The Artistic Director Joseph Meighan had assembled the cream of the north’s best vocalists it seemed to immerse our ears for a nonstop, pacy showcase of 33 well known (and some not so well known musical theatre showstoppers). He had a clear focus and had directed his nineteen players with a keen sense of deft direction. There was a massive range of set pieces and visually pleasing numbers to keep our eyes busy. This variety was very impressive as directing musical numbers with diversity and high quality and variety is no mean feat. He was lucky to have the beautiful Garrick stage to dress with his troupe of exceptional singers and performers. Not a weak link in there. But, the lighting and sound team were exquisite. Every light set matched and enhanced the number. We particularly loved the spiritual lighting for ‘Somewhere’ and the subtle greens and cross lighting for ‘Wicked’ songs. The sound team aced the sound . Every vocal was exact and had the right levels throughout. A fully mic’d cast must have been a huge challenge which they rose to with aplomb. The occasional gremlin snook in but was squished within seconds.
The musical director and his band were outstanding, and chose the right songs for all those voices. He knew his singers through and through. Not a single number where you thought too belty or too pitchy. The singers under Neil G Bennet’s safe and secure baton were in fine hands. We particularly loved the musical arrangement of ‘Somewhere’ and the choral singing throughout. ‘Suddenly Seymour’s’ Gospel chorus almost blew us out of our seats.
The programme was lengthy and eclectic. Lots of classic crowd pleasers from Les Mis and Phantom and the newer shows like ‘ Evan Hansen’ and ‘Something Bbout Jamie’ but some real musical theatre treats. One of own personal favourites, ‘Who Will Love Me As I Am?’ from ‘Sideshow’ really enhanced my evening despite being a lesser known number. This musical director had excellent taste in show tunes. I did feel on a side note that I would have enjoyed a few more upbeat, comedy turns from the whole cast such as ’ Master Of The House’ as these seemed to be given to trios. Variety wise, the MD and director had chosen a programme that covered the whole gamut of ensemble, solos, duets and trios and it was very balanced, overall.
The singers were phenomenal - not a weak link or cracked voice in there. All looked splendid with one costume change for act two in mostly blacks and whites. They looked amazing and they sounded incredible. From the start of the ‘Gypsy’ show-opener as they paraded through the auditorium and took their places on the rostra to all sing lines they showed what a formidable group they were. What a tour de force.
Some absolute stand-out numbers for us were, ‘What I Did For Love’ with the beautiful and powerful voice of Emily Leeland and Company,and ‘You Will Be Found’ from ‘Evan Hansen’ to close Act 1 had us in tears. What musical theatre revue or showcase show is even a musical show without ‘One Day More’ from Les Mis. As a group they worked so well together, they looked incredible together but their singing was something else. We loved it.
Well done to the whole team at the Garrick Playhouse. If you get the chance to go and watch this exceptional show this week then you will be a fortunate individual whose ears will be singing with joy.
Reviewers - Kathryn Gorton and Beryl Reece Brenann
on - 21.9.21
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