(Pic: Marion Loudon, Barry Thomson and Melanie Roberts)Memorable musical tribute to the Carpenters at Heritage Theatre. (Review by Rosalie Howard)
The Heritage Theatre has kicked off into 2010 with Yesterday Once More, a memorable musical tribute to the "Carpenters", the brother and sister duo who were the biggest selling group of the 70's.
The production features Heritage Theatre's favourite, Marion Loudon and the inimitable Melanie Roberts, back on stage for the first time since her return from Dubai. Backed by the outstanding, well rehearsed band - Dawn Selby (musical director/backing voice support), Barry Thomson on guitar and vocals, Glen Turrell on bass and Andy Turrell on drums, pedal steel (and anything he can get his hands on!). This talented group jump from instrument to instrument during the show very competently and it was great fun to see Marion playing drums at one stage in Andy's place while he moved onto the pedal steel! Glen Turrell who is usually the quiet, unobtrusive one provided us with a couple of deep base 'fillers' on voice which added a touch of fun to a couple of the songs.
This show is purely a musical tribute and includes some 24 well-remembered Carpenter's numbers, including favourites such as For All We Know, This Masquerade, Close To You, Top of the World, Desperado, Jambalaya, Mr Postman and many others - too many to mention!
Melanie, with her 'seductive', deep alto voice together with Marion with her sweet mezzo, true yet powerful voice with an enormous range, created a perfect balance in the songs they sang together, with Dawn providing complementary harmonies to most of the songs. With her perfect pitch which is so dependable, Dawn performs solo a couple of the soul-touching numbers we remember so well which brought tears to my eyes. The multi-talented Barry Thomson has the knack of performing in a sensitive and gentle manner and is so nimble on his strings, he is an absolute pleasure to both listen to and watch!
Gary McKenzie, with his effervescent, light way of looking at life, and his sense of humour has created a delightful show, with Melanie Roberts as the Host/MC during the performance. A perfect choice with her vast experience. The stage decor was sensitive and subdued, creating an up-market lounge effect. The girls' many costume changes were slick and extremely elegant.
The supporting musicians are, as ever, professional, well-rehearsed and talented making up the perfect mix for a show such as this. The music is mellow and flows easily yet infectious enough to encourage audience members joining in many of the favourites, particularly the final number which was, appropriately Sing. It was a lovely change to enjoy a night of creative music as the Carpenters' repertoire always was performed by top musicians with a love for music.
The show played to a full house and, apart from one very loud table who seemed to find everything sensitive very funny, the audience thoroughly enjoyed the show which was evident from the volume of applause after each song.
The choices on the menu were, as usual, beautifully presented and the selection good. However, I was disappointed with the starter selection which was Gazpacho, Stuffed Squid Salad (too much tomato!) or Apple Crumble Salad. Main choices were the Heritage's famous Karoo Lamb Shank or Line Fish or Traditional half Roast Portuguese Chicken followed by an immense Cheese Board, Bread and Butter pudding and Crème Brule.
This production is a must for those looking for a refreshing change, an evening of romance, sweet and gentle entertainment. Congratulations must also be proffered to Colin Peddie for his sound design, Vera Platt who operated the lighting, designed by Illuminati and Danielle and Sara Jane for the follow spots.
Yesterday Once More runs until January 24. Tickets R190 Wednesdays to Saturdays at 19h00 (R165 Tuesdays at 19h00 and Sundays at 12h30) include the show and a two-course meal. For more information or to book, call the theatre on 031 765 4197 or visit www.heritagetheatre.co.za - Rosalie Howard
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