An evening of Musical Theatre, delivered by the talented NK Theatre Arts Company at Romiley's Forum Theatre? Yes please!
The first half of this evening's concert was a game of two halves. Two Musicals were given the spotlight, and both were presented as 'potted' reduced versions of the full shows. Several songs and some dialogue in order to give the audience a full flavour of the full shows was presented.
First came the perennial favourite, 'Oliver!'. Lionel Bart's catchy take on the Dickens' classic. Opening with a rather energetic, 'Food Glorious Food', we were then shown the beadle and his wife scold Oliver, before he takes him onto the streets with 'Boy For Sale'. Oliver then sings 'Where Is Love?' before being taken under the wings of the Artful Dodger and 'Consider Yourself', and being taken to join Fagin's gang 'Pick A Pocket' and 'Be Back Soon'. Nancy entertains with 'Oom Pah Pah', and we are introduced to Bill Sykes with 'My Name'. Bill strikes Nancy for not co-operating, and she sings the plaintive, 'As Long As He Needs Me', before we have the chorus back on again for 'Who Will Buy', and we end with Fagin 'Reviewing The Situation'. Colby Voss played Oliver in this section, and showed great stage presence and ability for his years. The director should have had him take his cap off though foir his solo, as we couldn't see his eyes at all.. shame. John Dean's Fagin was delightful.
The one thing which sadly did not help this section or any of the following sections unfortunately, was that the company chose to present the evening using backing tracks. I was aware at many points throughout the evening of soloists not being able to accurately follow the tracks; their interpretations of the songs not fitting fully with the music. It seemed clear that the cast had not had enough rehearsal with those specific tracks, as sadly technology is unforgiving and cannot follow the soloists as a live band and conductor can, but instead the soloist must follow the music. Also, whilst I am on the subject of music, the sound levels were pitched far too high. The music was too loud and booming through the speakers, drowning out the soloists, and then they in turn had to sing louder in order to try and be heard, and as such started to sound screechy. Sound technicians please take note: louder does not equal better.. it better has and it never will!
Before the second section of the first act, a short preview of the society's upcoming production of 'My Fair Lady' was shown (I'm Getting Married In The Morning).
And then tow the second half od the first act.. a precised version of the contemporary musical, 'Mean Girls'. As with Oliver, here we were shown several of the songs and character vignettes in show order with main cast and ensemble coming instantly more alive, as they all seemed to be able to relate to and sympathise with the premise and characters of this musical more.
The second act this evening continued again in similar vein; with three more musicals being given the shortened version treatment. First came, 'Oklahoma!' {'Oh What A Beautiful Morning' / 'Surrey With The Fringe On Top' / 'A Girl Who Can't Say No' / 'The Farmer And The Cowman' - excellent choreography! / 'Oklahoma!'} This section was then followed by another contemporary favourite, 'Everybody's Talking About Jamie'. , and finally the evening finished with songs, dances and dialogue from 'another perennial favourite, Sister Act'. A rousing full chorus joyous finish to the evening, although more attention to the nun's costumes was most definitely needed here sadly.
I have two points to make about the evening which might seem a little over-critical, but hopefully they will be taken in the spirit they are meant. First, the title. The evening was not an evening of showstoppers at all. In fact, only a very small proportion of the songs sung this evening might be put into that category. So, rather than an eclectic evening of many different production numbers from many different musicals, we were given five small individual shows. Not that this wasn't enjoyable.. it was... but the title was misleading. Second, having the audience seated in cabaret style seats, on long trestle tables and not raised above the stage level was also a mistake in my opinion. Had the tables been positioned in a semi-circle and the cast performed in the centre and around the tables (like the original cabarets) it would have worked nicely, but to watch production numbers on a stage, this idea was far from optimal.
All the cast this evening - both principals and chorus - are deserving of praise. All the sections were enjoyable and well put together. Of course though, I am only human, and human nature (despite reviewers trying to be as objective as possible) does play a big part in what we write. And I have to admit to having a couple of favourites this evening! John Dean impressed with his versatility; playing different roles in several of the sections this evening. He has a vitality and pleasing stage presence as well as being a multi-faceted performer. I loved Sam Jeffries's interpretation of Jamie. It had both heart and soul and was very grounded. And finally, for her dancing, her stage presence, and total commitment to everything she was tasked to do, Megan Voss.
NK Theatre Arts have a large membership, from very young to adult, and cumulatively are a formidable talent. This evening ably and amply showcased that talent, and I look forward to coming back to see their next endeavour.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 19/5/23
on - 19/5/23
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