Viva Mexico

On a cold, March night The Garrick Singers transported us effortlessly to the warmth of revolutionary Mexico via this tongue-in cheek romantic comedy melodrama full of wonderful characters and well known melodies and dances such as “El Rancho Grande”, “La Cucaracha” and “The Mexican Hat Dance”. At the centre of the piece are the bandit Zorro/Ramon, played by young Shaun Cowan in his first principal role with the company, and his girlfriend Raquelita, played by Sharron Macleod. They were well matched and their duet “Love, Stay My Heart” was delightful. Comedy was in the safe hands of Andy Hurst and Derek Brown as Ramon’s inept handymen Pablo and Pepe – they had the audience in stitches at every appearance. Adding a further touch of romance for Ramon was Kerry Russell as Lucille, the daughter of a visiting American Senator –her rendition of “O Foolish Moon” was a tour-de-force of control considering the antics of Pablo and Pepe behind her back had the audience in fits of laughter. Strong performances were given by Trish Geddes as Ramon’s mother Mama Inez, Ian McKenzie as the revolutionary Mendoza and John Kennedy as Lucille’s father Senator Theodore K Vanders. The forces of law and order were in the capable hands of John Gunn as the despicable Chief of Police Lopez and Gerry Revie as his Sergeant Bernardo. Strong support was given by Jeni Birks and Barbara More as Casilda and Lola (friends of Raquelita) and Catriona Gray as the Aztec Priestess. Singing, as always by this company, from both the principals and chorus was of a high standard. Thank you The Garrick Singers for a delightful evening’s entertainment.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.