‘A Night at the Movie Musicals’ // ANATM

‘A Night at the Movie Musicals’ was impeccable.

Prepare to embark on a cinematic journey as the stage springs to life with the allure of ‘A Night at the Movie Musicals’. More than just a concert, this event celebrates the iconic movie musicals that have left a mark on our hearts. From classics of the golden era to hits that continue to captivate in the 21st century, this concert promises an evening where melodies harmonize with the magic of motion pictures.

A Night at the Movie Musicals’ showcased the exceptional talents of South East Queensland’s emerging vocalists. The performance enthralled the audience with cherished hits from iconic movie musicals, including Go The Distance from ‘Hercules’, Maybe This Time from ‘Cabaret’, Journey to the Past from ‘Anastasia’, From Now On from ‘The Greatest Showman’, Money, Money, Money from ‘Mamma Mia’ and many more!

The Creative Team employed a simple set design, using three black boxes and an illustrious red carpet reminiscent of a grand Movie Premiere. This seemingly straightforward set was ingeniously utilised, with the cast seamlessly interacting with the boxes, jumping, sitting, and stepping up, adding depth to their performance. In addition, small props like tea towels, handcuffs, and hats helped with their character portrayal, enhancing the experience. The cast, dressed in black yet still showing individual styles, exquisitely captured the ambience of a movie premiere, enhancing the production’s visual and cinematic mix.

The lighting design was elegantly simple, yet effective. Basic LED lights illuminated the stage, complemented by two sets of LED lights with adjustable heads that created captivating effects like disco balls, a jail cell, and spotlights. This masterful lighting arrangement heightened the visual impact of the performance, enhancing the vocal-centric nature of the show. While minor microphone issues occurred during larger ensemble numbers, these technical issues are expected to be resolved as the run progresses.

The exceptional ensemble, featuring outstanding performers such as Nykita O’Keefe, Alex Watson, Heidi Enchelmaier, Sophora Cliff, Chelsea Sales, Carly Wilson, Cody Arthur, Aj Betts, Connor Hawkins, Jaime O’Donoghue, Paige Mckay, Liam J.O’Byrne,, and Jake Lyle, all delivering impeccable performances under the expert musical direction of Michael Keen.

From soulful solos to harmonious duets, each vocalist radiated brilliance, seamlessly intertwining their voices to create a formidable ensemble dynamic. The Creative Team’s decision to have each vocalist perform in character added a compelling layer of depth, illuminating the songwriters’ intentions.

Even in the grand ensemble numbers, each vocalist maintained their unique character, providing insightful glimpses into the essence of these beloved movie musicals. A special mention must be made to Laura Greenhalgh & Jarrod Moore as stand-out performers throughout this production. Their angelic vocals wowed the audience. Moore’s rendition of From Now On had the audience so gobsmacked they forgot to start clapping, a surreal experience.

A Night at the Movie Musicals’ offered an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping entertainment at the esteemed Ron Hurley Theatre. The seamless blend of nostalgia and modernity created a fantastic atmosphere that immersed the audience in the world of movie musicals. This captivating showcase promises an exhilarating fusion of cinema and music, leaving audiences eagerly yearning for more. We look forward to the next one!

‘A Night at the Movie Musicals’ performed until August 5th, 2023 at The Ron Hurley Theatre. For more information follow ANATM on Instagram.