SUMMER
FOLLIES
Trinity
Methodist Music and Drama
26.07.14
Cabaret
tables on stage, a glitter curtain, and a slick
evening of songs from the shows, bringing
us
a generous helping of musical theatre gold – Chorus Line, Les Mis,
Bernstein and several Sondheims.
Some
selections merely glister; it's funny how the less inspired offerings
fare less well with all the stage trappings trimmed away. Laudably,
it's all done unplugged, with Susannah Edom-Baker's piano the only
accompaniment – something of a treat these days, when for amateurs
as well as professionals the sound desk rules supreme.
And
there's even a number new to my innocent ear: I'll Be Here from Adam
Gwon's Ordinary Days, beautifully delivered here by Kayleigh McEvoy.
Two
more narrative pieces shine: Gus the Theatre Cat [McEvoy again with
Ken Rolf] and Nothing [Helen Quigley]. Lots
of duets, a brilliant trio [You Could Drive A Person Crazy] and a
catchy quartet [Seasons of Love].
Big solos [Stars from Nigel Ward, Losing My Mind from Janet Moore,
Johanna
from Mick Wilson]
and big choruses, Felicity Wright the conductor – “One” from A
Chorus Line, the appropriate Bless Our Show from Sister Act, and, as
a finale, One Wonderful Day from an early Sondheim work, Saturday
Night.
