Terry Wills is captivated by the latest night of musical magic from the new Alexandra Theatre.
An apt description and anyone that appreciates musicals whether on film or stage (as I do) that went to the New Alexandra Theatre too see Gotta Sing- Gotta Dance must have left with a spring in their step.
A cast of six from David McMullan, Adam Rhy’s Charles, Michelle White, Alison Dormer, Lucinda Lawrence and Rebecca Lisewski filled the stage with boundless enthusiasm, whether singing or dancing.
A wonderful selection ranging from Hollywood’s Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers 1930’s classics, plus audience pulling shows that are now so very familiar. Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserable, Evita, West Side Story, Oliver, Cats, Miss Saigon, plus many others.
We’re transported from London’s Lambeth Walk into the heart of New York’s 42nd St. From The Andrew Sisters’ wartime American Yankee Doodle Dandy and This is the Army to the hills being alive with The Sound of Music.
All the performers, without being star names in the accepted sense of the word, have appeared in musicals in theatres around the county in addition to the West End, and based on Gotta Sing – Gotta Dance will be making an inevitable return in due course.
Great singing, exhilarating dancing, they were all there. On a night that for me, was as entertaining as any I can recall, I just hope that it won’t be too long before the show makes a welcome return.