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An
enthusiastic crowd were treated to the very best of the Gershwin's
music in this new national touring production of the Broadway and
West End favourite that packed 'em in for a decade.
This
production, directed by Lincoln Theatre Royal's Chris Colby, has
more of a repertory feel about it and he has given many of the musical
numbers a makeover. Sometimes it works - sometimes it doesn't.
The
central characters: Polly played by the talented Melanie Stace and
Bobby by the versatile Darren Bennett, give it 100%+ and excelled
in both dance and vocals.
Darren
was superb doing his impersonation of the flamboyant impresario
Bela Zangler. The role of Bobby is a demanding one and he is certainly
up to the challenge.
Melanie
sang a wistful 'Someone to watch over me' and has the kind of confidence
to admire and makes her character larger than life.
A large
cast supports all of this with Mark Wynter as the real Bela, Jenny
Cox as a sultry Irene and Christopher Beeny and Sue Hodge as the
English eccentrics and scene-stealers Eugene and Patricia Fodor.
With
music directed by Jonathan Gill and a good sized band the Gershwin
melodies ring out loud and clear. After Birmingham this production
continues on tour until the end of August.
Written
by Clive Fuller
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