Well, I thoroughly enjoyed it - congratulations to Chris, Sarah and everyone involved in producing this show and for achieving such a high professional standard.
It seems ages ago, at the beginning of November, when Michelle invited me to be an independent on your audition panel. Well, I've sat on many an audition panel and nearly .... my pants through many auditions in the past and regardless of which side of the table you are - it ain't easy! Even at the auditions I was very impressed with the vocal talents of all who auditioned and it was refreshing to see people expressing their abilities by auditioning for more than one role.
Now onto the performance. Well due to the fact that we sat in the wrong seats for the first half, and only managed to find the correct seats just in time for the second half, you will be pleased to know that we saw and heard just as much from the very back of the hall as we did from the third row back.
I loved the idea of having the orchestra on stage, although it must have been a bit of a headache for Sarah to conduct from the front. The musical numbers were excellent and I had that shivery feeling when Bill sang "I Love you Samantha" and Cherry sang "In the Still of the Night", so well done in getting those numbers across with feeling! My favourite up tempo songs were "Most Gentlemen Don't Like Love" and "Now You Has Jazz". The night-club singers had everyone wanting more and the harmonies were very clear. "Now You Has Jazz" had a good start and built into an excellent production number.
The only criticisms I have are, for the principles to be more directional vocally to audience, this is a must if you don't have access to radio mikes. Also, the chorus should not pull focus on the principal conversation ie. just before jazz number there was too much movement on stage which detracted from Mike and Dexter who were sitting conversing at a table downstage left.
Through the good direction of Chris and the hard work of the principals, each character came across very well. Facial expressions were excellent! One further point I'd really like to make is that you were all obviously enjoying what you were doing, this alone will keep your audiences coming back for more.
I look forward to your next productions of "Big Hits Over Supper" and the "Sound of Music".
Regards & Best wishes to all.
Susie Burtenshaw.
