Musical Geek - Musical Theatre Reviews

It's that time of the year to journey to where the 'streets are paved with gold', yes Sedgley ! at the Dormston Mill Theatre for Star-Struck Theatre and their production of Dick Whittington a production of total comedy and audience enjoyment, just how Panto should be. Join our hero Richard Whittington or 'Dick' to his friends (oh the cue for much intended and perhaps even some unintended innuendo) a swaggering performance from Ethan Hamblett on his journey to London and eventually Morocco (Panto knows no geographical boundaries, nor the relevance of indigenous species if Keith Cartwright as 'Gonzo the Gorilla' running around scaring people in the sand dunes is anything to go by !). Love interest provided by the glorious presence and vocal of Freya Butlin as Alice Fitzwarren still sadly overtly fathered by Andrew Bennett's subtly comic Alderman Fitzwarren but, only too keen to become betrothed to our Dick. Laugh out loud comic moments led by Richard Probe...

I always like to quote a lyric, so 'let's hear it for the Rainbow Tour, it's been an incredible success' and I suspect there will be something very similar quoted about this production of Evita by Redditch Operatic Society, it's slick, it's moving and it's thoroughly well received by an enthusiastic audience at the Palace Theatre in Redditch. Lower class actress Eva Peron (played (now let me try and find the right word) quite exceptionally in every facet by Laura Woodall) fights her way to the top and spiritual leader in 1940s Argentina only to pass away before she can achieve everything she wants to. Taking us through the story is the narrational role of Che Guevara, Marxist revolutionary and not convinced by the whole 'she is the saviour of our nation' rhetoric, another stunning performance in every way from David Steele. Evita as Eva is lovingly known by the massed population of Buenos Aires is not averse to stepping on a few people to get what sh...

Continuing their productions of musicals that many other societies would simply not attempt, TFTR Productions pick one of the most complex in The Who's, Tommy, this will only be the third time I have seen it in over fifty years on the planet. I guess the reason it is rarely performed is the complicated storyline and the somewhat difficult themes, so let me try and explain in a few words (which is challenging in its own right) ! Pilot during the war and his wife have a child (Tommy), however pilot is taken as a prisoner of war but, presumed dead, she finds another lover only for her husband to return and shoot said 'lover'. Tommy is told to turn away but, witnesses shooting through a mirror and becomes ultimately traumatised (appearing deaf, dumb and blind). Many attempts are made to cure Tommy until mother smashes the mirror in a rage and he is released from his trauma. Tommy attempts to become a spiritual leader for his fans offering hospitality but, they turn on him (even...

If you've never seen Stephen Sodheim's 'fairy-tale mashup musical' Into the Woods, you really haven't lived or perhaps existed in some parallel literary universe might be a more appropriate observation. Creators Theatre Company are giving their audience the opportunity to immerse themselves in those stories and the outstanding music and lyrics of the late, great Stephen Sondheim. So what fairy-tale gems will you experience (under the narrator-ship and abounding energy (as the Mysterious Man) of Ian Page), you might ask and in no particular order I would begin with Cinderella (played with consummate characterisation by Chloe Rawson) abused by her step-mother (a scarily authentic performance by Penny Simpkins, frankly I prefer her as the voice of Cinderella's real mother she is much nicer but, that just proves the talents of the performer). Stepmothers of course come with their own daughters in this case the annoyingly incredulous Florinda (Ellen Tozer) and Lucind...

Due to my wonderful mother (sadly no longer with us) I was raised on a diet of Elvis Presley and Doris Day, so it is was particularly interesting to watch the Black Hills of Dakota taking root in Stourbridge Town Hall for Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society (CHAOS) and their production of Calamity Jane and it seriously felt like I was back in the 'Old West' in Deadwood City at the Golden Garter. Henry Miller (certainly a fizzy sarsaparilla of a comedy performance from J. Paul Murdock) and his neice Susan (played by Bek Millward) are struggling to find a star-turn for his establishment (the aforementioned 'Golden Garter') and the male dominated audience. He believes he has found an actress called Frances Fryer to calm the testosterone fuelled frenzy but, this is not Frances, it is Francis a talented actor but, certainly not the feminine charms expected although willing to don a dress and attempt to fool the locals (a talented all round performance from Adam Partridge)...

