A Tribute to the Hollywood Greats

Join us for an evening of some of Hollywoods' greatest tunes from stage and screen, in tribute to Hollywood Legends Mario Lanza, Kathryn Grayson and Gordon Macrae. Includes songs from: The Student Prince, Carousel, Desert Song, Oklahoma, Kiss me Kate, The Great Caruso, Guys and Dolls, Showboat, and The Merry Widow. Additionally, operatic items from La Traviata, La Bohème, Madam Butterfly and more... All this wittily and expertly enhanced by professional compere, Dean Powell.

This fabulous programme consists of songs from the Hollywood films and shows, charting the above stars' careers and successes. The concert atmosphere can be lifted by perhaps asking for a dress code; DJs/Tuxedo for the Gents and glad rags for the Ladies! Maybe adopt a Hollywood theme and decorate the room and tables in the style of an intimate nightclub? Usher your guests into the entrance along a red carpet and perhaps have a photographer on hand to take pictures as they arrive and at their tables - rather like a Hollywood Premiere. If people want the pictures they could order them. A wonderful way to relax and enjoy some of the Golden Oldies from the heyday of romance and love, bringing a touch of glamour and sparkle and a guaranteed hit with the audience.

"The three vocalists were well chosen; all had trained at prestigious music and acting colleges and all had plenty of professional singing experience. Elizabeth Woods had a warm soprano voice and did well as Grayson, particularly on songs like I Hate Men, where she often sounded as though she meant it! Tenor Alexander Anderson-Hall had the Hollywood operatic sound as exemplified by the late Mario Lanza very well reproduced, as though he had studied the old films very carefully indeed. James McOran-Campbell sang strong, sinewy baritone and together in pairs or as singles, the three managed to create an atmosphere of high quality music presented with skill and flair. Last but very far from least, Catriona Beveridge played scintillating piano accompaniment throughout, her touch at the keyboard a delight, her timing, impeccable.

All of this music is timeless and will be heard in various settings forever, but unfortunately, presentations are few and far between. In general they are, of course, loved mainly by people of a certain age, but loved and revered they are. You only had to listen to the extended clapping, foot stomping and shouted demands for an encore at the end of this show to realize that. "

Derek Ansell, Newbury Weekly News, Feb 2006

Gallery Nine: Tales from Vienna>>

 

Gallery One: Songs of the Phoenix >>

Gallery Two: Legend of Tantuna >>

Gallery Three: Handel's Messiah >>

Gallery Four: La Boheme >>

Gallery Five: Gala Concert 3 singers >>

Gallery Six: Gala Concert 4 singers >>

Gallery Seven: Christmas Special >>