The WOW Show: A Celebration of Musical Theatre

WOW put its heart and soul into this thoughtfully constructed programme which pays tribute by demonstrating, in performance, the values instilled by Janet Stockley, a Founder and Trustee of WOW Youth Musical Theatre Company.  In this entertaining compilation WOW demonstrate enormous energy, precision, teamwork and generosity of spirit: values perpetuated by ongoing Trustees of WOW.  

The opening sequence from ‘Fame’ encapsulates all the hopes and dreams of young performers: they made us feel and share in their desire to do well, a concept touchingly supported in ‘Pray’ (led by Seth).  Heartfelt emotion was conveyed in ‘Out Here on my Own’ (Ava).  Well-known for group and individual success in theatre, the Company create a moving ensemble piece in ‘Starmaker’.  The title number of ‘Fame’ features WOW’s excellent young soloists (Lily, Lucy) and a chorus willing to rise to the challenge of athleticism in movement and song.

The charming ‘Annie’ sequence opens with ‘Maybe’, sweetly performed (Imogen) and which has all the pathos without being mawkish; there was a freshness in ‘Tomorrow’ sung by WOW’s youngest member (Elsie); Hard Knock Life (led by Felicity et al) is brilliantly choreographed as a stage-full of stroppy youngsters slap and flap their floorcloths: so many small movements, beautifully timed.

‘Mean Girls’ draws on the comedy of these outrageous and manipulative teenagers, all six actors (Seth,  Ava, Freya, Senna, Matilda, Chloe) bringing them to life so well that we wonder whether they are acting at all.  Cady (Freya) is the epitome of goofy, innocent teenage love, simultaneously confused, full of energy and ‘Stupid with Love’.  ‘Apex Predator’ is a highlight, performed by soloists Ella and Zoe .  An ensemble tap dance, ‘Stop’ is crisp and neat, led with comical irony by Thomas. 

Act One comes to a bright, colourful and joyously choreographed finale, led by the impressive Oliver as Joseph, Finley as Jacob and the tightly synchronised Ensemble which is a signature feature of WOW.

The second half opens in punchy style as we are ‘Welcome(d) to the Rock’ with plenty of attack from Claude (Seth) and the full Company demonstrating the same commitment and determination as the people they are depicting in ‘Come From Away’. 

Elphaba (Senna) opens the ‘Wicked’ section with gusto; Galinda (Zoe) and Elphaba (Amelie) continue with clear understanding and beautiful expression in ‘For Good’; more magical stars shine as Galinda (Matilda) and Elphaba (Senna) lead the Company in ‘What is This Feeling’.  A most difficult song, ‘Defying Gravity’ (Ella) is tackled with confidence and sensitivity from the soloist with an excellent supporting Company. 

The finale section of ABBA songs does not conclude the contribution made by Janet Stockley, rather it demonstrates the ongoing contribution of WOW to young people in the future.  Youngsters (Lucy Lottie and Dulcie) all stepped up to lead the Company with enthusiasm and to share the Dream (Thomas, Scarlett, Ollie, Ruby). 

WOW excels at creating a community which performs as one, totally committed to the dance, the song and the story: it is important to note that every one of those individuals not named here performed with the same skill, courage, energy and spirit as their fellows.  Excellent, exciting and disciplined choreography, strong, lively singing and a powerful sense of shared purpose are features of this ensemble, for which credit is due to Director Martine Burt and Musical Director Jessamy Bowditch.

In its entirety, the show encapsulates Janet and her place at the heart of WOW – brilliant costumes and a sparkling, sunny performance, with a slideshow highlighting some of Janet’s many achievements. As it says in the song, Janet, we “Thank you for the Music”.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.