The Magic of the Musicals

Putting on a concert of songs from the shows is often regarded as an easy alternative to doing a full book show, but I cannot believe that is the case after watching “The Magic of the Musicals”. It must have taken a huge amount of preparation to sift out this choice selection of familiar old favourites, lesser-known new favourites and completely unknown (to me anyway) little gems that CAOS have unearthed for our enjoyment from the huge catalogue of available music. Add to that the singing rehearsals required to attain the standards achieved, finding suitable backing tracks, inventive choreography that was drilled to perfection and scripting the introductory pieces in between the numbers. It must have been a major undertaking, but what a sublimely professional and enjoyable outcome!

With sixteen numbers in the first act and seventeen in the second, it is impossible to comment individually. Everything was presented with polished, professional precision. The big company numbers were vibrant and energetic with great choreography making the most of the flexible stage space so that dancers seemed to appear from and disappear into the ether. Solo and small group songs were also well considered, with simple props used where required and the singers acting the parts just as much as they were singing them. The stage was cleared rapidly at the end of each number and the action swiftly flowed on to the next item. A nice touch was to use different members of the company to provide the introductions to each section of music, so that we felt we got to know them a little.

It seems invidious to single out individual numbers, because they were all so good - but I must mention some of my favourites! The two numbers from ‘Six’ (Gilly, Holly, Katie, Lauren, Sarah, Steph, and Emma) were performed with such power – I can’t wait for this show to be available to amateurs. ‘Brush up Your Shakespeare’ (Adam and Jevan) was interpreted with great humour. ‘Roxanne’ from Moulin Rouge was danced to perfection by the Ensemble. ‘Shine’ from Billy Elliot (Bee and Ensemble) was West End standard. ‘Right Hand Man’ from Something Rotten (Emily, Jevan and Nick) made me want to see this show that I’d never heard of before. ‘The Song that Goes Like This’ from Spamalot (Gilly and Ryan) was a delight and I didn’t want it to end – the same went for ‘A Musical!’ (Dan, Jevan and Ensemble) again from Something Rotten. Lastly, the song that stole the show for me, was Will McGovern’s simple but heartbreakingly perfect rendition of ‘Not My Father’s Son’, from Kinky Boots.

It was great to see some of the younger members of the group getting involved, not just with the full company numbers but with their own solos and trios and announcing the next items with great confidence and style.

Sound levels were spot-on. The cast used a mixture of head mics and hand-held microphones and every word come across clearly. The sound operators achieved a good balance between the singers and the well-chosen backing tracks.

Lighting was inventive and at times downright beautiful – it’s just a shame that the venue does not allow a complete blackout to be achieved for the full effects to be appreciated. Costumes were simple – mainly black and white throughout, with some splashes of colour in places. Perfect.

This group never fails to deliver, and this performance lived up to its title – utterly magical!

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