ORANGEVILLE – Audience members may find themselves humming or singing a certain tune long after leaving the Opera House on Broadway here.
That’s because Theatre Orangeville’s latest offering – Across the Pond: the British Invasion – is a rip-roaring tribute to some of the greatest musical acts ever to cross the Atlantic.
It stars Orangeville’s own Leisa Way and the aptly named Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Way is, as usual, a delight, with an infectious smile, impeccable vocals and an impressive dedication to myriad costume changes.
Lead vocals are shared among the members of the band, including Fred Smith (lead guitar), Bobby Prochaska (bass), Nathan Smith (violin, mandolin, acoustic guitar), Bruce Ley (piano, guitar) and Don Reid (drums).
All five men are great performers, both instrumentally and vocally, and each song choice is perfect for their respective talents and range.
While he may not take centre stage as much as his counterparts, it’s clear Ley is the straw that stirs the drink, as they say. Also the production’s arranger and musical director, Ley is a gifted musician renowned for decades of significant contributions to TV, movies and live theatre.
The arrangements are spectacular and the show features seamless transitions and the ideal treatment for each musical selection, including a mixture of medleys and full songs.
While acts like the Beatles and Rolling Stones are obviously featured prominently, Across the Pond delves a little deeper into the repertoire, featuring great additions from British women (Petula Clark, for example) and films, and extends all the way into the 1980s (Wham!) and beyond, a welcome departure from many British invasion tributes.
The raw energy of the Animals’ House of the Rising Sun anchors the first half, while other show highlights include Procol Harum’s Whiter Shade of Pale, Gerry and The Pacemakers’ Ferry Cross The Mersey, Dusty Springfield’s Son of a Preacher Man and too many more to mention.
Full disclosure: this reviewer is generally not a fan of musical revues, but this one easily won me over.
The combination of gifted musicians, powerhouse vocals and flawless arrangements results in a nostalgic musical journey that celebrates legends and captivates the audience from the start.
Across the Pond: The British Invasion plays five shows a week at Theatre Orangeville until March 3.
For tickets call 1-800-424-1295 or visit theatreorangeville.ca.
