|
New End Theatre presents
The Great American Songbook
Starring Paul Roberts, Louisa Parry and Ray Caruana
and the GAS Orchestra
5 Aug – 13 Sept 09
I
A review by Marion Drew for EXTRA! EXTRA!
This small intimate theatre was the perfect place for an afternoon in the company of the greats of American song writing and singing. Not only were many of the best known and most beautiful songs of the era presented, but along with them were interesting snippets from ‘behind the scenes’. Did you know, for example, that Judy Garland started her singing career when she was just two years old? Or that Jimmy Van Heusen changed his name from the less glamorous Edward Chester Babcock when he was just 16? This show was polished and tight from the first note, and it didn’t take long to have us all in the thrall of these masters of melody. Listening to the likes of Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered and Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye, I was struck by the thought that there is a real poetry in these songs, and indeed it was this quality that the singers really brought out. All three performers had voices that did the songs justice. I particularly enjoyed Louisa Parry’s rendition of Blue Skies where she sang a lovely scat in the company of the clarinet played by David Horniblow. Paul Roberts, who may be remembered from his days with The Stranglers, played the perfect slick Mr. American and his I Get A Kick Out of You was beautifully executed both vocally and in his lovely rapport with the audience. Ray Caruna’s Begin the Beguine really took us into the bar where Cole Porter is said to have composed it. The four piece GAS Orchestra that backed the singers did so in fine style. Mat Elliott on double bass, David Horniblow on clarinet, sax and flute, James O’ Carroll on drums, and Andy Rumble on electric piano were polished and professional throughout. Rumble, also the musical director for the show, wove a particular kind of magic tinkling the ivories, but the overall effect was of being transported in the most pleasant possible way, to a bygone time. The whole atmosphere of the times was agreeably evoked with period costumes and low lighting doing much to offset the disappointing sets, looking as they did, like cardboard cut outs. If you are interested in the American music of this era or if you would like to remind yourself of some of the roots of today’s music, and the enormous influence these song writers have had over the decades, then treat yourself to an afternoon that will warm the cockles of your heart, whatever your age.
New End Theatre Tuesday – Saturday: 7.03pm, Tickets: £22.50, concs: £19 Phone: 0870033 2733
Copyright © EXTRA! EXTRA All rights reserved
|
zens