Another Opening, Another Show

With the title Another Opening, Another Show you could be forgiven for thinking you’re in for a night of tired Broadway classics, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Director Christopher Parker has assembled a cast of seasoned performers to present an entertaining commentary on Broadway’s biggest musical ‘flops’. Parker defines a ‘flop’ as a show that has failed to return their initial investments, but he has also added to the list songs from shows that closed prematurely, and others that had interesting stories leading to their sudden termination.

By this definition, a high percentage of Broadway’s finest composers have conceded defeat, as certain works haven’t taken off as hoped – Kander & Ebb, Ahrens & Flaherty, Boublil & Schönberg, Sondheim and Lloyd-Webber, just to name a few.

Parker has constructed the show in a semi-cabaret style interspersing the songs with cleverly crafted anecdotes. Well written and pacy, the storytelling has turned a standard concert into a slick piece of theatre. Add to that four outstanding performers and this concert can only be regarded as a ‘hit’.

The stellar cast comprises of Simon Gleeson, Rosemarie Harris, Danielle Matthews and James Millar. With a string of credits to their names, these four displayed exceptional vocal ability. Not only was their solo work flawless but their group work was well-blended, balanced and tight.

Gleeson exhibited natural comic timing and transitioned from character to character with ease – an absolute delight to watch at all times. Harris, too, gave great contrast in the characters she created. Her interpretation of ‘Diary of a Homecoming Queen’ (Is There Life After High School) was particularly moving.

Matthews’ rendition of the title song from Dance of the Vampires was most certainly a crowd favourite – what an incredible voice! And Millar’s best work included the ballads ‘All I Wanted was the Dream’ (Peter Allen’s Legs Diamond) and the heartfelt ‘I Won’t Send Roses’ (Mack & Mabel).

Seated at the grand piano, Musical Director Vicky Jacobs added a bit of fun to the proceedings by hosting a segment featuring some lesser-known songs that would certainly be regarded as cheesy, if not cringe-worthy. Thoroughly entertaining, the segment confirmed Jacobs as a performer in her own right.

The lighting design by Jason Bovaird and his team at Moving Light Productions was dazzling. Impressive from beginning to end, the lighting played an integral part in creating the perfect mood for each song. Sound design was equally noteworthy from Marcello Lo Ricco.

Congratulations to all involved with this project – a ‘hit’ on all fronts.