Brilliant Broadway

I have a confession to make – this reviewer is a Broadway Baby. What a joy to be treated to such a wide variety of wonderful Broadway song choices (decisions made by writer Doug Williams) encompassing something for everyone.

The production has had its share of challenges along the journey, including cast and crew changes, but those obstacles were overcome by sheer enthusiasm and energy.  Co-directors Brenda Filomeno and Donna McGlinn did a fine job under difficult circumstances. There were well experienced performers combined with a few first timers, showing true community spirit. Most of the voices were lovely (with a couple of pitchy, off-key exceptions), engagingly portraying the characters and stories from the songs. The costumes and projected backdrops were eye-catching and appropriate, enhancing the musical numbers.

It was wonderful to see talented family groups together on stage also - Alisha Higgins and her daughter Carys Higgins, Arnon and Chrissy Yahav (parents) with their two young children Saraya and Tom Yahav, along with married couple Deborah-Joy Sykes and Thian Sykes.

The absolute highlight was the “Cell Block Tango” from Chicago – so funny and well staged. It’s worth going, just to see this number. In fact, all the full cast presentations were very entertaining, including the finale – “Time Warp” (Rocky Horror Show). Jemima Merrell (who also did a great job on the choreography) sang a beautiful version of “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables. Other high points included “As Long as He Needs Me” (Oliver!) by Anne Westmorland, “Chim, Chim Cher-ee” (Mary Poppins) by Jim Fury, “‘Till There Was You” (Music Man) from Barbara Goodyear, the adorable Yahav siblings singing “Where is Love” (Oliver!) and “Maybe” (Annie) plus several appearances featuring the operatic voice of Deborah-Joy Sykes.

Judy Neumann

tweedtheatre.com.au