Some enchanted evening

‘Some enchanted evening’ at the Garrick Theatre Club in Guildford is a collection of Rogers and Hammerstein’s well known songs. The shows are at 8.00 pm until the 21^st February. Please check, as the bookings are strong.

There are 35 songs presented by the cast of five, and accompanied by the dual ‘pianists’ (Matt Austin and Robert Woods) on electric keyboard. I can hear people say ‘35 songs! It will be hard work for the audience as well as the cast.’ Well thanks to the imaginative direction (Carolyn Latter), the whole theatre was employed for the presentation of this enjoyable selection of songs. The bright and interesting lighting design (Don Allen) was skilfully and slickly operated by the director. The complex choreography (Leesa Crosby), from square dancing to the old soft-shoe shuffle, was flawlessly performed - the show sparkled. The many costumes (Lorna Mackie) appeared luxurious, but one wonders how the cast had time to change in this fast moving show.

True there were a few bum notes, along with key and vocal range challenges, but these were lost in the vivacious delivery of this very happy, feel good and at times very funny show, topped off with Rebecca Griffiths and David Gray’s ‘Don’t Marry Me’. David Cosgrove’s ‘This was nearly mine’ and the Samantha Maling, Vanessa Vance duet of ‘I am sixteen going on seventeen’ were both delightful. The cast’s all-round performance was one of the best I have seen in a community musical for some time.

Many congratulations for the Enchanted Evening.

Incidentally, this show is close to raising $2,000 for the bushfire relief.

I went to this production last Saturday. It was a brilliant display of the beautiful numbers from Rogers and Hammerstein. The fact that this selection of music is not paired with a story line was well disguised by very smart placement and movement and was well disguised, well done to the director. I was mostly impressed with the females in this production, they displayed grace and beauty and all collaborated with such grace it was a pleasure to watch them. Both males in this production lacked the same tightness and vocal strength that the girls had, and this was at some points distracting. For example in Mr Gray's and Miss Griffiths number, he was so overpowered by young Rebecca that it was amusing - not in the good way. I also did not enjoy the roughness in his voice. Mr Cosgrove did have a soothing and pretty tone - however lacked the ability to reach some of the crucial notes in some of the bigger numbers. I agree with Gordon, the duet between Miss Maling and Miss Vance, breathtaking :) Congratulations on your work people, it is nice to see young people singing the good old music. Margaret

I thought it was fucking great! It looked as much fun to be in the cast as in the audience. The Daves were awesome; sounding great and looking dapper. Dave G's comedy and great top-end range notes were hot; and the sincerity in Dave C's voice was a highlight. The dames were great; Sam's subtlety during songs was beautiful and her powerful top notes were amazing. Rebecca's singing was top-quality throughout the entire show, sounded really professional. Vanessa sounded great and moved around stage well, 'I Can't Say No' was funny as. Other highlights include: 'Younger Than Springtime', 'Wash That Bloke Out My Hair' and 'Don't Marry Me'. Despite strong and well executed solos/duets, the full ensemble numbers were definitely show-stealers. The direction was clever, Carolyn found a great balance where nothing was over-acted, nor was anything ever too static. It's amazing how much can be done with FA scripted 'dialogue' in the show. Of course, can't forget top chorey and movement from Lisa! I personally would have enjoyed some audience interaction to compliment all the aisle action. I guess it's a theatre though and not a 'music hall' revue. I don't know how Garrick managed to secure 2 great pianists, but congrats, great job guys (don't let them escape)! Lighting was very swish, very impressive effects were highly engaging. All costumes (but especially 2nd act) were hot! I was very, very, very impressed that on the 2nd last night (after what I can only imagine to be rigorous, demanding but great rehearsals with Jake), the cast could still sing, let alone at the high quality demonstrated! My fellow audience members agree. I sat in row J (second from back) and heard most of the audience (mainly those aged 50+) singing along quietly (and not so quietly) to popular favourites. A great night out, thanks.