The Star: June 20, 2019

The Music of Andrew Lloyd
Webber in Concert
Produced by Showbiz
Christchurch
Devised by Andrew Lloyd
Webber
Reviewed by Georgia
O’Connor-Harding
THE COMPOSER who has
had one of the biggest impacts
in musical theatre history has
been celebrated in a slick concert
featuring an enormous cast.
Andrew Lloyd Webber may
be a polarising figure, but there
is no denying he has driven a
blockbuster career – as well as
opening up
countless career
opportunities
for those in
the performing
arts industry.
That is
why Showbiz
Andrew Lloyd
Christchurch’s
decision to
build a concert
Webber ​
around Lloyd Webber’s greatest
musical triumphs has been a
success.
The Music of Andrew Lloyd
Webber in Concert was an
enchanting production to watch
over the weekend – with the
show easily flowing in a kaleidoscope
of bright, dazzling acts.
Each act showcased between
one to three songs from Lloyd
SUPERB: Ashley Brown was
a stand-out performer.
Webber’s arguably best musicals
including The Phantom of the
Opera, Cats, Evita and Jesus
Christ Superstar.
What I loved most about
this show was while there were
featured soloists – there was no
starring role. Everyone got to
have a moment in the spotlight
and every performer looked like
they were genuinely having fun
on the stage.
A huge proportion of the city’s
performing arts community was
involved in this concert – the
show was diverse in how it had a
large singing and dance chorus,
orchestra, children’s chorus and
soloists.
It is was difficult to pick a
stand-out performance from
such a high calibre of acts.
But Donna Alley stole the
news online at www.star.kiwi
Dazzling concert celebrates Lloyd Webber
TRIUMPH: Showbiz Christchurch has had another
successful production with its concert celebrating Andrew
Lloyd Webber’s greatest music.
FLAIR: The graceful dancers deserve a mention.
show in her magnificent performance
of Prima Donna from The
Phantom of Opera.
Alley was a true professional.
She commanded the stage in
The Star Thursday June 20 2019
THEATRE/ARTS 25
her role as the vain, over-the-top
Carlotta and I was blown away
by the scale of her crystal-clear,
powerful voice.
James Foster’s eerie stage presence
and beautifully authoritative
voice made him perfect for
the role of The Phantom.
Music of the Night was a bewitching
performance to watch
– I was completely drawn in by
Foster’s compelling singing and
the way the music was elegantly
executed by the orchestra.
The other joy of the show was
the opportunity to discover
some of Lloyd Webber’s musical
gems from his less well-known
productions.
For me, this was Theme and
Variations 1-4, from Song and
Dance. The song was a rocked-up
piece of music based on Italian
violinist Niccolò Paganini’s Caprice
No. 24 In A Minor.
Ashley Brown was superb in
how he played the leading cello
role with confidence and poise.
The performance was combined
with a clever, foot-tapping dance
choreography which was a treasure
to watch.
The 30 members of the dance
chorus deserve a mention, they
were graceful, in-sync and professional,
particularly in Jellicle
Songs for Jellicle Cats.
Showbiz Christchurch never
fails to impress, and its Lloyd
Webber concert has been
another immense success. If it
is anything to go by, I can only
imagine how good its next show
– Miss Saigon – will be later this
year.
A great lifestyle in a
supportive community
• Stunning serviced
apartments
• Restaurant & bar
• Landscaped
courtyards
• Close to The Palms
Open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm
or by appointment including weekends.
Apartments
ranging from
$289,500
Call Jenny on 021 993 943 for your own personal guided tour
The Village Palms - 31 Shirley Road, Shirley Where new memories are made