The Sound of Musicals

Whilst the title ‘The Sound of Musicals’ would suggest that all the items were going to be from ‘musicals’ this wasn’t the case, as in between the broad variety of items - some from well known musicals whilst others from not quite so familiar ones – were scattered a few well known and popular songs. The opening number “The Muppet Show” was a rousing and wonderfully performed number by the whole company and indeed, the following twenty nine items including solos, duets, small and full chorus groupings were of the same high standard. The singing throughout was excellent and the arrangements, the choreography and movement were also all delivered with polished accomplishment. Chorus numbers included the songs ‘Watch Your Step’ and ‘I Believe’, an outstandingly delivered medley from Miss Saigon, (the inclusion of  a “Saxophonist” was delightful), equalled in every way by the Jersey Boys Medley. I loved ‘Sitting on the Dock of the Bay’ it was so well performed by the Men and the Ladies excelled in the song ‘Proud Mary’. I must just mention the fabulous singing of Jen Lewis backed by six of the Ladies in the rendition of ‘Somebody to Love’ from We Will Rock You. A definite highlight for me were the numbers by the Junior members including ‘Naughty’ from Matilda, ‘One Short Day’ from Wicked, a ‘Lion King Medley’ which was superb and a simply wonderful, imaginatively choreographed ‘So Long, Farewell’ from The Sound of Music. Ian Jennison kept ‘interrupting’ proceedings from time to time and together with Brian Counter instigated a ‘Join in if you know it’ medley which the audience thoroughly enjoyed. The black and pink costumes were most effective and the inclusion of back projections added the final touch to what was a very entertaining evening and their last number ‘Climb Every Mountain’ is what they certainly achieved!  Congratulations to everyone for all their hard work especially to the Musical Director, Dave Adey, for all his efforts and his excellent Keyboard accompaniment for the performance. 

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