THANK YOU FOR THE MUSICALS

Dukinfield AO&DS

Director: Paul Whitworth

Choreographer: Jean Johnson

Music supplied by backing tracks.

Voice Coach Paul Firth

 

There are concerts and there are revues. This particular entertainment went above and beyond the usual concepts. This production was more like a cruise-ship show. here was It only need a celebrity headliner to be complete.

 

Unlike licensed material, all the content has to be sourced, and then crafted to entertain an audience. The director arranged a musical pageant of songs from the best loved musicals. There were 24 shows covered from “South Pacific” to “Hamilton”. a tremendous range of material for the company to deliver.

 

The best quality backing tracks were used, but, as good as they are,  they do not allow any flexibility which can sometimes hinder the creative flow. Having of a voice coach as part of the production team guaranteed the maximum quality of vocal presentation.

 

The choreography was superb and added greatly to the show.  It was so inventive and  each routine was precisely executed. The dancers really ‘burnt the floor’ with their slick delivery, especially the prologue (excerpt) from “West Side Story”.

 

 All this was set simply allowing the focus to be on the performer. The lighting provided the magic and the sound could not be faulted. The mix of music and performance enhanced the evening’s enjoyment.

 

Presentation is so important, more so in a revue. The group’s costume co-ordinators made sure the company was in sartorial splendour.

 

An enthusiastic chorus of young thespians contributed greatly to this musical extravaganza. One of their own. Alice Lythe, unfortunately. after attending all the rehearsals, had to leave the production due to injury.

 

The highlight of the company’s work has to have been the upbeat version of “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile” from Annie.

 

A polished selection from Chicago set the bench mark. This was a company show with solos, duets, etc., drawn from the ensemble. Of the many number included there was “Burn” from Hamilton and also “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Both numbers were emotively portrayed by Abbie Clifford and Lorna Richardson respectively.

 

The men were well represented by Dave Brobin, Jason Dyson and Stephen Hope, with their interpretation of “Oh, What a Circus” from Evita. “Blue Skies” was a perfect choice for David Noble’s dulcet tones: he was accompanied by tapping dancers.  The audience was treated to a roller-coaster of musical emotional story telling joyously closing with an Abba, “Mamma Mia” medley.

 

“Thank You for the Musicals” and thank you for a “Gleeful” journey into the world of musical theatre.