"My eyes were still full of tears at
the interval, I couldn't see my ice cream!"
Continuing with the in-run reviewing of Darlington
Operatic Society's Strictly Musicals, I spent time on Monday evening
talking with members of the audience to get their thoughts on this spectacular
selection of musical theatre. With such a variety of styles on offer it
was very interesting to see what appealed to whom & whether there were any
synergies between specific acts and sections of the audience.
Firstly, everyone agreed that this show is a fabulous showcase
for the talent throughout the society; a multitude of performing riches
which any production company in the country would be blessed to
posses. What was noted too was how refreshing it is to see a group
of people on stage who did not all fit the media portrayed stereotypical
'performer / dancer' model - these are real people with real lives outside of
the theatre and this made them instantly relatable while at the same time even
more in awe.
The emotional power that this cast have is quite scary at
times; whether it is a solo/duet or a rousing ensemble. Tears were once
again shed throughout the show, firstly as Samantha Morrison delivered
a breathtaking "Don't Cry for me Argentina" (which I have to admit is
every bit as good as Julie Covington / Elaine Paige). Just as the cheeks
were starting to dry, Tina Davis led the cast into the Blood
Brothers medley which, with its heart wrenching signature tune Tell
Me It's not True, was guaranteed to prick at the tear ducts again.
Not wanting to let up, the audience were whisked away to
revolutionary France for One Day More which ends in a full company chorus
stirring even the hardest of hearts. Never has the Civic Theatre echoed
with the rousing voices of almost 50 performers singing as one, a real call to
arms. One member of the audience was still in tears when she went
for her interval ice cream, so much so that she needed a little help in seeing
the right change through watery eyes.
The 2nd act is a little easier on the tissues until Claire
Willmer takes to the stage with Someone Like You. In the
first act Claire gives a stunning rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone but it
is this song, from the lesser known Jekyll & Hyde, that really showcases
her unique voice. It's hard to describe, think if Amy Winehouse had ever
sang musical theatre - sexy, smoky, sultry and yet still innocent and a little
naïve.
The brilliance of Joanne Hand's directing is
that whilst there are undoubtedly some amazing musical numbers with powerful
and moving voices, the dance routines give and take equal place -
they are not schedule fillers allowing time for costume changes
but demonstrations of collective cohesion, timing and style which
have complete stage filling impact. The choice of routines is
very impressive; the opening overture is a throw-back to the Busby Berkeley
directed blockbusters of the 40's with grace, glamour & feathers galore;
the Fosse inspired numbers Hot Honey Rag and Sing, Sing, Sing are perfect
examples of the style renowned the world over for demanding
absolute precision and coordination (a style which tests even
the most professional of dance troupes) but the payoff for hours of
dedication in rehearsals is there for all to see. Selena
Blain, Claire Monaghan, Lisa Forster, Annika Tang, Susy Kelly, Becky Nelson,
Colette Serrechia, Karen Stone and Claire Williams are
the core of this amazing dance group and again demonstrate the breadth and
depth of talent (especially when you realise that these girls are on stage for
many of the other numbers too in one guise or another).
The real success of this show lies with the fact that there
truly is something here for everyone; traditionalists will love the Rodgers
& Hammerstein Medley, modern fans will instantly recognise Wicked &
Matilda, kids will sing & clap to the Disney mix and everyone can get up
& shimmy to the Hairspray conclusion.
There are still a few tickets left for the remaining shows so
don't spend November wishing you had been, spend it recounting the great things
you've seen.
www.darlingtonoperaticsociety.org.uk for ticket details.
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