Show Reviews - It's a Grand Night For Singing
Touches of genius
It would be hard to find a talent as rich or resourceful as that of songwriter Richard Rodgers, whose genius has enriched the theatre for more than eight decades.
This handsome tribute to Rodgers, who wrote 40 Broadway musicals, was a credit to the Arts Theatre team, whose seasoned performers and emerging stars combined to deliver in style under the direction of Geoffrey Spittal. Interspersed with fitting narration from John Constable and Barbara Fisher, the show has its moments of magic. Jackie Dunn and Michael Pearson, newcomers to the ranks, made a big impression, while regulars Shirley Ellis, Kathy Hadrill and Kay Williams made a bold show with their interpretation of Sing For Your Supper. Rising star Charlotte Griffin showed great promise with a sparkling My Favourite Things while Super Trouper Irene Starkie sets the seal on grand entertainment with her show-stopping numbers You’ll Never Walk Alone and Climb Every Mountain.
Peter Jordan, Nottingham Evening Post
11 October 2005
If you enjoy music and singing then go along to the Nottingham Arts Theatre and see ‘It’s A Grand Night for Singing’ and listen to the songs of Richard Rodgers.
The shows tells Richard Rodgers’ life story. Covering his successful career two narrators tell of his partnership first of all with lyricist Lorenz Hart and later with Oscar Hammerstein. As his story unfolds the soloists and chorus sang some of the most popular songs from their musicals that ranged from Pal Joey to The Sound of Music. The second act covering the latter part of Rodgers productive life proved to be the most popular and the songs from South Pacific and The Sound of Music were much appreciated by the audience. All the soloists, chorus and band members were very talented and sang with obvious enthusiasm that was infectious and I for one was silently singing for most of the show.
BBC Website - [Link]
Richard Rodgers’ life story, very well compiled and directed by Geoffrey, using songs from the Hart and Hammerstein collaborations. The show certainly lived up to its title, with splendid music and dialogue blending smoothly together. A large cast shared out the individual numbers and it was good to see a blend of age and experience. While the seasoned performers had a greater impact, there was certainly some up and coming talent that will serve the theatre well in the coming years, not least the solo singers from the Youth Group. A good range of costumes provided many fine visual effects.
Review by Phil Williams for NODA
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