Well I have seen a few musical productions in my time and have been inspired to write some elaborate and auspicious words by many but, I am a little concerned that I might not have all the right observations to do justice to what can only be described as a truly breathtaking production of 'Cats' by Vic's School of Musical Theatre (the Vic in question being Vicky Addis, somebody who whilst being blessed with some talented youngsters to theatrically mould, obviously knows how to turn potential into reality on stage). Just to fill the gap if you haven't had the 'Cats' experience yet, basically poems by T.S. Eliot set to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, a theatre filler since the 1980s and will undoubtedly fill the Parish Rooms at Blakedown in this case, for its sadly all too short run. So, where do I start with a plethora of engaging and characterful performances, perhaps with the captivating portrayal of Mungojerrie and Rumpleteaser by Kate Downes and Molly Cooper, a...

There is something still very emotional about the story of Tevye and his family in Anatevka and something surprisingly current considering what is happening at this time in Ukraine all empathetically portrayed by Manor Musical Theatre Company at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, you could almost imagine you were there in reality. Tam Weir is an outstanding Tevye building an instant rapport with the audience and maintaining that connection throughout along with his role as narrator and storyteller. He is ably supported by a large female family contingent led by a dominant yet caring performance from Paula O'Hare as Golde his wife. Large families are obviously the order of the day and there are five daughters to account for here, eldest Tzeitel played with controlled passion by Sasha Marsh. Almost forced into marriage with aging (and wealthy) butcher Lazar Wolf (a potent portrayal from Richard Parry) before convincing her father to break with 'tradition' and allow her to give into ...

Always a pleasure to review one of the classic musicals and Lerner & Loewe's 'My Fair Lady' definitely fits in that bracket, classically brought to the stage by Carpet Trades Musical Theatre Company under the direction of Jill Parmenter, musical direction by Russell Painter and choreography by Emily Hamer. If you've never seen 'My Fair Lady', firstly where have you been for that last umpteen years but, for the young and the 'young at heart' let me explain ..... Common flower seller, Eliza Doolittle (a performance worthy of the Julie Andrews seal of approval in all facets from Molly Parmenter) is plying her trade in Covent Garden when she is noticed by phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins (obviously enjoying the challenge of this role and living-up to it in every way by Reece Jones) by coincidence expert in Indian dialects Colonel Hugh Pickering is in the same vicinity (a forthright and characterful performance from Scott Denton). Before they can ...

Contrary to popular belief 'The Full Monty' is not a musical purely about unfit, out-of-work and frankly very ordinary blokes getting their kit off to regain some self esteem. That is obviously a key piece of the complex jigsaw puzzle of a story but, it is as much about relationships and has a deep vein of misunderstanding running through it. Buffalo steelworkers find themselves unemployed and emotions run high as they try to reclaim some perceived lost masculinity, had they of course listened to their partners they would very soon realise that they have lost nothing other than their job, any other losses are purely in their mind but, highlighting how important employment is in the (particularly) male psyche. Jerry Lukowski (a bundle of pent up anger with imposing stage presence from Andy Skyrme) has already lost his partner (the stalwart and strangely forgiving Pam, played by Katie Pullinger) but, is desperate to avoid loss of his son Nathan (an energetic and buoyant portrayal...

Yes, it's suddenly gone very 'pink' (although I hear 'tangerine' is the new 'pink' !) at Stourbridge Town Hall this week as Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society Youth perform their production of 'Legally Blonde' led by a blindingly outstanding performance as Elle Woods by Heather Hadley, some comedy, some pathos and an amazing vocal, you couldn't ask for anything more in the role. It's fortunate that this is a cast full of talent that can keep-up and expertly coordinated by Director/Choreographer, Zoe Russell and Musical Director, Nick Jeavons. So Elle chases her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (a suitably handsome performance from Harrison Hill) to Harvard Law, what strange deluded planet is she on you might ask. Well if she hadn't there would be no meeting with real love interest, Emmett Forrest another exemplary performance from Alex Brettell and we all know she is a much better match with him, leave Warner to that 'evil preppy wit...

