A real sense of anticipation is evident in the theatre, despite some rumblings about the notices about refraining from singing along with the performances, personally I agree it’s musical theatre not a concert,writes Paul Smalley
A loud “bang” echoes from the stage and immediately obtains the audience’s attention and we’re straight into ex Pussycat Dolls member Melody Thornton playing Rachel Marron, belting out “All at Once”, with an array of dancers, the audience are hooked.
For those not familiar with the story, when her performance is over we find out that someone as entered her dressing room, stolen a dress and left a sinister message about her safety.
Her management decide extra security is required and ex marine now security specialist Frank Farmer played impeccably by Ayden Callaghan enters the scene.
There’s clearly tension between Marron and Farmer, which is played exceptionally by both, and then the chemistry between Farmer and Marron’s son Fletcher played brilliantly by Kaylen Aires Fonseca (one for the future) is a joy to see.
As the story progresses we get to meet various other characters in Marron’s life including a superb powerhouse performance from Emily-Mae playing Nicki Marron, Rachael’s sister, with a powerful and perfect voice for the roll required.
It becomes evident that Nicki feels there’s a chance of an impending relationship with Frank, but also the frostiness Rachel had to Frank is is changing to one of love.
Rachel and Frank get together, much to Nicki’s disappointment, but ,Frank realises this will impede his protection and with the stalker Sy Spector played by James Groom now becoming more evident, action is required.
The Oscars are approaching so diligence is needed as we build to a finale.
The songs keep coming and the story comes to a conclusion which is not a happy end for all.
We then finish with a superb rendition of “Where do broken heart’s go”, sung impeccably by Melody Thornton.
A standing ovation occurs, and the cast return for an encore with a melody of all the classic Whitney Houston’s hits, and now the audience can dance, sing-a-long and let themselves go.
Yes there were technical issues on the night, which even resulted in a break to sort them out, hopefully they were just first night gremlins, otherwise First Class Entertainment.
The shows only here until Saturday the 15th April, it’s your loss if you don’t attend.
