THAT’S JAZZ

In my view the title should have been THAT’S TALENT because it was!

The Blackmore Theatre was a super choice of venue, small dark and intimate, reminiscent of the Jazz Age nightclubs of New York. The music was a joy to listen to accompanied by outstanding choreography, particularly on a small stage and a bit hampered by the sound of heels on entrance, possibly caused by the construction of the stage.

 In a concert like this, it is the songs that are the stars, but the excellent interpretations by this talented company made stars of them all as well, beginning with a superb opening number “Le Jazz Hot”.

 The variety of songs gave all the performers a chance to exercise their own particular style and vocal range, from the racy to the sentimental, from the beginning of the 20th century through to today with Michael Bublé and Justin Bieber songs included.

The costumes were striking and in keeping with the era being celebrated and the lighting was superb, a nice balance between the audience being able to see the performers well, while maintaining the nightclub atmosphere.

Act 1, included such old favourites as “Bye Bye Blackbird” “Witchcraft” and “That Old Black Magic” and some new ones (at least to me) like” Feeling Good”    

  By the comments during the interval, the audience obviously couldn’t wait for Act 2, and they weren’t disappointed

Opening with a great rendition of “My Kind of Town” it went from strength to strength

To dance and sing at the same time is made to look easy by such performers as these, but it isn’t, especially with throat mikes which can pick up every pant and deep breath (there were none!)

Finishing with “Hot Honey Rag” from the musical “Chicago” the show ended, as it had begun, with a bang and huge applause.

This was a great concert that was performed with skill and thought for the programme, and everyone concerned should be congratulated, especially the three choreographers Lauren Gale, Deb Butler and Rob Guy and the Musical Director Alfie Pugh, not to mention Alix Kelman the Director who brought it all together so skilfully. The audience was fortunate indeed to have been entertained by such a gem of a show. Thank you  Exmouth Musical Theatre Company.

Graham Liverton

Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

  

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.