Always exponents of creative, niche musical theatre, Obsidian Theatrical Productions have surpassed themselves again with another hard hitting production, this time Green Day's, American Idiot. I'll be honest I wouldn't generally be a fan of this sort of loud, opinionated style but, Billy Jo Armstong's insightful lyrics and the blend of rock and ballad tunes, makes this a strangely appealing piece of theatre. It's very much a story about life and how the choices you make can take you in a direction, sometimes positive, sometimes negative and occasionally an eclectic mix of both. I would suggest there are lessons to be learnt from watching this production, its educational and the story is impeccably well told by a talented cast. Three friends Johnny, Will and Tunny are full of annoyed angst against the world but, much as they would all like to disappear on an alcohol and drug infused holiday, only Johnny played with every emotion possible (and as a last minute charac...

Always a joy to spend some time down on Skid Row, well maybe 'a joy' is stretching a point for the location itself where life's a joke and the folks are broke but, this performance of Ashman & Menken's 'Little Shop of Horrors' by Dynamik Theatre is both emotional and gloriously entertaining. I always hesitate to highlight one particular performance, specifically when every member of the cast are quite frankly outstanding but, there is a Mary Poppins performance, that's 'practically perfect in every way' by Annabel Pilcher as Audrey, I have seen a multitude of performers in this role and she is vying for my top performance award. You can't have a great Audrey without a similarly impressive Seymour and Ollie Harper is impressively geeky and suitably endearing in the role (you almost want to shout 'tell her how you feel' and that is exactly how it should be, of course he gets there in the end but, not before feeding his voracious floral ...

You're setting yourself up for a big challenge by taking on one of the classics of musical theatre in the form of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat' and KODS Youth Section give it there own exciting interpretation, enjoyed immensely by an enthusiastic opening night audience. Opening with a trio of Narrators consisting of powerful vocals from Lauren L'Enfant contrasting with the more lilting tones of Hope Dickenson and Alice Hickey, I was concerned that the split role wouldn't work but, they proved me wrong and interlinked together exceptionally to tell this story that surely everybody has experienced at some point (if they haven't they can't be a musical theatre fan). Oscar Yeoh grew into the role of Joseph, I detected a few nerves in the opening number but, these were soon eliminated to reveal a commanding portrayal of an iconic character including a winning rendition of 'Close Every Door'. Joseph of course has eleven brothers (although ...

Just when you think Central Park and the creepy abode of the Addams Family can't reappear anywhere else it pops up at the Core Theatre in Solihull with another super talented cast from Queensbridge Musical Theatre Society. Genuinely think that despite being head of the family, Paul Stait as Gomez Addams is somewhat scared of both his wife and his daughter, the change in pitch of his entertaining Spanish accent is the give away but, he still delivers his own level of scary (especially when armed with a sword) and some engaging vocals. I can fully understand anybody being frightened, possibly even petrified by Catherine Greenaway's imposing performance as Morticia Addams, there is a minor break in that steely gaze for a thoroughly audience pleasing performance of 'Death is Just Around the Corner' (definitely the sort of gig, I can really dig) but, don't cross her unless you want to see the inside of the crypt ! As far as daughter Wednesday Addams is concerned (bearing...

So I find myself back in Central Park (well Brierley Hill Civic Hall this time actually) and witnessing how this Addams Family cope with that love affair between young Wednesday and Lucas Beineke, because they're creepy, kooky and altogether ooky (is that a real word) it's never going to be easy and the cast from Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society are particularly ooky, for which you should read 'insanely talented' so this is a production full to the brim with stupendous performances. Leading from the front are Tom Robinson as Gomez Addams and Sarah Coussens as Morticia Addams, consummately scary, comedic and gifted in equal measure with voices that frankly are obscenely powerful and controlled when required. Addams offspring are always going to be a bit 'special', I read the reviews as well as write them and I am now provoked to say something about Isabella Cook as Wednesday Addams that hasn't already been said, the superlative thesaurus is almost exhauste...

Yes, it's that scary bunch in Central Park, New York, decamped to the Mill Theatre in Sedgley to spread their own brand of 'entertainment' in the West Midlands. With the pressure of on-stage acting, it's not very often that one gets to see a performer exhibit true enjoyment in a role but, it felt as though that was exactly the case with Benjamin Burdall's portrayal of Gomez Addams, a subtle mix of comedy, pathos and paternalism all wrapped-up with a powerful vocal. Somewhat harder for Beth Berwick-Lowe to exhibit the same enjoyment without breaking some exquisite characterisation as Morticia Addams, a stunning performance and a hint of a smile in the really entertaining 'Just Around The Corner' number. This is a storyline all about Wednesday Addams falling in love (something to say the least, she is not familiar with) and it would be difficult not to fall for Holly Page's performance as the crossbow wielding daughter, her rendition of 'Pulled' is...

