Waltzes from Vienna

If there was ever a  show  to  lift the spirits this show certainly was just that. We were    treated to  brilliant costumes,  great sound and lighting,  and a superb orchestra under the expert  baton of Rod Dakin.

The opening scene is in the world famous Patisserie  run by  Ebeseder  a celebrated  pastry-cook.  All the elite come here for coffee and local gossip   .Ebeseder   is well played by David Kay, bringing out so much comedy from this character. His assistant Mitzi (Fran Davies)  was  equally very funny  as she tries to work out why she can`t get a man.  Into the shop comes the  local  tailor Vogl  played by David Reeves and his son Leopold (Tony Meehan) . They come to discuss the possibility of Leopold marrying Lina,  Ebeseder`s daughter. Lina, beautifully played by Victoria Goulden, sings and acts perfectly. She,  however  is in love with Johann Strauss (David Griffiths).  He has composed pieces     but his father Strauss. Senior has no interest or liking for his son`s music Colin Magenty was well cast as the formidable father. The duets  sung  by  Lina and the young Strauss were so well performed. I thought `Once in a lifetime` and `Wait and See` were wonderful.

Strauss is helped by the Countess  Olga Baranskaya ( Eileen  Reeves)  who has such strong vocals and excellent stage presence.  She  helps  Johann to conduct his first concert at  the ball that she has arranged Their duets `Out of The Blue` and` Friend in Need` were really well sung. . His father appears as his son conducts his  own  arrangements  and is angry to hear this music but eventually realises that his son has composed something special and all ends well.

The music in this show is outstanding with the famous `Blue Danube` and other Viennese numbers  bringing   memories of  times gone by.

My congratulations to all  members who were  cast in smaller roles and of course the chorus. It was a pleasure listening to all the great harmonies, well done everyone.

Thank you so much for your kind invitation. I had a lovely evening.

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