REVIEW
Leigh Operatic & Dramatic Society
COPACABANA
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th-12th May 2018
Music by Barry Manilow
Lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Book by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman
COPACABANA
Palace Theatre, Westcliff on Sea
9th-12th May 2018
Music by Barry Manilow
Lyrics by Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman
Book by Barry Manilow, Jack Feldman and Bruce Sussman
Think Copacabana and you're instantly transported to a world of showgirls, sequins and feathers; bright neon lights, champagne and cocktails freely flowing. However, it's the dancing girls we predominantly think of and for this show in particular, the music and lyrics of Barry Manilow introducing us to Lola the showgirl and the Copacabana Club in New York City.
The story follows Stephen, a young aspiring songwriter, as he composes what he hopes will become a hit musical. His imagination takes him and the audience back to 1947 as he creates a story surrounding an ambitious young singer Lola la Mar who arrives in New York City from Tulsa hoping to become a star.
Meanwhile, Tony Forte, a 1947 incarnation of Stephen, is attempting to make it as a songwriter while tending bar at the famous Copacabana Nightclub. Tony instantly falls for Lola as she wanders into the Copacabana.
Stephen/Tony is played by Jamie Sampson, a newcomer to LODS but by no means a newcomer to musical theatre, having performed in the West End in shows such as Mamma Mia and 42nd Street. His on stage experience is evident and he does a fine job in the role, getting a chance to show off some really lovely warm vocals looking very much at home in the Sweet Heaven routine, surrounded by the girls and boys of the Copa. Who Needs To Dream was another well sung and performed number from Jamie.
The story follows Stephen, a young aspiring songwriter, as he composes what he hopes will become a hit musical. His imagination takes him and the audience back to 1947 as he creates a story surrounding an ambitious young singer Lola la Mar who arrives in New York City from Tulsa hoping to become a star.
Meanwhile, Tony Forte, a 1947 incarnation of Stephen, is attempting to make it as a songwriter while tending bar at the famous Copacabana Nightclub. Tony instantly falls for Lola as she wanders into the Copacabana.
Stephen/Tony is played by Jamie Sampson, a newcomer to LODS but by no means a newcomer to musical theatre, having performed in the West End in shows such as Mamma Mia and 42nd Street. His on stage experience is evident and he does a fine job in the role, getting a chance to show off some really lovely warm vocals looking very much at home in the Sweet Heaven routine, surrounded by the girls and boys of the Copa. Who Needs To Dream was another well sung and performed number from Jamie.
Jamie's performance is equally matched by Laura Hurrell as Lola whose performances with LODS just go from strength to strength. I would have liked to seen a little more unrequited passion in their initial scenes, however, they more than made up for any lack of sparkle as the shown went on.
There are quite a few supporting roles in this production and Jo Whitnell and Michael James certainly play up well with their comedic roles as Gladys and Sam.
The evil Rico, played by Neil Lands, has designs on Lola and steals her away from the Copacabana to perform at his own club in Havana, is decidedly dastardly with an over-the-top Cuban accent almost reminiscent of his stint as Gomez in the Addams Family and is suitably sinister to his long suffering amore, the tragic Conchita, played by Sarah Gallucci, who showed a great sense of comic timing and natural dry wit in the role.
There are quite a few supporting roles in this production and Jo Whitnell and Michael James certainly play up well with their comedic roles as Gladys and Sam.
The evil Rico, played by Neil Lands, has designs on Lola and steals her away from the Copacabana to perform at his own club in Havana, is decidedly dastardly with an over-the-top Cuban accent almost reminiscent of his stint as Gomez in the Addams Family and is suitably sinister to his long suffering amore, the tragic Conchita, played by Sarah Gallucci, who showed a great sense of comic timing and natural dry wit in the role.
The highlights of this show are, of course, the showgirls and the dance routines choreographed by director, Sallie Warrington, who can proudly boast that this production is the 50th amateur theatre show she has directed. She has certainly gone all out with this production of Copacabana - her fourth time of directing it - and all the dance routines look fabulous. This, I expect, is probably as professional as you will see from an amateur company as far as dance numbers are concerned and is a wonderful showcase of Sallie's choreography. All the dancers have obviously put in a great deal of work and are extremely tight in all the numbers. The costumes also look spectacular and in particular in the Sweet Heaven number with feathers, head-dresses and costumes all lit up to create the 'wow' factor. It has to said that it's pretty obvious where the budget has gone for this show! Also, with a lot of nifty costume changes throughout, a mention to the dressers and wardrobe mistresses for their contribution to this show shouldn't go amiss.
Act 2 certainly picks up the pace with Conchita's Havana/Caramba routine and I enjoyed This Can't Be Real with Lola and Stephen. Stuart Woolner conducts a beautifully sounding orchestra, along with MD, Rachael Plunkett, who plays keys.
Act 2 certainly picks up the pace with Conchita's Havana/Caramba routine and I enjoyed This Can't Be Real with Lola and Stephen. Stuart Woolner conducts a beautifully sounding orchestra, along with MD, Rachael Plunkett, who plays keys.
With the showgirls and ensemble taking up most of the stage for a rousing finale of the titular number, the climax of the show comes all too soon and I wonder if, after four times, whether Sallie Warrington will be tempted to direct this show again. If, as the lyrics of the song say, 'music and passion are always the fashion' then I shouldn't be too surprised if she succumbs - perhaps just not for her 51st show though....
You can still catch the show at the Palace tonight and twice tomorrow, Just head to the website below.
You can still catch the show at the Palace tonight and twice tomorrow, Just head to the website below.
Wed - Sat Evening Performance £19.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Thu & Sat Mats £17.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Tickets are on sale via www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.
Concessions £1.00 off
Thu & Sat Mats £17.00
Concessions £1.00 off
Tickets are on sale via www.southendtheatres.org.uk or call 01702 351135
Prices shown are inclusive of any applicable booking fees. Groups of 10+ please call 01702 351135 to buy fee-free.