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| The Cast of On Broadway |
Flourish Productions has been putting on concerts of songs
from musicals for the last few years, mostly focused on particular composers:
the songs of Cy Coleman, the songs of Ahrens & Flaherty, the songs of Alan
Menken and the songs of local composer Matthew Robinson.
This weekend they presented On Broadway, a selection of
songs from the last few decades of Broadway hits. It’s an eclectic mix shared among
a cast of eight singers, four men and four women.
Director/choreographer Leanne Marsland has done a wonderful
job pulling together a strong ensemble of performers to belt out songs in
chorus or in pairs or as solos. There’s a seamless transition between songs; the
ninety-minute concert flowed from one song to the next, without the usual feel
of song, pause, song that can happen in this kind of group cabaret.
Starting out with “Something’s Coming” from West Side Story got the show off to a
strong start. This is a promise of something to be fulfilled and “Lucky Be A
Lady” was a fun follow up.
Some of the songs worked better out of context from their
shows than others. “Someone to Watch Over Me” is a classic from the Broadway
songbook, beautifully performed by Catherine Langley, one of the producers of
the night. Alec Steedman’s “Wilkommen” and Ellie Nunan’s “Cabaret” from Cabaret made me want to see them in a
full production of the show.
“Agony” from Into the
Woods seemed strangely lacklustre, not garnering the laughs it would have
in the show itself. Danielle O’Malley nailed “Don’t Rain on My Parade” and “If
You Got It, Flaunt It”.
“Cell Block Tango” from Chicago
was one of the absolute highlights of the night. The rendition itself was strong
– everyone in full voice and embodying the merry murderesses of the musical. Of
course, with a cast of four men and four women, this number was four women and
two men, which gave it an added queer element which made it more delicious.
Much to my surprise, the later medley of Andrew Lloyd-Webber
songs from Song & Dance, Aspects of Love & Jesus Christ Superstar was really thrilling.
Kudos to Ellie, Lachlan and Danielle for their harmonies there.
Most of these songs are absolutely classics of the genre and
it’s always a pleasure to hear them. But to have such a strong concept for the
concert itself – solid choreography elevating the songs and helping the
transitions, On Broadway was Flourish’s
strongest concert series yet.
Flourish Productions presented On Broadway this weekend only at Chapel Off Chapel.
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