Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

If there’s a particular musical that caused me to ‘get the bug’ for that specific genre, it is probably the 1952 movie version of Singin’ in the Rain, it might have been Cyd Charisse’s unfeasibly long legs, Donald O’Connor’s energetic and comedic performance of ‘Make ‘Em Laugh’ or the electricity between Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds but, something hooked me and I’ve never looked back, I blame my mother as it’s probably her favourite movie and she introduced me to it at an early age. Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society are currently in final rehearsals of their production of this classic before they move into Brierley Hill Civic Hall for performances and I managed to catch one of those rehearsals, so let me caveat what I am about to write with the point that this is a ‘Rehearsal Review’, sadly I didn’t get to see the ‘rain’ (although I did think my offer to throw a bucket of water over Richard Cope as Don Lockwood in order to bring some reality to the scene was a generous one). Neit...

Of course ‘this is their story’ one of Coventry Musical Theatre Society taking on the musical version of what is now an entertainment juggernaut in its own right. Those with the burden of trying to stamp their individual marks on the story of the Big Green Guy, his Princess, his Donkey and the small in stature yet larger than life Lord Farquaad are Steve Boden and Jonathan Howes as Directors, Sue Biddle and Louise Redmond as Choreographers and James Suckling as Musical Director and as for the challenge, I think they got it beat ! Dan Peet is a big and bold, both in stage presence and with vocals, just as you would expect Shrek to be and he is complemented by a gentler and more subtly humorous Connor Clifford as Donkey, finally these two are morphed into a trio with Emma Wylde’s gloriously voiced and almost manic (after being locked in a tower for years) Princess Fiona. Craig Garner completely embraces the diminutive in body, yet exceptionally forthright verging on domineering in sp...

The opening line of the opening song in Lionel Bart's, Oliver! states 'Is it worth the waiting for ?' and had that lyric been written about this particular production, the answer would, I have no doubt, been a resounding 'Yes'. Filling the Mill Theatre in Sedgley with all of the classic numbers that theatregoers know so well, we are sucked back into Dickensian Times and the trials and tribulations of young Oliver Twist. Ashley Wilkes (Director), Joe Diggle (Musical Director) and Emilie Walters (Choreographer) have created an inspiring piece of theatre that not only entertains but, moves an audience in more ways than you might imagine. Riding the crest of this theatrical and musical wave is a splendid performance from Vicky Bull as Nancy, a sparklingly powerful vocal and some intense characterisation, lurching from strength to vulnerability as the story requires. Benjamin Burdall is the epitome of lovable rogue in the iconic role of Fagin and Pat Lewis is verging...

Ferocious feast of feline frolics are the words that come to mind when describing the West Bromwich Operatic Society production of Cats at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Far from simple in any way and not your average piece of musical theatre the real plaudits have to go to Claire Flavell for not only appearing as Bombalurina but, also joint-choreographing what is an extensively dance performance a frankly remarkable feat, her co-choreographer and in the director’s chair (continuing the multi-talented theme) is Ben Cole, with the equally accomplished Adam Joy as Musical Director completing the team. Costumes and make-up are immaculate, reminiscent of professional versions of this show, one must therefore mention Amy Pearson, Craig Smith and Pat Badger who have transitioned people to cats as if by magic. On stage there an exceptional line-up of talent, dancing, singing and just stage presence whilst portraying cats, not humans, whether it’s Daniel Summers as an inspirational narra...

Probably one of the most enduring musicals from the joint talents of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice which has probably been produced in more formats than any other and whether it is a traditional staging or as in this case from Solihull Theatre Company a more modern interpretation it is still as powerful and entertaining. Directed with some intensity by Andrew Johnson and with some insightful choreography from Amy Price and that potent rock musicality from Kevin Gill and his Orchestra this is a tour de force production that induces a maelstrom of emotions from beginning to end. David Steele is a perfectly cast Jesus with the exceptional vocal range needed to hit that high note in 'Gethsemane' and a lingering yet not overly dominant stage presence, Chloe Houghton is a hauntingly seductive Mary Magdalene with a husky entrancing voice that one can't fail to be intoxicated by and Dan Gough's range of emotion from angry to mortified as well as a powerful vocal (particula...

Too Darn Hot might just be the right phrase to describe the Tinkers Farm Opera production of Cole Porter's 'Kiss Me Kate' at Stourbridge Town Hall, a quote from Vanity Fair once stated that 'in a way no other songs of the period quite did, Porter's created a world' and Director, Emma Harley has created another parallel universe in which the audience can lose themselves for an hour or two. Complemented by some exquisitely lavish choreography from Emma and Val Harley and majestic interpretation of the score by Dr Edward Caine, this is a classic piece of musical theatre, originally premiered in 1948 and brought to life over sixty years later, it has without doubt stood the test of time. Leading the cast are two real life partnerships, Daniel and Kate Cox as Fred Graham/Petrucio and Lilli Vanessi/Kate creating a fiery relationship on stage that I can only hope is a testament to their acting talent/substantial singing voices and not their everyday interactions. Alo...

Lionel Bart’s masterpiece of a musical must be highly ranked in the ‘most widely performed’ category which means every production has to differentiate itself from the array of previous interpretations and the likely future versions in order to stand out and this one from Bournville Musical Theatre Society certainly does that under the exemplary direction of Terry Wheddon and with some prolific choreography from Chloe Turner and classy musical direction from Chris Corcoran. Sophie Wood’s Nancy is exciting and emotional in one package with a powerful voice and touchingly vulnerable performance of ‘As Long As He Needs Me’, I almost wanted to call the Bow Street Runners myself as Jimmy Van Hear bludgeoned her character to death as a gritty, authentic and quite openly scary Bill Sikes. As with many child lead roles both Oliver and the Artful Dodger are shared by two actors and at this performance Billy Stait was exceptional as a scared, confused and easily led Oliver Twist with Jack...

If there was a Top 10 List of off the wall musicals, the Monty Python inspired Spamalot might very well be at the top of that list, in many ways irreverent but, with huge comic appeal it has something that just makes an audience laugh and some terribly catchy tunes as well. Studley Operatic Society under the direction of Kevin and Alison Hirons manage to milk every last drop of fun and frivolity from the words penned by Eric Idle with the addition of some stylish choreography from Donna Rhodes that I am sure might enhance even professional productions of this show. Matthew Bridgewater is a stoic King Arthur regularly confused and amazed by the antics of the rather strange gathering he has managed to assemble as his 'Knights of the Round Table', be that Steve Hyde's spirited Sir Lancelot, Paul Mitchell Jr's rather self obsessed Sir Galahad, Jeremy Dobbins as maker of the 'large wooden rabbit' (a rather failed Trojan Horse), Sir Bedevere or Michael Bentley...

Based on the 1998 Movie of the same name, The Wedding Singer is a particularly entertaining stage musical not only due to an array of catchy songs but, a storyline that makes the audience feel part of the startling highs and lows of the lead character Robbie Hart, just when you think things can't get any worse for this guy they subtly get better only to come crashing down again in the next scene and it's only when you reach the finale that you can relax as the roller-coaster ride is finally over. Since much rides on the emotions of Robbie you need a talented actor, singer and preferably musician to play the part and there will not be many who are a better fit than Sam Turner who lives this role completely. Supported by his fellow band members in the wryly titled 'Simply Wed', the loud, brash and slightly annoying (in an entertaining sort of way) Sammy, played with outlandish joy by Keith Parry and the intelligently eloquent, quiche making George, played in a pointedly...