to come. The concert featured a vast number of soloists who I will not attempt to name nor will I suggest that I had any favourites (although, in fact I had several!!).

The Guilty Pleasures section gave voice to a host of songs chosen because “they wanted to perform them” and they wouldn’t fit into any other section. I wish more companies would do just that, and let us hear songs that they love, because that is when we really get the true emotions from the singers.  Here, a Carpenter’s Medley brought back some fond memories!

The last section in the first act gathered together a collection of show tunes from current and recent Broadway musicals, each one of which I could class as a favourite of mine! and performed tonight by soloists who could do nothing to dissuade me of that feeling. Before we close Act One, praise in this review is long overdue for the choreographer Claire Smith. Almost without exception the numbers in this show were moved from simple flowing choreography to full blown high energy showstoppers.   Rarely have I seen a show with such a variety of dance moves, all performed with energy, which, I am certain was not missed by the capacity audience.

Act Two continued with similar pizzazz as the First, welcoming the audience back to their seats with “At The Movies”, beginning with a not to be forgotten Bee Gees Medley.

A word at this point should be made, congratulating Louise Williamson, Wardrobe Co-ordinator, for the ever-changing costuming in the show. Each section had its own style, be it simple or extravagant – but always in keeping with the musical genre being portrayed.

We moved on to a Queen section with a selection of songs which recalled my days as sound engineer for a cover band – days probably now best forgotten!  I loved each and every number from Bohemian Rhapsody to We Are The Champions.   In fact I’m realising, that I would be quicker mentioning the items I didn’t like in the Concert, but, apart from being unfair to the performers, it would make for a very short Report!

Unfortunately, we had to come to the Finale of this evening of song and dance, performed with tireless exuberance by this talented Edinburgh Company. The Finale, included “Stars” from Les Miserables, - who could fail to find this so moving,   followed by  company calls carried out to a background of Shang-A-Lang – what could be better.

Final words must go to Director, Andy Johnston and Musical Director David McFarlane, who, together with Claire Smith, have compiled and rehearsed a concert of epic proportions, giving this wonderful group of singers and dancers so much to work with, and, in particular each and every soloist  the opportunity to display their skills and talents to the audience tonight.

My thanks to your Regional Rep, Dorothy Johnstone, for giving me the opportunity to Report on this show,  while she sunned herself in warmer lands, and, also, sincere congratulations to Showcase on a wonderful performance and the sterling support you are giving Macmillan Cancer Support.

 

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