Decide for yourself

“Some Enchanted Evening,” performed by The English Musical Theatre Orchestra, was a delightful homage to classic musical theatre, featuring a full 26-piece orchestra playing the original arrangements of beloved songs. This approach stood in stark contrast to the more limited instrumentation often used in contemporary performances, offering a rich and authentic listening experience.

The evening began with some minor sound issues affecting the soloists’ voices, but these were swiftly resolved. The repertoire, which touched on themes of love, lust, dating, and heartbreak, resonated with a younger audience, though it was predominantly older attendees who filled the venue. It’s a reminder of the enduring appeal of these classics and a hope that younger generations will come to appreciate the depth and value of such performances.

Roy Locke and Lisa Jane Kelsey, the evening’s performers, exhibited exceptional chemistry. Their classically trained voices brought a new level of complexity and emotion to the majority repertoire of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s compositions. This was particularly evident in Lisa’s poignant rendition of “If I Loved You,” one of the vocal highlights of the night.

The orchestration was dynamic and fluid, providing a robust backdrop that allowed the soloists to shine both vocally and theatrically. Locke, though occasionally a bit overzealous, showcased his talents beautifully in “On the Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady.

Hearing the original arrangement of “My Favorite Things” was a unique and refreshing experience, highlighting the song’s intricate composition. The West Side Story segment was the pinnacle of the evening, displaying immense passion and theatricality from all performers.

It was also a treat to hear selections from less frequently performed shows such as Show Boat, Camelot, and Brigadoon. These pieces, often overlooked in the British musical theatre scene, were given a professional and heartfelt rendition by the orchestra.

The English Musical Theatre Orchestra, making their public debut, proved to be a young and vibrant ensemble. Under the charismatic and passionate direction of conductor Gregor Reid, they brought each piece to life, with Reid’s engaging narration adding depth to the performance.

“Some Enchanted Evening” was a fantastic showcase of classic musical theatre, performed with skill and reverence by a promising new orchestra. I eagerly anticipate future performances by The English Musical Theatre Orchestra, confident that they will continue to bring these timeless classics to new heights.

Review by A Young(ish) Perspective