With the professional version of Ghost the Musical that opened down the road in Manchester back in 2011 having a budget in excess of 8 figures this show is a challenge for even the most ambitious amateur company.
What becomes immediately apparent when you see X-RAYS latest production at Haslingden High School is that not having access millions of pounds worth of budget doesn’t detract one bit from this emotional and at times very funny piece of musical theatre.
I have been fortunate enough to see many a production of A Chorus Line, however Pendleton Sixth Form Centre's offering stands out above most due to its incredibly tight and talented cast. Directed by Kelly Cullen with sumptuous chorography from Hannah Birch this show is as bright as the lights on Broadway where the show first opened in 1975.
The show opens in the middle of an audition for an upcoming Broadway production. The formidable director Zach (Deane Dixon-Foster) and his assistant choreographer Laura (Helana Keane) put the dancers through their paces. Every dancer is desperate to secure a part. After the next round of cuts, 17 dancers remain. Zach tells them he is looking for a strong dancing chorus of four boys and four girls. He wants to learn more about them, and asks the dancers to introduce themselves. With reluctance, the dancers reveal their pasts. The stories progress chronologically from early life experiences through adulthood to the end of a career.
The East Cheshires Musical Theatre Company are in fine voice as they open for a week long run of The Witches of Eastwick at the Altrincham Garrick. Yet another fantastic production in what has been a superb year for the Garrick to date.
Three ‘Witches’ frustrated and bored by their mundane lives in the town of Eastwick, with a shared longing and desire for ‘all manner of man in one man’ think all their dreams will come true in the form of a charismatic stranger, a devil-like character, Darryl Van Horne (Matt Mears).
Witnessing Worsley’s WITS was Wonderful
On my first ever trip to Worsley Court House; I had the pleasure of witnessing the proceedings of Worsley Intimate Theatre (WITS)’s final show of their current season, in the form of Mike Leigh’s Abigail’s Party.
Performed ‘in the round’ (well, with seating at two sides), the play is set in the home of Estate Agent Laurence (Simon Griffiths) and his domineering wife Beverly (Julie Cunningham) in the 1970s. Material woman Beverly has decided to invite their new neighbours over for drinks and nibbles and invites old neighbour Sue (Sarah Kirk) round to join them, after she is urged away from her daughter’s party.
Why am I alone tonight, when I should be Stepping Out!
It is always sad when shows suffer due to being compared to their film counterparts and in some respects - despite the fact that many are play before films - Richard Harris’ Stepping Out is one such show that, for me, experienced just that.
Currently running at Altrincham Garrick Playhouse, the show that saw Liza Minnelli play the part of dance teacher Mavis (Laura Chandler) who we see trying to bring out the best in her ‘students’ throughout their journey from inexperienced tap beginners to performers on a professional/charity concert stage, experiencing personal stresses and social confrontation along the way.
New York, New York is probably the most famous song from this musical first seen on Broadway in 1944. And this youth production at RNCM is a ‘helluva’ of a show!
Written by Leonard Bernstein and based on a concept by Jerome Robbins the story revolves around three sailors during 24 hours of shore leave in New York. Gabey (Nathan Tunnah), Ozzie (Harvey Stanhope) and Chip (Lucca Chadwick-Patel) begin their leave on a subway train where Gabey falls in love with the winner of June’s ‘Miss Turnstiles’ contest after just a glance at a poster.
Following clues from the poster which Gabey stole the three sailors set about searching the city for ‘Miss Turnstiles’, Ivy Smith played by Daisy Wood. But all does not go to plan as they are chased by the Police which see them split up and end up searching alone.
It is hard to believe that Evita is almost 40 years old, and nearly 20 since the movie starring Madonna was released, yet this is the first time an amateur company has been awarded the full rights to perform the show. Up until now only schools and youth groups have had these rights, but tonight’s performance proves that Mossley was the perfect choice for an amateur premiere.
Evita is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentine president Juan Peron. The story follows Evita's early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death.
Phenomenal Phantom Provides Praise for Young People’s Talent
If anyone ever uses the word ‘amateur’ or ‘young person’ in a derogatory manner, I rightfully ignore them briefly before allowing them to lose a passionately-put debate, justified by shows like this. Lord Lloyd-Webber’s masterpiece, presented by Altrincham Garrick’s Young Theatre arm and directed by the incredibly talented young Joseph Meighan, is an absolute treat for anyone who has not able to see the show professionally or elsewhere. It is no surprise that this show has a pristine reputation for delivering a real mix of emotions every time, usually gaining a standing ovation from all who see it, and when performed by young people - all 21 or under - it is astonishing how they can put on a show that is better than the professional one, let alone being equal!
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