Top of the Lollipops

On arrival the audience were collected together before entering the auditorium where it became evident we were to witness the recording of a ‘Top of the Pops’ style televised event for WZZT TV, with radio technicians and camera operators in situ. The cast were warming up, testing sound and generally preparing. It was a different introduction to this concert which I liked.

Overall there were 28 musical numbers covering the 1950’s through to the 2000’s, so it would be difficult to comment on them all, not to mention the cast totalling 50 youngsters between the age of 5 and 17 years, who were all very much engaged throughout.

Starting in the 1950s, the full company opening number was appropriately ‘Lollipop’ by the Chordettes and soon followed a very endearing number ‘Splash Splash’ by the Junior Troop. The 50s section was completed with ‘Rock around the Clock’, full of energy by the Senior Troop.

The 70s section opened with ‘Dancing Queen’ led well by some strong soloists followed later with ‘Boogie Wonderland’, with some good choreography and I liked the style in which ‘Baggie Trousers’ was presented in the 80s section. Again there were some good lead singers for ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ followed by ‘Proud Mary’ danced with lots of energy.

Act 2 opened with the 90s, and I was impressed with the rapping in the Senior Troop’s ‘Ice Ice Baby’ and the sequence including ‘Barbie Girl’ was definitely fun. Again, strong lead singers in the 00’s section opened by the senior cast with ‘Valerie’ by Amy Winehouse. I was very impressed with the signed version of ‘Firework’ by Katy Perry involving the Senior Cast and Junior Troop and the penultimate medley of songs  involving the full cast created a great party atmosphere that  literally had the audience dancing in the aisles.

The set was simple with two raised sections for the performers which sparkled, along with all the costumes, including many individual styles representing a great deal of work. Throughout the numbers were presented with backing tracks which worked well, enhanced by good sound and lighting.

Lollipop is doing a great job in developing performance skills and building confidence in the youngsters and I congratulate all involved in this production.

 

 

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