“Another Opening. Another Show”. AND WHAT A SHOW!! The cast of this beloved local musical theatre group sang and danced their hearts out with energy and aplomb giving the packed hall a couple of hours of sheer delight and enjoyment – ‘absolutely fabulous’ I heard someone say. This sentiment more than reflected the mood of the cheerful, appreciative audience.
From the moment the curtain went up, we were taken on a non-stop journey showcasing musical theatre from 1935 to 2018. It was a polished performance of 30 songs and dance. One had to admire the stamina of the cast with the rapid turnarounds assisted by an efficient backstage crew.
From the moment the curtain went up, we were taken on a non-stop journey showcasing musical theatre from 1935 to 2018.
While ABBA did not perform on stage in the West End or on Broadway, a medley of their songs particularly resonated with the audience, some singing along with the cast. Having said this, there did not seem to be any part of the programme that the audience did not like, with enthusiastic clapping and whoops following each number. Young Lola McKinnel held her own with the more experienced troupers.
The backing arrangements were catchy and appropriate moving seamlessly from the high energy, pulsating rhythms of ABBA to the quieter emotional moods of Mr Cellophane Man and Don’t Cry for
me Argentina.
A shout out to the costume and lighting designers. Both solo and ensemble acts required frequent costume changes which were achieved seamlessly; the costumes were just gorgeous. Not just the women, Herod looked good too. The lighting showed off the vibrancy of the costumes as the cast sang and danced their way around the stage. Spot lighting and shading was effective in adding mood. The simple dressing of the stage was perfect.
The audience were seated at circular tables and could help themselves to platters of cold cuts, hummus, cheese, crackers and bread. Sweet treats were added at half time. Wine was available for purchase. At the $35 ticket price, this is the best value for money I have spent in a long time.
MADCAPS has always turned on a good show. This one was something again; it was lifted to a level taking it out of the amateur. The production was polished; it could be taken on tour to other venues in the Wairarapa or similar. For this, credit must go to Director, Julie O’Brien. She is an accomplished theatre director, actor and vocal coach – take a bow Julie. It would be good to have Julie O’Brien work her magic with these talented local performers again.
Bring on MADCAPS 2027.
