October 28, 2008
Beyond the Barricade are an acclaimed theatre company featuring performers who have played principal parts in the hit musical Les Miserables. The four singers stand at the front of the stage, each illuminated by a spotlight, and deliver an exhilarating evening of powerful and tender songs from musicals of recent years. Beginnning with shows by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the audience were treated to some of the best numbers from Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, and Cats. Andy Reiss and Becci Morrell gave an excellent rendition of 'All I Ask of You', and Morrell’s 'I Don’t Know How to Love Him' set a high standard for the evening that was met throughout.
The musicals Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and The Lion King featured, as well as two playful tunes from the more recent musical Spamalot. The songs were broken up by David Fawcett’s cheerful joking with the audience and introductions to the musicals. Many of the crowd pleasers were songs from the shows We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia, featuring the music of Queen and ABBA respectively. Fawcett introduced the ABBA songs by expressing his reluctance to include them, his mind finally being made up by hearing Pierce Brosnan’s attempts in the film.
The touring company travel light with just three musicians (and extra keyboards from Reiss, who is very much at the heart of the show’s musical direction). Keyboards, bass, and drums make up the musical accompaniment. The skill of the musicians does not take away from the feeling that this evening would be so much better with an orchestra, or at least three or four more musicians, rather than string sounds on keyboards. However, such luxuries are probably not an option for a small touring company.
The group finished with songs from Les Miserables, and most notable of these was David Fawcett’s 'Bring Him Home', and Katie Leeming’s 'On My Own' – songs both performers have sung previously while starring in the musical itself. This extended finale, all featuring songs from Les Mis, prompted an encore and loud appreciation from the crowd. The show is terrific entertainment from a versatile and talented group, whose enthusiasm for musical theatre was matched by their talent to share it with an appreciative audience.
The musicals Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon and The Lion King featured, as well as two playful tunes from the more recent musical Spamalot. The songs were broken up by David Fawcett’s cheerful joking with the audience and introductions to the musicals. Many of the crowd pleasers were songs from the shows We Will Rock You and Mamma Mia, featuring the music of Queen and ABBA respectively. Fawcett introduced the ABBA songs by expressing his reluctance to include them, his mind finally being made up by hearing Pierce Brosnan’s attempts in the film.
The touring company travel light with just three musicians (and extra keyboards from Reiss, who is very much at the heart of the show’s musical direction). Keyboards, bass, and drums make up the musical accompaniment. The skill of the musicians does not take away from the feeling that this evening would be so much better with an orchestra, or at least three or four more musicians, rather than string sounds on keyboards. However, such luxuries are probably not an option for a small touring company.
The group finished with songs from Les Miserables, and most notable of these was David Fawcett’s 'Bring Him Home', and Katie Leeming’s 'On My Own' – songs both performers have sung previously while starring in the musical itself. This extended finale, all featuring songs from Les Mis, prompted an encore and loud appreciation from the crowd. The show is terrific entertainment from a versatile and talented group, whose enthusiasm for musical theatre was matched by their talent to share it with an appreciative audience.