Some Enchanted Evening

This show comprises solely of the songs and music of Rodgers and Hammerstein. In Act One the company, 5 principals and chorus, are preparing for a show case of R &H love songs and through the songs they are rehearsing we find out about the principals and their relationships. In Act Two the theme of different stages and kinds of love culminates in full performance mode. The 5 principals were all equally excellent – Amanda Watt as Nellie (the newcomer to the company); Moira Doherty as Anna (a recent divorcee); Catherine Gellatly as Julie (a young girl on the edge of love); Gordon Brebner as Billy (the leading man with a reputation as a womaniser); Martin Rudge as Will (the nice guy). As well as the well known favourites from Oklahoma, South Pacific, The King and I and Carousel there were also some delightful numbers from less well know shows such as Allegro, State Fair, The Flower Drum Song and Cinderella.  Out of this veritable feast of love melodies (31 in all) I particularly enjoyed Anna’s “Something Wonderful”, Nellie’s “In My Own Little Corner” and her duet with Will “Don’t Marry Me” and Billy’s “This Nearly was Mine”.  The chorus did not have a great deal to do but as expected from AOC their singing and movement were impressive with beautiful part singing particularly in the “Grand Night for Singing Agitato and Vocal Overture”. Once again an outstanding show from all at Aberdeen Opera Company. It really was Some Enchanted Evening for all – Rodgers and Hammerstein aficionados or not!

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