Firstly let me give a resounding written 'applause' to the cast for dealing with a 'fire evacuation' early in Act 1 (especially to Sunny Joshi as Warner Huntingdon III who just kept singing  through the alarm until an evacuation was confirmed, that's stagecraft at its best!) and then picked-up as if nothing had happened, amazing. Whilst I am about to mention a lot of individual performances here, I really have to say that this is a 'barnstormer' of a production from everybody involved both on and off stage, were it possible to physically raise the roof at Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall I am sure they would have done so and in fact it may be that the heat created on stage is what actually set the fire alarm off, we will never know. Ellie Summerfield is about as perfect an Elle Woods as it is possible to be, a triple threat, she can act, sing, and dance doing all with flair and if Reese Witherspoon isn't available for Legally Blonde 4 the casting directo...

Whilst this a slightly adapted version of the classic Half a Sixpence (originally written as a vehicle for Tommy Steele) by Julian Fellowes with new songs from Stiles and Drewe, it loses none of its charm and is entertainingly and sensitively brought to the stage at Stourbridge Town Hall by Tinkers Farm Opera. If there was ever a story proving that money isn't everything and perhaps 'true love' is more important then this is probably the one as Arthur Kipps (a compassionate, perceptive and vocally outstanding performance from Richard Cooper) rises from shop assistant to rich gentleman only to lose his fortune and his girl but, finally regain both and the benefit of hindsight. Arthur's (or Artie as she calls him) real love is Ann Pornick an ordinary girl but, far from an ordinary performance by Rebecca Bate (lilting vocals and a presence that lights up the stage, despite the character in many ways being quite demure). It's vital that the audience understands this is ...

If a trip across the Australian Outback from Sydney to Alice Springs in around two hours (which is nothing like the reality of thirty hours) with some amazing songs, performances and comedy is for you then I would recommend a trip to Kinver High School to join Kinver Light Operatic Society (KLOS) with their production of the now classic, Priscilla Queen of the Desert - The Musical. Three Drag Queens in a bus (the aforementioned Priscilla), face some challenges and probably get away with far too much on a frivolous and occasionally downright licentious journey. At this point I would normally dive into the performances of the three leading characters and you can be assured that I will but, first let me mention a couple of individual characters with just one song (admittedly a couple of cracking tunes) to do their thing with. Firstly Claire Jackson as Shirley, bar owner in historic Broken Hill, not sure what is historic about it but, her performance of 'I Love the Nightlife' will ...

The Big Green Guy is back at the Mill Theatre, Sedgley, this time courtesy of Willenhall Musical Theatre Company and he (and his chums, well the ones he likes, tough luck Farquaad!) are as effervescent as ever. However let's talk Dragon's first, not known for their singing and this one gets, one song, one opportunity to nail it or skulk back off into her dungeon and Abbie Wild hammers a whole sack of nails into it with a stellar performance of 'Forever'. Daniel Haddon embraces all the facets of our friendly neighbourhood ogre with a powerful and clear vocal, backed-up by some other rather loud bodily sounds that shall remain unmentioned, you will learn to believe that Young Shrek played at this performance by Oliver Rudge will morph into a hero of the underdog. Will Phipps is an energetic and facially expressive (more different expressions from one face I have never seen) Donkey, full of energy, thoroughly likeable and if you've never witnessed a singing quadruped n...

Who would have thought that a musical of such engaging quality could be based on a shoe factory in Northampton, only in the minds of Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper could such a story and the associated music/lyrics become reality. We should all be thankful for this as otherwise nobody would get to see the supreme quality on stage with Studley Operatic Society, led in quite exceptional style by two incomparable exponents of musical theatre, Paul Mitchell as Charlie Price and Mike Bentley as Lola/Simon. I fear it may be the one and only time we get to see these two perform together on stage with Mike set to leave the Midlands and it’s a crying shame, the few minutes of watching them interact whilst performing the number ‘Not My Father’s Son’ are beyond perfection and it will be a fond memory that I was there to witness it. I should also mention individual renditions of 'Land of Lola' (Mike) and 'The Soul of a Man' (Paul) are particular highlights. Since I have mentione...

