After a Summer off from theatre visits, I decided to return with a visit to The Brentwood Theatre to see Billericay Operatic Society's More Musical Moments.
Almost a whole year after seeing BOS perform Musical Moments at The Fold in Billericay I was interested to see how they would adapt their concert format to fill the larger space of the theatre. It is something that they managed in some ways to do very successfully. More Musical Moments was definitely more than a simple concert, but not quite a full on production.
I was unable to find a running order, so the evening came as an interesting surprise collection of musical numbers, some of which I knew, some of which I didn't. I was very pleased that almost all the songs were different from the last concert, the only songs that had remained were 3 songs from Fiddler on the Roof and Love Changes Everything.
Similar to the previous concert, the evening was split up into sections with introductions to each new section explaining the themes and some of the songs to be included.
The opening number, Seasons of Love, was a nice start to the evening with the ensemble spread across the stage in an arc reminiscent of the opening of the film version of RENT. However it did feel as if the cast were hugging the back of the stage and, as there was no set, the stage appeared quite empty.
The following solos and duets were all well performed. There was a Judi Dench-esque version of Send in the Clowns; simple and effective, an interesting melodic number from the person I assume was the MD - he appeared from the music pit and returned afterwards - and a rousing number from what I have since discovered to be Parade.
Next came a medley of songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was either under rehearsed or new to the singers as the majority had folders. Not that this detracted too much from the singing, which was excellent. I especially liked when the chorus joined in with Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
We were then introduced to some of the children who will be involved in their next full scale production, Oliver, singing songs from Matilda rather than Oliver, which was an interesting choice. However I have to say When I Grow Up was a stand out number, with some amazing harmonies between the children and adults involved.
The children went on to perform Revolting Children, and did so with such youthful energy that it bodes well for Oliver.
The first act finished with an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley, which included a good selection of songs. I have to commend the ensemble as a whole for being on stage, standing still for quite a long time whilst various solos were performed. Two stand out numbers of this medley were Tell Me on a Sunday, which was performed with elegance and poise and Unexpected Song - one of my personal favourite songs - performed by a young lady with a clear, crisp and beautiful voice.
There were some moments throughout the show, but most markedly in this section where there was an instrumental within a song, and whilst the musicians played expertly, the singers often simply stood still which was disappointing.
The second act opened with songs from Oliver, featuring in particular the children I can assume will be playing the roles of the Artful Dodger and Oliver. Consider yourself, lead by the young man in the role of Dodger had a quiet start but developed as his confidence grew into a strong performance. This was followed by a powerful performance of As Long As He Needs Me and a rendition of Where is Love, which although touching was very quiet and would've benefitted by having the children with microphones.
Next came the Fiddler on the Roof section, which although slightly varied from last year and performed well, was a little old hat compared to the rest of the selection.
We than had another host of solo and duet numbers from various shows. Highlights for me being a song I did not recognise by the young lady who sang Unexpected Song earlier in the evening, I Still Believe from Miss Saigon and a further duet, again a song I did not recognise, between two young women.
The evening ended with songs from Wicked and Les Misérables, all of which were performed excellently. The Wizard and I had power, One Short Day was full of enthusiasm, Stars was also powerfully performed.
Finally the ensemble came together to sing One Day More from Les Misérables. There was a good mix of voices and clear characterisation by all of the main singers. They were bolstered with powerful chorus singing and right at the end by the children.
I must also mention the excellent use of varied lighting throughout the concert. The use of spots for solos and duets, full lighting for chorus numbers and varied tints worked well to enhance the musical numbers being performed.
Overall, More Musical Moments was a evening packed with well sung songs and expertly played music that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I look forward to returning to the Brentwood Theatre in March next year to see how Billericay Operatic Society does with the Lionel Bart classic, Oliver.
Almost a whole year after seeing BOS perform Musical Moments at The Fold in Billericay I was interested to see how they would adapt their concert format to fill the larger space of the theatre. It is something that they managed in some ways to do very successfully. More Musical Moments was definitely more than a simple concert, but not quite a full on production.
I was unable to find a running order, so the evening came as an interesting surprise collection of musical numbers, some of which I knew, some of which I didn't. I was very pleased that almost all the songs were different from the last concert, the only songs that had remained were 3 songs from Fiddler on the Roof and Love Changes Everything.
Similar to the previous concert, the evening was split up into sections with introductions to each new section explaining the themes and some of the songs to be included.
The opening number, Seasons of Love, was a nice start to the evening with the ensemble spread across the stage in an arc reminiscent of the opening of the film version of RENT. However it did feel as if the cast were hugging the back of the stage and, as there was no set, the stage appeared quite empty.
The following solos and duets were all well performed. There was a Judi Dench-esque version of Send in the Clowns; simple and effective, an interesting melodic number from the person I assume was the MD - he appeared from the music pit and returned afterwards - and a rousing number from what I have since discovered to be Parade.
Next came a medley of songs from Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was either under rehearsed or new to the singers as the majority had folders. Not that this detracted too much from the singing, which was excellent. I especially liked when the chorus joined in with Close Every Door and Any Dream Will Do.
We were then introduced to some of the children who will be involved in their next full scale production, Oliver, singing songs from Matilda rather than Oliver, which was an interesting choice. However I have to say When I Grow Up was a stand out number, with some amazing harmonies between the children and adults involved.
The children went on to perform Revolting Children, and did so with such youthful energy that it bodes well for Oliver.
The first act finished with an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley, which included a good selection of songs. I have to commend the ensemble as a whole for being on stage, standing still for quite a long time whilst various solos were performed. Two stand out numbers of this medley were Tell Me on a Sunday, which was performed with elegance and poise and Unexpected Song - one of my personal favourite songs - performed by a young lady with a clear, crisp and beautiful voice.
There were some moments throughout the show, but most markedly in this section where there was an instrumental within a song, and whilst the musicians played expertly, the singers often simply stood still which was disappointing.
The second act opened with songs from Oliver, featuring in particular the children I can assume will be playing the roles of the Artful Dodger and Oliver. Consider yourself, lead by the young man in the role of Dodger had a quiet start but developed as his confidence grew into a strong performance. This was followed by a powerful performance of As Long As He Needs Me and a rendition of Where is Love, which although touching was very quiet and would've benefitted by having the children with microphones.
Next came the Fiddler on the Roof section, which although slightly varied from last year and performed well, was a little old hat compared to the rest of the selection.
We than had another host of solo and duet numbers from various shows. Highlights for me being a song I did not recognise by the young lady who sang Unexpected Song earlier in the evening, I Still Believe from Miss Saigon and a further duet, again a song I did not recognise, between two young women.
The evening ended with songs from Wicked and Les Misérables, all of which were performed excellently. The Wizard and I had power, One Short Day was full of enthusiasm, Stars was also powerfully performed.
Finally the ensemble came together to sing One Day More from Les Misérables. There was a good mix of voices and clear characterisation by all of the main singers. They were bolstered with powerful chorus singing and right at the end by the children.
I must also mention the excellent use of varied lighting throughout the concert. The use of spots for solos and duets, full lighting for chorus numbers and varied tints worked well to enhance the musical numbers being performed.
Overall, More Musical Moments was a evening packed with well sung songs and expertly played music that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I look forward to returning to the Brentwood Theatre in March next year to see how Billericay Operatic Society does with the Lionel Bart classic, Oliver.