The Great American Songbook 2016

• General Information
• Programme
• Photographs
• Press coverage
• Poster 

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General Information          The Great American Songbook - 2016

Dates
Thursday 7th July - Saturday 9th July 
Evenings at 7.30pm

Venue
Westbourne Hall, West Kirby 

Musical Director - Robert Bowness

Accompanist - Jonathan Clayton

Rehearsal Accompanist - Victoria Wells

Together with Dancers from The Wallasey School of Ballet
under the direction of their Principal

Deborah Clark

Ticket Sales -  Bob Jarvis

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Programme               The Great American Songbook - 2016

Performers

Helen Banton  Tia Gill  Sue Jarvis  Denise Milnes  Joan Reynolds Jones  Debbie Simnor  Jean Taylor  Linda Thompson	Fran Allen  Jan Bradshaw  Amy Duggan  Rachel Campbell-Large  Carol Garland  Jane Graham  Beki Jenkins  Fiona Philpott  Cressida Yorke
Gerry Johnston  Michael Kennedy  Greg Moore  Keith Phillips	Mike Ellis  Eric Mates  Mel Schless  Derek Thomson  Tony Clare

Plus dancers from the Wallasey School of Ballet                                  

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Photographs               The Great American Songbook - 2016

The cast in rehearsal

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Press Coverage                  The Great American Songbook - 2016    

                                            

                             NODA REVIEW  - ‘The Great American Songbook' - WKLOS

After the performance was over many people came and asked me if I had enjoyed it. I told them “What's not to like about what you just heard”. The most difficult thing about compiling a production billed as the Great American Songbook is not what you put in but what you leave out;  WKLOS could easily do another concert of the same name with entirely different songs and it would be as great as this one was simply because it reflects an era resplendent with arguably the greatest Composers, Lyricists Arrangers and Artists who were active during the first half of the 20th century. WKLOS are indeed fortunate to have such a fine playing membership which enabled them to take advantage of the material available to them. They were also excellently supported by dancers from the Wallasey School of Ballet who made the most of the confined space available to them at Westbourne Hall doubtless due to the expertise of Choreographer Debbie Clark. Great costumes as well ladies. There was no mention of a Director but Tia Gill was I understand in charge of the staging and Rob Bowness once again demonstrated what a fine Musical Director he is especially with ensemble songs.  If I had a criticism it would be that at times soloists need to remember that when dealing with songs from this genre it is not always enough to “Sing” the song. The phrasing needs to have warmth and emotion  and in some instances it was not there. The singing in itself was fine but being greedy I wanted more. This last comment in no way detracts from the enormous enjoyment felt by myself and the audience for this really engaging show. The back stage protaganists, lighting sound and costuming etc all played their part in supporting their on-stage colleagues. Accompanist Jonathan Clayton did a splendid job in contending with such a wide variety of musical styles as I am sure was also the case with Rehearsal Pianists |Victoria Wells and Imogen Hayward. As I said earlier there are enough musical treats left in the “book” to do it all again and if you do I'll be there with bells on. Budge Grounsell, Region 4 NODA Representative.

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Comments from an audience member by email

Hello, I must pass on my thanks for a superb evening on Saturday, we have never been to one of your shows and were blown away by how good the whole event was! Just fantastic, the singers, dancers, conductor, pianist, sound system etc etc, a hugely impressive effort which we thoroughly enjoyed. Better than many shows we've seen over in Liverpool. Please pass on our thanks to the whole team it really was just brilliant!!! And add me to your emailing list please! Regards

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Poster              The Great American Songbook - 2016





Poster Design - Nick Sample