REVIEWS
"Las Vegas Nights"
Las Vegas Nights
The Tribune - 30.11.11
Las Vegas Nights
Abbey Musical Theatre, Palmerston North
24 November – 17 December 2011
Directed & Choreographed by Ian Harman
Reviewed by ROGER BUCHANAN
Abbey Musical Theatre’s theatre-restaurant setting is a great format to enjoy a show like its current Christmas revue, “Las Vegas Nights”, directed and choreographed by Ian Harman.
Turn up for a meal beforehand, or enjoy a coffee and the bar’s offerings during the show and sit down to be entertained without needing to engage the brain. Mmmm … sounds more like an advert so far, but the evening is certainly an enjoyable experience.
A sequence of songs from the classic Las Vegas genre – if it can be called a genre – “Las Vegas Nights” frolics through numbers from the Copa Room at the Sands, and standards by the Rat Pack, Judy Garland and Bobby Darin.
The two lead vocalists, Erica Ward and Bradford Meurk, display the diversity required to perform the range of vocal styles, delivering talented performances with a commanding stage presence. Kitten Carmichael as the principal dancer recreated the archetypal Vegas style with stylish routines that never disappointed. The “roulette” of Conil Tod, Emma-Jade Mechen, Hayley Tinning and Alexander van Brunt, provided excellent dance and vocal support throughout.
A director/choreographer who performs in his own show always takes a risk, but not this time – Harman’s occasional participation in the routines always lifts them to the next level.
I am not a dancer and would never presume to attempt knowledgeable comments about choreography, but the originality and precision of the routines stood out to even a two-left-footed observer like me.
At all times visually interesting, Harman’s style always impresses and this show is no exception.
Stage management and technical support was capable and timely, although the lighting could have been more glitzy in keeping with the Las Vegas style.
All in all, this was a most enjoyable night out.
Nights are all right in Las Vegas
Manawatu Standard - 26.11.11
Las Vegas Nights
Abbey Musical Theatre, Palmerston North
24 November – 17 December 2011
Directed & Choreographed by Ian Harman
Reviewed by GRAHAM JOHNSTON
“Las Vegas Nights” opened at the Abbey Theatre with a near-full house to greet the enthusiastic cast and production team.
Ian Harman (“CATS”, “42ND STREET”) has crafted his own homage to the Vegas show scene. With songs from Vegas stars like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Count Basie, it is not hard to find one to tap your toes to.
Bradford Meurk (“Miss Saigon”) and Erica Ward (“All Shook Up”) hold the lead vocals well. Bradford’s musical theatre pedigree is undeniable, although there were times when the lower notes got lost and his youthful tone was a bit amiss in his rat pack numbers. Some beautiful soulful moments from Erica brought the crowd to a hush, but needed the contrasting power that I know she has produced before.
They are backed up nicely by all-singing, all-dancing Roulette – Conil Tod, Alexander van Brunt, Hayley Tinning and Emma-Jade Mechen – who matched it well with the more experienced cast.
Much credit must go to Amy Hunt who crafted some great harmonies to bring songs like Copacabana to life.
Ian Harman was all crisp energy during his dance numbers with Kitten Carmichael and brought the show to life for me during the HMS scene when the theatre really came alive.
The sound balance, although muffled at times, allowed the singers to be heard against the recorded backing tracks. However, the vocals lacked the sparkle you expect from this style of music.
"Las Vegas Nights" offers a nice slice of Vegas life and with slick choreography, well-paced music and great singing, offers something for every theatre-goer.
