Songs from the Shows

Chesterfield Operatic Society’s choice of ‘Songs from the Shows’ for their November concert would certainly please most musical theatre going audiences, that is, if it delivered on content and performance and it did indeed fulfill both of these criteria, magnificently. The first selection of songs came from ‘The Music of Ivor Novello’ the arrangements of which were by Keyboard accompanist, Chris Milton. Sarah Morrell and Georgii Bailey exquisitely sang ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs’ and the fine voice of DannyWinson was superbly suited for ‘Rose of England’. Next came three songs from ‘My Fair Lady’. Alison Doram excelled here in both singing and dancing and Karl Brennan sang ‘I’m Getting Married in the Morning’ with great gusto. ‘Rodgers and Hammerstein on Broadway’ brought the first half to a close with powerful singing by Sue Siddall, joined by the chorus, in a rousing rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’(Carousel), but before we reached that climax we were treated to some lovely performances. I loved the two numbers from South Pacific, Julie Metcalfe’s delightful delivery of ‘I’m Going to Wash that Man’ and the five men - Karl Brennan, Raymond Hill, Doug Melloy, Bob Newton and Danny Winson who splendidly sang ‘There is Nothin’ Like a Dame. Doug Melloy’s gloriously sang ‘It might As Well Be Spring’ (State Fair), and the sequences from ‘Oklahoma’ and ‘The Sound of Music’ were great. Act Two began with and included nine super numbers from ‘Guys and Dolls’. The final number, ‘Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat’ was fabulously fronted by Danny Winson with imaginative movement from the ensemble including a splendid tap routine. Songs from ‘Chicago’ came next and the three chosen numbers were all outstanding. A truly brilliant performance came from Sarah Morrell singing ‘When You’re Good to Mama’, Georgii Bailey and Yasmin Richardson were stunning in ‘All That Jazz’ and Karl Brennan’s ‘Mr. Cellophane Man’ was just terrific and as for the holding of that note, well!! Two lovely executed numbers from ‘Sweet Charity’ followed, a duet from Sarah Morrell and Julie Metcalfe ‘Baby Dream Your Dream’ and ‘If My Friends Could See Me Now’ from Alison Doram. The final section of the night included six songs from ‘West Side Story’. ‘Maria’ was movingly sung by Doug and Karl, as was ‘One Hand, One Heart’ by Doug and Jodie James. The costumes were splendid, and throughout, the singing and dancing was of a very high standard. Congratulations must go to Jonathan Davies, the Society’s new Musical Director, and to Julie Metcalfe for her innovative choreography. Of course, a concert of this standard isn’t achieved unless everyone gives of their best, so well done to the whole company for their obvious hard work in putting together this wonderful show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.