Strictly Musicals 2

The new look Hippodrome, after a multi million pound restoration showed great faith by giving Darlington Operatic Society the grand opening week to perform their show. They were very worthy of that and displayed great talent, with a slick, first class evening of music and dance.

Firstly I must commend Joanne Hand and Steven Hood. How do you start to choose pieces from all the musicals available, and then progress to make an evening’s entertainment to please the public and your members? You took 24 shows and did just that, I can’t imagine the hours spent, and then to plan dance numbers!!The show flowed, it was a joy to watch. I went with no expectations (as I missed Strictly Musicals) I left feeling the WOW factor.

The dance sequences blew me away (my personal favourite was the Bye-Bye blackbird Fosse number, I loved the shapes and imagination,) but throughout the show, such energy and dedication from all. Joanne Hand, Director/ Choreographer in her 43rd production demonstrated her undoubted skill with a fresh and zappy production, a huge well done.

Steven Hood’s first show as Musical Director with DOS was a triumph. The lovely harmony’s showed how much work has gone into the preparation of this type of show, with no respite for the MD and orchestra with the usual show script. I am happy to say that the musical balance sounded good, also some magical moments when soloists had minimal backing, you could hear a pin drop in the audience, a lovely contrast to the full musical sound from a very competent orchestra, Brilliant.

I was introduced to some new shows, as well as old favourites a good mix, the program giving me more information to read later.

On to the DOS members, where do I start, there was such energy, such pizzazz, such musicality, such commitment, such fitness!! To be involved in song and dance to this standard over the week while working or studying, I take my hat off to you all. Each soloist was enjoyed by the audience, obvious by their applause. Something I did not know until afterwards is that the Society has a number of 16 to 19 year olds who surely deserve a mention, Baily Gasgoine, Abbi Hand, Helen Baker, Cameron Wallace, Tori McDougall and Grace Robinson. DOS you are a wonderful training ground for these youngsters, they are the future of the Society, such all round talent.

 Also congratulations to the wardrobe team working with Queen Elizabeth 6th form students to create the costumes for 45 people in the show, not to mention costume changes. You took the task, shook it and created, alongside the lighting plot (thanks to Alex Edwards) great mood and atmosphere changes and thus enhancing the performance.

I am certainly looking forward to your next two shows advertised, Priscilla, I’m expecting dancing in the isles, and Top Hat I have seen in the West End, so give it your best DOS.  Greatness is yours.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.