Aspects of Love
|
1st - 5th December 2015
Director: Keith Burgess
Musical Director: James Cassleton Choreographer - Claire Gray CastAlex Dillingham - Christian Wedlock
Rose Vibert - Sue Prior George Dillingham - Martin Sampson Jenny Dillingham - Claire Shilling Marcel - John Payne Giulietta Trapani - Fran Cave Elizabeth - Angela Springett Hugo Le Meunier - Mark Turvill |
Chorus
David Annett, Jean Burgess, Wayne Byrom, Melanie Campbell, Jenny Jones, Pamela Lee, Richard Lee, Claire Leonard, Bob Noble, June Saich, Janet Turner, Natalie Vivian, Maureen Willcocks
NODA Review
‘Aspects of Love’ was first seen at the Prince of Wales Theatre in April 1989 where it ran for 1325 performances. It opened at the Broadhurst Theatre New York one year later and had a run of only 377 performances. Critics in the UK were by and large respectful of the work, unlike their American counterparts who felt that ‘it generated as much heated passion as a trip to the bank’. I certainly don’t fall into the latter category but I do feel that the show is not really suitable for amateurs to stage, especially as it revolves around four/five characters with little to offer the company (who are generally the main stay of amateur societies) Having said that I thought you put on a good production of one of Lloyd Webbers less popular musicals.
The staging was stark but worked well for the numerous locations, aided strongly by the projections. They were used to great effect either to convey what was in the eye of the beholder or as a backdrop - and the speed of the train - but I don’t see any mention in the programme as to the sourcing or design. They really did add to the presentation. ‘Aspects of love’ - not a tried and tested musical – challenged everyone involved, but Keith Burgess’ vision of how to stage the show worked well, and his direction was good. Because of the nature of the musical and the minimal set/furniture the stage tended to look rather bare, but the cut out at the back was a clever idea.
I’m sure that most people in the audience were delighted that the show opened and closed with ‘Love changes everything’ which is possibly the only song anyone recognizes from this particular musical. In true Lloyd Webber style it was woven in amongst other music and there were a couple of memorable songs that I’m surprised didn’t become better known. They were ‘The first man you remember’ and ‘Anything but lonely’, both of which were sung beautifully by George and Rose respectively.
The slick set change by the cast from stage to dressing room was a piece of theatre in itself, and apart from one very loud bang during a scene change the changes were carried out efficiently.
Sue Prior’s acting and singing were first rate in the role of Rose. Although she had some wonderfully tender moments, as the story progressed she came across as a completely self-centred woman who would not tolerate being alone and she was prepared to do anything to ensure that she wasn’t. Sue gave an excellent portrayal of a complex character.
As her young lover Alex, Christian Wedlock gave a good performance but he had a tendency to drop his voice in the tender moments and most, if not all of the show, was underscored, so from time to time it was difficult to hear him. The orchestra were too loud when he was singing in the lower range and when the story is told through the music it is imperative to keep the volume at a suitable level. ‘Seeing is believing’ was praiseworthy– sung with tenderness and feeling.
The quartet was very good indeed.
If there were NODA awards for individual performances then on this occasion Martin Sampson would be my choice. I do see some exceptionally good performances as I visit societies and Martin’s years of stage experience created a wonderfully gentle, romantic, worldly, lover, husband and father in the character of George Dillingham.
Although Claire Gray is not a teenager her slender figure and demeanour gave her the appearance of one, and she was enchanting as the young daughter Jenny. Both her acting and singing were commendable and she moves beautifully.
Francesca Cave played the sculptress Giullietta Trapani strongly and her singing was good.
Johnathan Payne was suave as Marcel and Mark Turvill was plausible as the extra male interest that Rose always needed to have at hand.
Elizabeth was a lovely cameo role for Angela Springett and it provided some lighter moments in a show that was, for the most part, a serious reflection on, as the title states, aspects of love.
I enjoyed the few numbers that the company were involved in – the Circus scene was a colourful and lively one and lifted the mood, and the choreography was good and performed with style by the cast in the funeral scene.
The furniture and properties were of the period and wigs/hair pieces looked fine.
Costumes were suitable but Alex’s uniform trousers were too long. I understand that he had a quick change but it’s the little things like that that spoil an otherwise professional looking show. One or two of the ladies needed more support from under-wear as their costumes were a little tight in places and Rose’s black dress was not really suitable. Martin’s costumes were spot on for his character.
