I have to be honest; ever since I heard on the grapevine that a UK tour of this musical starring Kerry Ellis and Simon Callow was going to be mounted, I have been waiting with eager anticipation in order to see it. And finally, this evening, that day arrived, and the first word that comes to mind in order to describe my experience is simply nothing more than "wow"!
Cole Porter's wonderfully catchy melodies, sweeping lyricism, and jazz-infused music is pure magic under the musical direction of Mark Aspinall; whilst his lyrics (despite being somewhat dated) still sparkle with clever witticism and unusual rhyme. The direction and choreography by Kathleen Marshall was clear, imaginative, and the dances - especially the two incredible showstopping numbers of 'Anything Goes' and 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow', were nothing short of, well, incredible showstoppers! Finally, the English language fails me...! The set was clever and worked well, the costumes were simply perfect, and the lighting design was unfussy and spot on (excuse the pun!).
A UK tour with FOUR big names in it? That is almost unheard of, and yet, this evening was proof that such a beast actually exists - and not only exists, but shines with effervescence, clarity, and ebullience. Bonnie Langford played Evangeline Harcourt - slightly gullible, somewhat tipsy, and controllingly desperate to marry her daughter into wealth in order to maintain the family's own upper-class standing. Langford played her role with real gusto, obviously enjoying every moment, and we did too. Denis Lawson [last seen by this reviewer on stage in the play, 'Art'], simply shone as Public Enemy Number 13 - Moonface Martin, the comedy crook with a heart of gold.
Simon Callow simply gave everything he had to this role, singing and dancing with an energy someone half his age would be proud to have; whilst he hit his character firm and square on the head this evening as the aging American businessman, Elisha Whitney. And now to the star of the show, Kerry Ellis as Reno Sweeney. This will be the third time I've had the pleasure of seeing Miss Ellis in a musical, and have also seen her in a couple of solo concerts too, and she just gets better and better (if that is actually possible!). Totally embodying the role of Reno, she proved, as if any proof were necessary, that she is star quality and more this evening when, after energetically dancing a full chorus number, she turned to the audience and sang a pure and extended single note, without being even a tad out of breath. Superb.
These four were more than ably supported by four more co-stars. Samuel Edwards played hearthrob Billy Crocker with style. His dancing was effortless, but I did hear his voice waver a couple of times. Nicole-Lily Baisden was a plaintive and pretty Hope Harcourt, debutante and love interest of Billy. Carly Mercedes Dyer played Erma; the 'gangster's moll' role. Her choice of vocal intonation, using a sqeeky high pitched over-emphasised American accent (a voice which caricatures such a character) was an unfortunate choice, and sadly, her speech was indistinct and I was unable to understand much of what she said. I did enjoy her 'Buddy Beware' song though. Haydn Oakley however, as the English Lord Evelyn Oakleigh was simply super! Pitching his character perfectly, he gave a believable, nuanced and intelligent performance wich was a delight to watch. And his antics in 'The Gypsy In Me' were just brilliant - an actor we all need to keep an eye out for!
The ensemble / cameos were all excellent - especially the barbershop quartet used effectively in a couple of numbers. A guaranteed sure-fire five star hit from start to finish, this is the feelgood tonic to chase all the blues away that we are all in need of. It runs at Manchester's Palace Theatre until June 18th.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 9.6.22
on - 9.6.22
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