The World Goes ‘Round

Reviewed by: Patricia Connor on 16 Feb 2017
Venue: Greenbank Theatre
Date: 14 - 18 Feb 2017
Type of Production:  Musical Review
Music by Kander & EbbDirected by John Delahunty
Musical Directors Chris Rimmer & Gill Harris
Choreographer Jenny Birch

Southport Spotlights Musical Theatre Company’s latest production was a very stylish and excellently sung Revue called "The World Goes Round " which was originally produced in 1991 as an Off-Broadway Revue by Scott Ellis, Susan Stroman, and David Thompson as a tribute to the 30 year career of  Composer John Kander and Lyricist Fred Ebb who between them produced some of Broadways most memorable musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Funny Lady and also the title song to the film New York, New York, it has also been said that their shows are feminist as they have written in their shows some strong female characters, but unfortunately they also wrote some not so well known shows that had short runs on Broadway such as  Flora the Red Menace, The musical adaptation of Zorba the Greek, The Act, The Rink, 70, Girls, 70, The Kiss Of The Spiderwoman and Woman of the Year, however these shows all had some interesting great songs which are included in this Revue along with the more well-known numbers from Chicago and Cabaret. 

Directed by the talented John Delahunty there was some very enjoyable singing and well thought out exciting choreography from Jenny Birch which formed an important part of the production. The audience were treated to an eclectic interesting mix of well-known songs and some not so well known from the previously mentioned shows, all performed by a talented enthusiastic ensemble cast which included some very good individual and ensemble performances who not only sang the songs but interpreted their meaning and acted them as well. They all worked together very well and the audience were treated to one first-rate performance after another. The cast were all dressed in basic black but added various red accessories when required and there was the occasional change of costume for some of the cast which added to the feel of their performance. I would love to name everyone who took part in this show but as there was rather a large number in the cast and there were no weak links, I would not like to miss anyone out.  The band conducted by Co- Musical Director Chris Rimmer and with Gill Harris as the other Co-Musical Director were situated on stage and they produced very enjoyable expert accompaniments to all the numbers, they gave that extra something to the show that only live music can give.

The basic set with an efficient stage crew meant there was seamless movement from one song to another enabling a smooth slick paced show which along with very good technical input added to the ambience and enjoyment of the production. Congratulations to Director John Delahunty and to all involved in this excellent enjoyable production which introduced a number of songs probably not heard before to a wider audience. Thank you for inviting us we had a lovely evening as always.