Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

When you hear the trio Bernstein, Sondheim and Robbins by default one must think of the musical West Side Story, whether it's 1957 on Broadway or 1961 Movie. West Bromwich Operatic Society have brought an emphatic  production of this universally well known and liked masterpiece to the stage in 2018 under the intelligent direction of Simon Pugh, some impressive choreography from Steve Elias (ably assisted by Lisa Metcalfe) and flamboyant (much in the vein of Leonard Bernstein himself) musical direction from Adam Joy. Tom Fletcher is a confident and vocally polished Tony, playing opposite a winsome Jessica Williams as the somewhat overly protected Maria, they make beguiling star-crossed lovers in the true Romeo & Juliet style. Emma Wetherall is powerful both in the vocal sense and as the character of Anita, alongside a convincing and skilled performance from Matt Williams as Bernardo. Must admit to a double-take at Daniel Smith as Riff, having seen him only recently as Tony ...

There is something particularly enduring about Irving Berlin's White Christmas that it is difficult to put your finger on, whether it is all that snow, the captivating storyline or just the title track is probably down to the individual but, Redditch Operatic Society deliver a warm and entertaining version of what is very likely the ultimate classic. Tony Jay's exemplary direction, Paula Lacey's definitive choreography and Joe George's interpretation of Berlin's score, serve to provide something that not only entertains but, also engages the audience in what is a maze of stories that could very easily lead to confusion but, in actual fact leads to empathy with the relationship challenges and miscommunications that many will no doubt have suffered themselves. Whether it's the velvety tones of Paul Mitchell as Bob Wallace, the multi-talented Ryan Allen-Rose as Phil Davis, the delectable Laura Woodall as Judy Haynes or the enchanting Emma Samson as Betty Haynes...

If you are looking for a 'feelgood show' it's difficult to look much further than Hairspray, now enshrined in the history of the musical be it stage or screen. St Augustine's MTC have managed to gather together a glittering array of voices and persona's for this production and Producer/Director, Veronica Walsh has weaved some magic on the stage at The Core Theatre, Solihull. You might have the voices and personalities but, can they move effortlessly around the set and continue to tell the story once the music starts, well they can and that must be down to some fluid choreography from Liane Hughes and the skilled musicology of Stephen Powell. Leading the on stage performances is the distinctly powerful voice of Naomi O'Borne as Tracy Turnblad and the deceptively soulful tones of Bryony Harrison as Penny Pingleton partnered respectively by Jake Reeve-Yates as a slick and 'ever sparkling', Link Larkin and a dynamically engaging Louis Simmonds as Seaweed J...

L. Frank Baum's tale that proves there is 'no place like home' is a highly popular piece both on the professional and amateur stage and that is very likely because it has universal appeal, no matter what age or beliefs you might have. This particular production from Trinity MTC has its own appeal created by some captivating staging from Producer/Director, Andy Poulton and enhanced with some preeminent choreography from Lindsey Grant and some distinguished musicality from MD, Karl Babarczi. Casting is imperative as this story can inspire or dishearten on the back of the principal performances, it is therefore a delight to experience Lydia Tidmarsh's authentic and supremely vocalised Dorothy Gale, Kian Terry's captivating Hunk/Scarecrow (not once did I see the character slip), Wayne Butler's forthright Hickory/Tinman and Chris Dowen's endearing and emotional Zeke/Cowardly Lion. Focused characterisation, believable interaction and some significant singing voi...

If the best things happen while your dancing, it's also true that some really great things happen in Stourbridge Town Hall on a Mid-November Evening, epitomised by this production of White Christmas, absolutely a classic and a heartwarmer to nicely build everybody up for the festive period. Irving Berlin knew how to write a musical and this is one of his best, brought to life by an accomplished cast, you won't see Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Vera Ellen or Rosemary Clooney but, you will see a leading cast of equal calibre. Adam Compton is a sophisticated Bob Wallace, Richard Cope a dashing Phil Davis and real life sisters Liz Compton and Salli Gage are deliciously entrancing as Betty and Judy Haynes, all four with perfect vocals and dance moves might have you blinking and wondering if you've suddenly drifted back to 1954 when the movie was released. Peter Goldsmith brings some military grit (with a soft centre) to the role of General Henry Waverly and a highlight performanc...

If it is possible to associate the phrase 'the iconic musical' with any one specific piece, Jesus Christ Superstar is probably that piece and a musical from the stable of Lloyd Webber & Rice probably deserves that association. EODS have stuck pretty much to the standard approach to this story which has been interpreted in many ways over the years, probably a more modern costume approach than perhaps a true traditionalist might expect but, Director/Producer/Joint Choreographer Alison Roberts (in charge of her first musical) has delivered an effective and energetically dramatic production. Assisted ably with some choreographic input from from Gail Andrews, Kirsty McKay and Bethaney Rimmer along with Musical Direction of some exceptionally well know numbers by John Wood. John Dix plays Jesus in an intense style, right up to an emotional crucifixion scene and does complete justice to the notoriously difficult 'Gethsemane' number. Dean Bayliss is a cool and brooding ...

If you are expecting to see a group of Sheffield Steelworkers having been made redundant and taking their clothes off to the strains of Tom Jones's 'You Can Leave Your Hat On' accompanied by the sounds of a thousand screaming northern housewives, you might be slightly confused by the musical version which has been very much Americanised by David Yazbek and is now set in Buffalo, New York. Having said this the story is the same and revolves around the core characters of Jerry Lukowski and Dave Bukatinksy, out of work and losing all confidence as their wives are now the 'bread winners' and looking for a way to regain some independence and take back some control of their lives. Dominic Smith is a convincingly outspoken yet secretly scared Jerry, playing opposite a dominant Amy Frost as frustrated ex-wife Pam who has moved on and is keen to see Jerry take control of his future and do the same. Joseph James is the self-conscious Dave, wrongly concerned that his body ...

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and this is the first festive production I’ve reviewed for 2018, the journey from bad to good that Ebeneezer Scrooge takes through this immortal tale from Charles Dickens never loses its appeal. There are many musical interpretations to choose from and this one with Music by Alan Menken and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens is an increasingly popular one performed here at The Core Theatre, Solihull by St Alphege Musical Production Society (STAMPS). Only after the performance and reading the programme in a bit more depth did I realise what an important role Robert Bateman has taken in this production, not only as Director/Choreographer but, on stage as the jovial, larger than life Ghost of Christmas Present and in a nice little twist from the writers, alongside his other ghostly compatriots, within the ensemble chorus for many of the crowd scenes. Scrooge himself is played in quite reserved fashion by Richard Bateman, still as cantankerous as ever and...

Probably the most recognisable of musicals the Book of Genesis set to music by Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice seems to be an increasingly popular option these days outside of the regular touring productions. Staging tends to be relatively basic and therefore much relies on the innovative skills of Director and Choreographer, in this case that innovation is engaging and superbly entertaining and the skills of Dave Partridge in both roles are obvious and abundant. Casting has led to the decision to share some of the lead roles, in particular Joseph and Narrator, we were privileged at the Saturday Matinee to experience Mark Coffey-Bainbridge and Louise Grantham two exceptional character actors and singers leading along the familiar story with some stunning vocals and stage presence. Other roles that in standard productions may well be shared are played by individual actors, including Simon Theobald's expressive Jacob, Ian Pottage's exuberant, Groucho Marx characteri...