Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by George Furth

 

NODA Review by Dee McIlroy

 

Like Marmite, Stephen Sondheim, you either like his work or not it is one or the other, but we know that whatever Concept are involved in they will make such a success that we are all won over however we feel and even converted! Once more this energised company took the Borough Theatre Abergavenny by storm with their precision work, their feet hardly touched the ground!

Central to the production is Franklin Shepard played by Shane Rose-Goodsir a very versatile actor and an inspired piece of casting here as Shane epitomised the sleaziness of this character a completely natural performance, given effortlessly. This musical is based on the rich influential songwriter and film producer over twenty years of his life and what he gives up and brushes aside to get where he wants to be.

We were taken back in time. Complicated lives were woven into this equally complicated score, brilliant work by Musical Director Christopher Fossey and his skilful band to great effect. Here I mention the choreography, outstanding work from Adam Pitt bringing the cast in to scenes with skill. Hayley Toms as Mary Flynn and Kristian Zgorzelski as Charley Kringas gave fine performances. Other excellent roles were played by the enchanting Ellie Hoare as Gussie Carnegie and solid Stephen Hopkins as Joe Josephson.

We must never forget the importance of cameo roles, here immaculate Paul Buckle wove his magic Jerome/Minister and Tony Bevan Terry/Mr Spencer, the whole cast worked well together with great chemistry. Outstanding set and tech. Congrats to Director and Producer Ruairidh MacLeod-Lyon, Paul Buckle and all the talented team.

The news on the Abergavenny Street is fantastic show!