I took stroll down memory lane the other day and I must say it truly was on THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET. This production was running at The Jermyn Street Theatre until Saturday and was an homage to the broadway lyricist Dorothy Fields. Having worked at the top level for 45 years her canon was impressive.
Set in a beauty parlour which is closing down we hear the work of Ms Fields through the ages. It was sung-through and that is not my favourite treatment but this time it worked – a lot to do with the material but you also feel you are in good care under the clever hands of director and deviser Tim McArthur, and Sarah Trevis – Tony award winning arranger – who have crafted the piece with love.
The voices on stage were among the best I have ever heard at close quarters – names like Leanne Jones and Rosemary Ashe, will not be unknown to musical aficionados but also Helen Hobson, Shona White (from Wicked) and Jane Milligan were marvellous to behold.
The sad bit is it is over now but I have a feeling in my water about this one. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if this popped up again. I certainly hope for another stroll down that side of the street.
sending...