REVIEW: BROADWAY SHOWTUNES

BIG LITTLE THEATRE SCHOOL

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

This is musical theatre at its very best. Bournemouth’s prestigious and hugely talented Big Little Theatre School delivers a scintillating show.

Featuring more than 150 young performers, and a superb live pit orchestra, this pacy production thunders through some magnificent Broadway musicals including Fame, Miss Saigon, and Copacabana.

Exploding into New York, New York from the classic movie On The Town, this multi-talented company produces slick precise choreography, rich vocal harmonies, and atmospheric storytelling.

The stage set is creative, costumes are colourfully convincing, and lighting is powerfully atmospheric.

In a flawless production, outstanding highlights include the dreamlike True Love from High Society, the moving dramatics of Jesus Christ Superstar, and the stylishly precise dancing of I Wanna Be A Rockette, the compelling dance troupe from New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall.

Effective and informative overhead projections signpost a tribute to Debbie Reynolds with some magical and energetic tap-dancing on Good Morning, from Singin’ In The Rain.

Big Little Theatre School’s inspirational Principal Michelle Guy and co-founder and Musical Supervisor Colin Billing have produced yet another phenomenal show, starring some utterly fantastic local talent.

The romantic finale from Cinderella triggered a standing ovation, the encore featuring the enormous cast on the beautiful Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Broadway Showtunes runs until Saturday.

Big Little Theatre School’s 21st Birthday Concert celebrates at Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday October 29, 2017. Put it in your diary!

Brendan McCusker