This Is Us

Celebrating 21 years of Lothian Youth Arts and Musicals Company, a cast of 80 youngsters from the age of 8 presented a mesmerizing evening of song and dance. This was a well constructed programme of diverse musical numbers which varied in style, mood and tempo with one number seamlessly following another resulting in a most smooth running production.

There were some difficult numbers in the show but this extremely talented cast coped admirably with some very fine musical arrangements, orchestrations and choreography. With a real wealth of talent on stage, it was so encouraging to see so many young people, many of whom had never sung solo before, given the opportunity to shine.

It was a brave young lady who confidently opened the show accompanying herself on the ukulele with ‘The Show’ which was followed by ‘This Is Me’ where the company set the bar high with enthusiastic singing and movement which was maintained throughout the evening. In the first act, each number was a real pleasure to hear and watch. The sweetly sung ‘Tomorrow’ and ‘Over the Rainbow’, the humorous ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ and ‘Dentist’ the emotive ‘Home’ and ‘Pulled’ sung with real attitude and the lively group numbers ‘Stop’, ‘Dancing In The Street’ and the fabulously costumed and choreographed ‘All That Razzle’.

Act 2 got off to a cracking start with a powerful ‘Like A Prayer’, ‘Warrior’ and ‘Rolling In The Deep’. I did enjoy ‘Touch the Sky’ from ‘Brave’ which had a real lilt both vocally and in the neatly executed dancing. There were also some lovely, poignant moments.‘Where The Lost Things Go’ and ‘Losing My Mind’ were beautifully sung with such feeling and expression. ‘Nobody’s Side’ was very well delivered and gave an opportunity to hear a most harmonius backing group. ‘Diva’s Lament’ was quite a show stopper. These were only a few of the notable numbers. I can honestly say that there was never a weak moment throughout the entire evening and each number was as good as the one before and performed to an extremely high standard.

Every person on stage gave it their all and it was wonderful to see the enthusiasm and joy on the faces of this cast who obviously had given up so much of their time to learn musical numbers and energetic dance routines so that they could appear confident and relaxed working together on stage.

‘Beatiful Dreamer’ has always been the company’s ‘anthem’ and always forms part of the finale. It is sung with such sincerity that it never fails to move me. This year, anyone in the audience who had been a member of this youth group during the past 21 years was invited to stand and sing along with the number and there were many in the audience who had been ‘beautiful dreamers’ and whose children are now part of the company. A really special moment.

This was a very well rehearsed production. So many talented boys and girls gave such accomplished, self assured performances whether as an individual or as part of a strong chorus of singers and dancers. None of this would happen without the skills and dedication of the production team and many other helpers behind the scenes who put in a power of work.

It is so encouraging to see such an enthusiastic group given the opprtunity to have so much fun while developing their talents, skills and confidence. The future is certainly bright for L.Y and for musical theatre as these young stars move into the adult world.

Happy 21st birthday and a huge well done LYAMC !

 

 

 

 

 

 

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