Thank You For The Musicals

I do enjoy going to see a concert. One of the main reasons is that you get to see people in a different light, people who are well-known for their comedy performances can step up and sing a ballad and it leaves you thinking ‘Where did that come from?’ It also allows people who perhaps would not want a leading role in a scripted show are more than willing to sing a few lines of a song. This show by Cannock Chase Drama Society offered all of the above and more.

They had taken excerpts from several West End Shows and produced a very entertaining evening. It opened with ‘All Shook Up’, a jukebox musical around the songs of Elvis Presley, opening with Can’t help falling in love’ with strong harmonies coming from the entire company. Jonathan Edwards and Brian Washington took to the floor to deliver Blue Suede Shoes, again solid harmonies from the duo but not so much hip action, which is probably understandable!

There was an excellent choice of songs from ‘Wicked’, opening with the strong vocals from Rosa as she sang The Wizard and I, what a voice and a very accomplished performance of such a big song. Julie and Em also gave a strong performance of the duet For Good.

The first half closed with excerpts from ‘Oliver!’. Dave Beere was a very convincing Fagin with his rendition of Reviewing the Situation, never an easy song to sing, but made even more challenging by singing to a backing-track. Brian Washington also convinced me of his evil side, portraying Bill Sykes with a moody version of My Name. The first half closing with Oom Pah Pah featuring the entire ensemble.

One of my favourite sections of the evening was the opening of the second half with songs from ‘Six.’ The ladies who sang Ex Wives and House of Holbein were so well rehearsed, the vocals were strong and the dance routines well-drilled. Congratulations to Em, Chelsea, Julie, Maxine, Becca and Lauren for a very polished performance.

No concert would be complete without the odd song from ‘Les Misérables’. There are some wonderful ballads in the show, and 2 of my favourites were included in this section, Empty chairs at Empty Tables, sung by Jonathan and then Stars sung by Chris Flint. Chris had linked the evening together with his witty humour and researched facts about each of the shows, but then he took to the stage to sing. It was a dramatic performance with quality vocals to match.

I must mention the performance of one of the younger members of the society, Lily, who sang beautifully: she is certainly one for the future, well done Lily!

To close, I must say that the ensemble also gave a very good all-round performance, dance routines choreographed by Lauren Barry were tight and catered for all abilities, harmonies were well balanced and the smiles on people’s faces said it all. The whole show was thoughtfully assembled by Julie Hunter and Lauren and flowed from one song to the next.

Cannock Chase Drama were one society to lose their home when the Prince of Wales Theatre closed, but have adapted so well to a new ‘stage’. I was mesmerised by every door opening to reveal more cast members, even emerging from the kitchen! It goes to prove that if the stage is taken away, the talent still remains wherever you get to perform.

Congratulations to you all for a very enjoyable and entertaining evening.

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