Pippin is a seriously under-performed musical from the stable of Stephen Schwartz who is probably known more readily for Godspell (and recently Wicked), there is definitely something Godspell-esque about this story only it just has a more fictional base around the main character Pippin and his father Charlemagne. If there was any society that was going to pick-up the gauntlet to deliver a meaningful production of this one it was going to be Obsidian Theatrical Productions and meaningful is probably an understatement, I ought to use some of the words direct from Mr Schwartz, perhaps mystic, exotic or even anecdotic might be closer to the truth. The Players as they are known, have no direct character names, although they assume various roles throughout the performance and are directed (sometimes forcefully or anarchically) by the Leading Player, a deeply controlling performance from Richard Bateman. Robert Bateman consumes the character of Pippin, his constant search for fulfilment is at...

There is something about the 80s that you might not get if you didn't live through the decade, so instead why not head-off down to The Rose Theatre in Kidderminster and enjoy a night of stunning entertainment in the form of KODS production of The Wedding Singer, you might remember the movie with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore but, live theatre is always better and this is no exception. Robbie Hart is the singer in a band that plays predominantly at weddings, he thinks he has his life on-track but, he's about to think differently, Josh Dibble is truly remarkable in this role, not only a great rock voice but, guitar player to boot. At his own wedding he is jilted at the last minute by bride-to-be Linda (a raunchy performance leaving little to the imagination from Claire Rutland). Spiralling into depression he falls for waitress Julia Sullivan a picture perfect portrayal with a liltingly engaging voice from Emily Hamer but, sadly she is already engaged to Glen Guglia, trader on W...

This is the fourth review I've written for these productions, providing much needed funds for Mary Stevens Hospice an amazing charity providing vital services for those with incurable or life-limiting illnesses and every year they seem to surpass themselves on so many levels. This year we were taken off to Neverland by Peter Pan, you know the lad who never wants to grow-up (don't we all !) and played by local dynamo Charlie Bullock, bit of an all round stage star and obviously destined for success in the professional arts, pitted-up against star of X Factor and obviously more than just a stellar voice, Christopher Maloney as the nasty Captain Hook (somebody find me a crocodile). Talking of crocodiles and for that matter dogs as well, a big shout out for Ryan Standen as both the aforementioned reptilian and canine companion to the Darling Family, Nana. It was warm in the auditorium, I dread to think the temperature inside those costumes and how many pounds he must be losing acro...

Transport yourself on a magical journey to Sherwood Forest and that classic tale of good versus evil, the outlaw Robin Hood up against the Sheriff of Nottingham, you'll love it they said and they were absolutely right, in fact 'love' is probably an understatement I'd refer to it as spectacularly engaging entertainment of the highest calibre (special mention has to be given to the dancers, every single one, just phenomenal). If Robin Hood existed in the modern day it probably would be Tom Robinson, many a famous name has played this part but, few if any actually look and sound like they really were born to play it like he does (perhaps maybe Richard Greene from the 1950s if you can remember that far back but, he didn't sing). As for his nemesis, Adam Chester is despicably detestable (perhaps with just a hint of fragility that will prove to be his undoing) as the Sheriff of Nottingham and that chink in his armour will very likely be his henchman, Herman played with co...

If you've noticed some roadworks in downtown Brierley Hill, it's probably because they are making major renovations to Hardup Hall a temporary but, slightly dilapidated residence frequented by an array of comical characters bringing enjoyment to the locals as it's pantomime time again! To say this is a bit of a 'dance spectacular' is an understatement and the choreography from Sally Evans is something to behold as an extensive array of dancers 'strut their stuff' to some classic tunes including 'Let's Get Loud' from Jennifer Lopez, the Real Thing's 'You to Me are Everything' and a fine Spice Girls Medley all performed to the highest standard. Baron Henry Hardup (Martin Francis) having lost one wife obviously needs some tutorship in choosing the next one as Baroness Hermione Hardup is scary, Matthew Hickman's characterisation is enough to have the strongest dithering. Not only does he marry a distinctly unnerving wife but, he inher...