SUMMER FOLLIES

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.