Showcase Jukebox

A varied programme of eclectic musical numbers resulted in a well compiled Showcase Jukebox which had something to please all tastes in music.

A wonderfully arranged ‘A Million Dreams’ immediately established the strength of the choral singing and throughout the evening the musical arrangements and harmonies were most impressive.

This group certainly knows how to put across contrasting numbers whether it be a pensive ‘You Walk With Me’, the uplifting ‘Viva La Vida’, rousing ‘Beach Boys Medley’ or the ever moving ‘He Ain’t Heavy (He’s My Brother)’ to mention only a few of the many memorable ensemble numbers. Showcase is also most fortunate in having a wealth of talented soloists. ‘She Used To Be Mine’ from the musical ‘Waitress’ was a new one to me and was melancholy and wistful. ‘Who Want’s To Live Forever’ was meaningful and strong. The section dedicated to absent friends was extremely emotive with the chorus again in fine voice singing ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’, ‘Caledonia ‘ and the hair raising ‘Bridge Over Troubled Waters’.

The second half of the programme had some real fun numbers with the comedy duo on the ‘Trail of The Lonesome Pine’ followed by ‘Happy/Get Lucky’. Three of the most powerful numbers were ‘Pride (In The Name of Love)’, ‘Rise Up’ and ‘Up Here On My Own’ sung with strength and passion by outstanding female soloists. ‘Defying Gravity’ again led by a strong soloist was another winner. The stirrng ‘One Day More’ gave the opprtunity to hear more confident soloists and a resounding chorus. I have mentioned only a few of the numbers on the programme but truth to say that every numnber was excellent.

The final ‘Love And Mercy’ and ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ are meaningful to the cause of this company who to date have raised over £280,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support. An amazing achievement.

David McFarlane, the musical director has done a grand job with this first class company. I have also to sing the praises of the accompanist Andy Thomson who supported the singers in their 27 numbers with very little respite. And of course the running order of the evening was announced with fun and humour by the director Andy Johnston as he told the audience about each number being performed and also about each soloist in a most relaxed and amusing fashion.

As always with Showcase, this was a thoroughly enjoyable evenings entertainment by a most talented company of singers all of whom never fail to deliver. I very much look forward to their main production in September.

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