SMAOS

2010 - COPACABANA (REVIEW BY NODA REP - SARAH THORPE)

Director: Nigel Machin
Musical Director: Marilyn Blank
Choreographer: Lisa Bradshaw

REVIEW COMING SOON

2009 - THE BOY FRIEND (REVIEW BY NODA REP - SARAH THORPE)

Director: Kevin Proctor
Musical Director: Liz Cheetham
Choreographer: Kevin Proctor

On reading the society's very informative programme, I had not realised how many links 'The Boy Friend' has to Manchester.
Writer Sandy Wilson was from Sale and the film soundtrack was adapted by a Salford man who trained at the venue of tonights
performance. I am sure the production would have gained favour from both of these local men.
The director, Kevin Proctor, on his directorial debut for the society, definatley used the venue to his advantage by staging the production
in-the-round which worked exceptionally well.
The show maintained its brightness, style and colour throughout and Kevin must have had absolute confidence in his cast as there really
was little place to hide, and the cast didn't let him down.

The girlfriends and boyfriends were all cast well supported by a strong chorus with both their singing and movement.
Liam Hetherington (Lord Brockhurst) definitely squeezed all the humour out of the role and this really added to the production.
All of the principals were adroit, particularly Natalie Maughan (Polly Browne) who gave a really complete and enjoyable performance.
Vikki Brunning (Masie) delivered well and Rachel Hamilton (Mme Dubonnet) brought great character and some great costumes to the role.

Well done to All.

2009 - THE THREEPENNY OPERA (REVIEW BY NODA REP - JOHN FLAY)

Director: Eleanor Ford
Musical Director: Ian Christensen

Unlike today, musical theatre was not set out in one fashionable theme, operetta, revue or musical comedy.
In the 1920's 'The Threepenny Opera' hit musical theatre in the way that Sondheim hit the world of G&S.
The question is, is the impact still there? I think there will always be an audience for Weill and Brecht's 'Beggers Opera'.
That audience, like Sondheim audiences, is not of the main stream and it was very brave of this society to present this avant-garde piece of
theatre.
The opening number "Mack the Knife", was delivered by Siani Owen with a total understanding of what was required from the music. That
understanding, unfortunately, did not extend to the rest of the cast, despite all their hard work.
The dialogue was not allowed to do its job which made the production drag. This, coupled with the bland interpretation of the music, left the
audience uninspired.

All the characters, led by Paul Allison as Macheath and Vikki Brunning as Polly Peachum were dedicated and focused throughout.
No Matter how hard they worked, the libretto and score needed greater work from the production team.