Showtime!

Having presented “The Sound of Music” last March, Fusion Theatre worked through the summer to give more of their young members a chance to showcase their talents than one show can offer. A number of the solo pieces were chosen from musicals previously performed by Fusion, which were a lovely reminder of past successes. Some songs were from new shows not yet released to amateur theatre.

Opening with “Do-Re-Mi” from ‘The Sound of Music’ were Ella Matthews with Aimee, Jamie, Katie, Lorcan, Aoife, Ava and Jude – most of whom were the Von Trapp family last Spring! Ella later reprised her excellent titular role as Anastasia with “In My Dreams” and Beth Conlon beautifully reprised the titular role of Amélie with “Times are Hard for Dreamers”. Other highlights came from Hannah Hall with “Somewhere That’s Green” from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ and from Mollie Rodgers with “Maybe This Time” from ‘Cabaret’.

One of my all-time favourites is “Anthem” from ‘Chess’ – a memorable past production by Fusion, this time well sung by Daniel Boylan. He also acted as Compere for the concert with the redoubtable Wilfie Pyper in a delightful double act!

A diminutive Connie Taylor gave a blockbusting performance of “Don’t Rain on my Parade” from ‘Funny Girl’ and “When He sees Me” (’Waitress’), “Quiet” (‘Matilda’), “I’m Still Hurting” (‘The Last 5 Years’), and “For Good” (‘Wicked’) were all very effectively sung by Molly Gribbon, Ava Matthews, Aimee Brennan and Katie Bell & Emma Moran. It was particularly good to have former Fusion star Ethan Haddock back to bring the spine tingling “Bring Him Home” from ‘Les Miserables’.

Group numbers – “Skid Row” from ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ (featuring Imogen, Katie J, Meg, Hannah & Aizan),“Revolting Children” from ‘Matilda’ (featuring Aoife B, Katie J, Rachel, Bella, Emma & Jude), “We’re All Made of Stars” from ‘Finding Neverland’ (featuring Karol, Grace & Lorcan) and “The Boys in the Photograph” and the Title number from ‘The Beautiful Game’ with the Girls Chorus were all well presented - the latter was another previous production which still lives very fondly in my memory. Full Company numbers – “Freak Flag” from ‘Shrek’, “Song of Purple Summer” from ‘Spring Awakening’, the title number from ‘The Beautiful Game’, “You Will be Found” from ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and “Finale B” from ‘Rent’ were all enthusiastically presented, incorporating lots of movement and excellent singing.

Annieca Haddock must be congratulated on her usual costume making and management. It is no mean feat to costume so many young people of varying ages and sizes! Sound was very well balanced, and Lighting was designed and controlled in a black box set with mostly well-lit cyclorama.

The 5-piece band under the baton of MD Keith Pyper was well controlled and balanced with stage voices. It was lovely to see former Fusion performers Megan McGarry and Jess Webb, take on Direction and Choreography. Once a Fusioneer, always a Fusioneer!!

In my last visit as Noda Representative for Ireland, I would like to thank the company for all the invitations and hospitality down the years and assure them that they will be well served by my successor, Jim McGuigan.

I promise I’ll be back as an ordinary audience member to support and follow your continuing progress!

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