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nightinr · 26 Feb 2017, 10:42

MANCHESTER 25TH FEBRUARY 7.30PM REVIEW

As promised I thought I would scribble a few notes about my experience last night.....

Firstly I must add I'm not a regular on the musical scene so I didn't really know what to expect. The Opera House in all honesty is a bit of a dump....I'm sure it was nice 50 years ago but it is in urgent need of a lick of paint and being brought into the 21st century.

It was a packed house and the crowd were all ages from 16-75 - a really nice mix of people.

I was disappointed that Andrew Polec was replaced by Benjamin Purkiss. Apparently this has happened a few times. I overheard somebody saying there was "problems with Andrew" - not sure if that is illness or something else?

Benjamin Purkiss and Christina Bennington gave solid performances -it is obvious they were very musically drilled. They both lacked the high notes Christina especially on Heaven Can Wait but on the whole they gave good performances. I would have liked both characters to be a bit more "rugged"....maybe that's what Andrew brings to the show. Benjamin Purkiss is almost too good looking - I bet he is copping off with every female member of the show!

The real stars of the show was Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton who gave unbelievable vocal and acting performances. Truly phenomenal especially Rob Fowler.

Also of note was Danielle Steers who gave an incredible performance of 2 out of 3.

Of the show itself it had a great set, great props and the music was fantastic. The songs that I don't always like Meat singing such as Objects, 2outof3, Crying out of Loud seemed perfect for the musical genre. I even enjoyed Who needs the Young (Rob Fowler sang it so much better than Meat!).

The main things thatthe producers need to work on prior to the official opening is the dancing which at times seemed like the local drama school and the attempted comedy....which I didn't find funny at all (nor did the majority of the audience).

I was critical of the show charging £65 for previews, however after seeing the show and approx 25 cast members plus orchestra I can see why they charge so much. I will admit I got that wrong.

Overall it was a great night bringing Steinman music to life. Few things to work on but hoping it ill be a long term success.

26 Feb 2017, 10:42	#487
nightinr Super Loafer Join Date: 04.09.2011 Posts: 370	MANCHESTER 25TH FEBRUARY 7.30PM REVIEW As promised I thought I would scribble a few notes about my experience last night..... Firstly I must add I'm not a regular on the musical scene so I didn't really know what to expect. The Opera House in all honesty is a bit of a dump....I'm sure it was nice 50 years ago but it is in urgent need of a lick of paint and being brought into the 21st century. It was a packed house and the crowd were all ages from 16-75 - a really nice mix of people. I was disappointed that Andrew Polec was replaced by Benjamin Purkiss. Apparently this has happened a few times. I overheard somebody saying there was "problems with Andrew" - not sure if that is illness or something else? Benjamin Purkiss and Christina Bennington gave solid performances -it is obvious they were very musically drilled. They both lacked the high notes Christina especially on Heaven Can Wait but on the whole they gave good performances. I would have liked both characters to be a bit more "rugged"....maybe that's what Andrew brings to the show. Benjamin Purkiss is almost too good looking - I bet he is copping off with every female member of the show! The real stars of the show was Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton who gave unbelievable vocal and acting performances. Truly phenomenal especially Rob Fowler. Also of note was Danielle Steers who gave an incredible performance of 2 out of 3. Of the show itself it had a great set, great props and the music was fantastic. The songs that I don't always like Meat singing such as Objects, 2outof3, Crying out of Loud seemed perfect for the musical genre. I even enjoyed Who needs the Young (Rob Fowler sang it so much better than Meat!). The main things thatthe producers need to work on prior to the official opening is the dancing which at times seemed like the local drama school and the attempted comedy....which I didn't find funny at all (nor did the majority of the audience). I was critical of the show charging £65 for previews, however after seeing the show and approx 25 cast members plus orchestra I can see why they charge so much. I will admit I got that wrong. Overall it was a great night bringing Steinman music to life. Few things to work on but hoping it ill be a long term success.