REVIEW: THE MGM STORY
NUFFIELD THEATRE, SOUTHAMPTON
This is a hugely enjoyable theatrical documentary, telling the fascinating story of the powerful American film studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
Written by Chris Burgess, directed and choreographed by Matthew Cole, musically arranged by Andy Collyer, this brand new production celebrates the professionalism of showbiz performers and their attitudes – “...they smile when they are low...”
It’s pacy, informative, and entertaining, tracing the Golden Age of song and dance from its iffy beginnings in the 1920s, through its popularity peak in the 30s, 40s and 50s with classic musicals The Wizard Of Oz, Meet Me In St Louis, Easter Parade, and Singin’ In The Rain, to its social decline in the 60s due to the impact of family television and pop culture.
At its height of popularity, MGM successfully used – and sometimes sadly abused – the talents of Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, the Gershwins and many more.
Packed with interesting facts, figures, anecdotes, and gossipy innuendo, the show features a slick three-piece band of piano, bass and drums, and three talented singers and dancers.
Particularly outstanding are the beautiful Zing Went The Strings Of My Heart and the explosive I Got Rhythm.
The numbers are energetically and crisply performed, emphasising the importance of memorable melodies, rich harmonies, tap-dancing rhythms, and delicious lyrics: “I could write a sonnet/about your Easter bonnet...”
As this show perceptively concludes...”Without MGM, the world would be a greyer and less musical place.”
Brendan McCusker
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