Showstoppers

I was delighted to be asked attend Northallerton MTCs “Showstoppers” concert to cover for fellow representative John Holliday as he was performing in this production. The concert was exactly as billed “well known music from well known shows” and there was definitely something for everyone in this varied programme.

The look of the production was stunning, the stage impeccably dressed in drapes, a star cloth, lit steps and a lighting plot that lifted it to another level. In a concert where you can’t rely on various costumes and scenery, the attention to detail from a staging and lighting perspective was used to compliment the performances perfectly – congratulations tech team.  The cast were impeccably dressed for each section using colour block, accessories and different styles, everyone looked good.

Accompaniment from a five-piece band was excellent and an added bonus to the production, never overpowering and lifting the performance value significantly. The programme content was varied and entertaining and included some lovely arrangements that included many full company pieces, group work, duets and solos put together in a way that meant the transition from one number or section to another was seamless.

The junior section of the society had their own opportunities to shine and in Act 1 gave us rousing renditions of “Step in Time” from Mary Poppins, “Freak Flag” and "I’m a Believer“ from Shrek, they had lots of energy, great singing and dancing.  In Act 2 the juniors gave us three numbers from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and together with Claire Ainsworth performed “Thriller” and it was one of the highlights of the show, I loved it.

The “Wicked” opening of the show set the standard, the vocal performances were good, harmonies came through, and the choreography throughout interesting to watch and well executed. This wasn’t just a stand and sing performance, the flow and movement throughout the show really added to the entertainment value. The “Chicago” numbers were excellent, and it was exciting to see a snippet from your next production “Sister Act”, which judging from that performance will be well worth coming to see. The hard work of the entire company created a slick production.  

There were some lovely individual performances and without listing every single performer and every song suffice to say everyone involved brought their best and did a superb job, however I must mention Heidi Bradley and her “Barry and Freda”, it was like Vic was in the room, absolutely brilliant.

This production was uplifting and a delight to watch and listen to, the evening flew over and I enjoyed it very much. Congratulations to Nic and Robert for putting together such a joyous production which was certainly appreciated by your audience. Thank you for the invitation NMTC and making me very welcome, I’ll definitely be back.

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