Express & Star

Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review with pictures

An air of musical theatre nostalgia swept through the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre yesterday afternoon, as Much Loved Productions presented their concert, Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

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Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Formed in 1994, this company of five established, professional singers aim to hit the high notes of entertainment with concerts and shows celebrating a variety of composers and their music.

At the helm was compère Malcolm McKee, well known for his long-standing role in The Archers on Radio 4, who kept the proceedings moving swiftly along from the off.

Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Meanwhile, the excellent British Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and musical director Anthony Kraus filled the Grand Theatre stage with favourite after favourite soaring across the auditorium.

The journey began with the infectious number It's a Grand Night for Singing from State Fair, before visiting musicals Oklahoma, South Pacific and Carousel in act one.

Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Soprano Marilyn Hill Smith delighted with Out of My Dreams and You'll Never Walk Alone, while Louise Crane gave a rousing rendition of June is Bustin' Out All Over.

Act two saw excerpts from the mighty musical The King and I, and a little known but delightful song called A Lovely Night from Cinderella.

Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Highlights included Something Wonderful and Hello Young Lovers before concluding the afternoon with a medley of best loved tunes from the classic show, The Sound of Music.

There were some under-rehearsed moments and certainly some variations on the correct song lyrics, which the audience forgave, focusing purely on the entertainment.

Some Enchanted Evening: The Sound of Rodgers and Hammerstein

Again, soprano Marilyn Hill Smith rose to the challenge and brought the concert to a close with a wonderful rendition of Climb Every Mountain.

A must for lovers of musical theatre from this bygone age.

See www.grandtheatre.co.uk for similar events.