Under the leadership of James Casselton the eight piece orchestra made a good sound.
Lighting was well plotted and operated and the projections appeared on cue. The sound department needed to make some adjustment in order to hear the quieter moments in the dialogue and singing.
Your programme is set out properly for ease of reading and I have forwarded them to Kay.
Thank you for inviting me to see the production, which for me was a first and also for your hospitality on the evening.
I wish everyone at WWAOS a very happy Christmas and look forward to seeing ‘Jack The Ripper’ in 2016 – one of my favourite shows!
E. Gloria Smith.
N.O.D.A. South East Regional Representative – District 12
The staging was stark but worked well for the numerous locations, aided strongly by the projections. They were used to great effect either to convey what was in the eye of the beholder or as a backdrop - and the speed of the train - but I don’t see any mention in the programme as to the sourcing or design. They really did add to the presentation. ‘Aspects of love’ - not a tried and tested musical – challenged everyone involved, but Keith Burgess’ vision of how to stage the show worked well, and his direction was good. Because of the nature of the musical and the minimal set/furniture the stage tended to look rather bare, but the cut out at the back was a clever idea.
I’m sure that most people in the audience were delighted that the show opened and closed with ‘Love changes everything’ which is possibly the only song anyone recognizes from this particular musical. In true Lloyd Webber style it was woven in amongst other music and there were a couple of memorable songs that I’m surprised didn’t become better known. They were ‘The first man you remember’ and ‘Anything but lonely’, both of which were sung beautifully by George and Rose respectively.
The slick set change by the cast from stage to dressing room was a piece of theatre in itself, and apart from one very loud bang during a scene change the changes were carried out efficiently.
Sue Prior’s acting and singing were first rate in the role of Rose. Although she had some wonderfully tender moments, as the story progressed she came across as a completely self-centred woman who would not tolerate being alone and she was prepared to do anything to ensure that she wasn’t. Sue gave an excellent portrayal of a complex character.
As her young lover Alex, Christian Wedlock gave a good performance but he had a tendency to drop his voice in the tender moments and most, if not all of the show, was underscored, so from time to time it was difficult to hear him. The orchestra were too loud when he was singing in the lower range and when the story is told through the music it is imperative to keep the volume at a suitable level. ‘Seeing is believing’ was praiseworthy– sung with tenderness and feeling.
The quartet was very good indeed.
If there were NODA awards for individual performances then on this occasion Martin Sampson would be my choice. I do see some exceptionally good performances as I visit societies and Martin’s years of stage experience created a wonderfully gentle, romantic, worldly, lover, husband and father in the character of George Dillingham.
Although Claire Gray is not a teenager her slender figure and demeanour gave her the appearance of one, and she was enchanting as the young daughter Jenny. Both her acting and singing were commendable and she moves beautifully.
Francesca Cave played the sculptress Giullietta Trapani strongly and her singing was good.
Johnathan Payne was suave as Marcel and Mark Turvill was plausible as the extra male interest that Rose always needed to have at hand.
Elizabeth was a lovely cameo role for Angela Springett and it provided some lighter moments in a show that was, for the most part, a serious reflection on, as the title states, aspects of love.
I enjoyed the few numbers that the company were involved in – the Circus scene was a colourful and lively one and lifted the mood, and the choreography was good and performed with style by the cast in the funeral scene.
The furniture and properties were of the period and wigs/hair pieces looked fine.
Costumes were suitable but Alex’s uniform trousers were too long. I understand that he had a quick change but it’s the little things like that that spoil an otherwise professional looking show. One or two of the ladies needed more support from under-wear as their costumes were a little tight in places and Rose’s black dress was not really suitable. Martin’s costumes were spot on for his character.
Under the leadership of James Casselton the eight piece orchestra made a good sound.
Lighting was well plotted and operated and the projections appeared on cue. The sound department needed to make some adjustment in order to hear the quieter moments in the dialogue and singing.
Your programme is set out properly for ease of reading and I have forwarded them to Kay.
Thank you for inviting me to see the production, which for me was a first and also for your hospitality on the evening.
I wish everyone at WWAOS a very happy Christmas and look forward to seeing ‘Jack The Ripper’ in 2016 – one of my favourite shows!
E. Gloria Smith.
N.O.D.A. South East Regional Representative – District 12