Review of Gotta Sing Gotta Dance at the Devonshire Park Theatre by Roger Paine.
DEVISED and directed by the artistic director of Eastbourne Theatres, Chris Jordan, together with musical supervisor, Robert Cousins, also responsible for the music of Eastbourne's past seven pantomimes, this show has returned after a break of six mo
nths.
First seen at the Congress Theatre in March, it then went on a national tour.
It's now back in the more intimate surroundings of the Devonshire Park Theatre with a new cast, except for singer/dancer Alison Dormer, prior to touring 11 different venues before the end of October.
This vibrant all singing, all dancing compilation of 50 numbers from more than 30 West End and Broadway hit musicals, is performed by three gals, Alison, Sophie Byrne, Robyn North, and two fellas, Pharic Scott and Barnaby Thompson.
Together they bring to the stage top-drawer experience and infectious pizzazz.
Given only two weeks to rehearse, and with some of the performers currently starring, or about to star, in West End productions, this is a show to get you happily humming favourite melodies and toe-tapping in time with the sparkling dance routines, again choreographed by Nick Winston.
Music is provided on-stage by the original four-piece group, led from the keyboards by musical director Stephen Ridley, whose playing energises the singers and dancers.
The pace of the show never flags as one number rapidly follows another.
From the musicals of more than 40 years ago, including Oklahoma!, Half A Sixpence, Oliver!, The Boyfriend, to today's smash-hits, Phantom, Mamma Mia, Fame and Chicago.
There is something for everyone and the song Girl from 14G, from Let Yourself Go, is a show-stopper.
This is not a wham-bam, glitzy extravaganza, more a carefully compiled production full of genuine enthusiasm.
Many of the first night audience stood up to cheer and applaud.
The words from Gershwin's, I've Got Rhythm, neatly summed it up, Who Could Ask For Anything More?
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