It must have been moonglow that turned a wonderful evening into a magical one.
Perhaps the full August moon over the Drayton Festival Theatre collaborated with the richly talented creative team and music for the soul. A wellspring of emotions was felt by the audience on the opening night of Hollywood Sings. Toes were tapping in the wake of welling tears as the most memorable music in film history was ardently performed to the utter joy of the audience.
Much that had been forgotten was recalled as award winning classics were exhumed and newer hits were revived. Each song was familiar and new life was breathed into lyrics at the hands of a cast that exuded passion, skill, glamour and goodwill. The musical revue included hilarious moments with famous lines from the movies and sketches from scenes that had the audience howling with laughter.
Classics from the golden age of movie musicals took the stage, starting with Al Jolson and Mammy, songs such as Stormy Weather, My Foolish Heart and Singin’ in the Rain, leading to modern day melodies from Mamma Mia, Goldfinger and Titanic. A medley of Disney songs reminded the audience that even the humble Jiminy Cricket knew what life was all about.
A five-piece band performed on stage and a screen clarified the spotlighted movie, showing many of the original posters.
David Rogers, who played the lead role in this summer’s production of Les Miserables, conceived and created Hollywood Sings along with David Hogan. With musical talent at every level, this duo created a show with a perception that only their vast experience and talent could provide. Special songs were honoured in full length, comedic touches were timely and the continuity was flawless.
With an experienced and intense cast of seven, highlights of the evening were non-stop.
Mark Cassius, a true professional who sang baritone with the acapella band The Nylons for seven years, graced the stage in numbers such as the poignant Smile, written by Charlie Chaplin. Each line and word seemed a revelation with his delivery.
Susan Gilmour who played Eva Peron in Drayton Entertainment’s Evita, engaged the audience thoroughly with her charm and magnetism in songs such as The Man That Got Away and Pocahontas.
Michael Vanhevel, most memorable from last years’ Songs of Sinatra, returned with his smooth baritone in song greats such as Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Diane Chase, with top ten credits on the country charts under her belt and having toured and performed with Alabama and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, brought her great stage personality and warmth. She engaged the audience with her performances of 9 to 5 and Coalminers’ Daughter.
Brian Belleth, new to Drayton Entertainment but not to the stage belted out Our Love Affair from the 50s with soulful skill.
Christine McKeon and soprano June Crowley further enhanced the production with their powerful, divergent voices.
The singularly talented cast came together in harmony such as in Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and in the comedic sketches they created a spirit of fun and intimacy with the audience.
The Twilights performed a larger than life score featuring the greatly accomplished Mark Payne on piano, Randy Rektor on guitar, Jesse Grandmont on violin, Dan Bearg on percussion and Mark Laidman on bass.
Mark Payne was also an appealing vocalist in several numbers. His simple duo at the piano with June Crowley of Falling Slowly from the movie Once was moving. However, he was not convincing in his role as Gretl in The Sound of Music.
Costume credit for the riotous Von Trapp skit alone must be noted. Where did they find those curtains after all these years?
Drayton Entertainment’s Hollywood Sings plays seven shows a week at the Drayton Festival Theatre, Aug. 5 through 23.
To purchase tickets visit www.draytonfestivaltheatre.com, the Drayton Festival Theatre box office, or call 519-638-5555 or 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
