Magnificent Musicals

"Wigan Musical Theatre Group’s "latest production was a compilation Revue aptly named "Magnificent Musicals "and what a lovely magnificent evening we had listening to an eclectic mix of well-known favourite songs written by some of the music worlds most talented composers and lyricists, taken from some of the most popular and successful musical productions of all time. They included Little Shop of Horrors, Chess, Hairspray, Calamity Jane, Cats, Sondheim’s Company and Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard, Ghost, Showboat, Miss Saigon, Oliver, Westside Story, Half a Sixpence, Evita, Les Miserables, and a new musical called Bombshell, based on an original fictitious musical from the first season of the NBC television series “Smash” which features the characters Julia Houston and Tom Levitt who set out to write a Broadway hit which is a musical about the life of the Hollywood actress Marilyn Monroe.

There was a strong talented production team made up of Director John Clinton, Musical Director Joan Bond and Choreographer Alexandra Keogh who supported and steered the large cast into performing splendidly and producing a very entertaining enjoyable show. Included in the interesting programme was a mixture of vocal solos, duets, trios, some small group performances and well-known big production chorus numbers. There was a large cast and I would really love to mention them all in this review, but I don't want to miss anyone out because they all deserve a mention, as everyone worked together very well with no weak links and many people were given their chance to shine. There were some very good performances with delightful clear singing and perceptive interpretation of the meaning of the songs, where all the lyrics could be heard and understood. The effective choreography was performed very well with enthusiasm by all the members of the cast, it was evident that everyone taking part was enjoying themselves immensely. Each song and section moved smoothly from one to the other meaning the show ran at a good pace with lots of energy. Just a small constructive observation on a personal note, it may have been nice to have included one or two more upbeat numbers for the soloist and duettist to sing, because, although their numbers were all performed beautifully and touchingly, they were mostly rather poignant songs. The cast were supported securely by a very accomplished trio led by Musical Director Joan Bond and they expertly helped the performers to produce their best performances.

There was just one set which was basically a blank stage and a few occasional props were used to help set the scenes such as chairs, this along with very good technical input and well thought out colourful costumes, provided by the cast members, which were suitable for the various parts and themes of the show, added to the feel and the success of this production.

Well done to director John Clinton and to all involved in bringing this excellent very entertaining Revue to the stage, which the audience appeared to enjoy very much. Thank you for a lovely evening and making us so welcome.

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