Magic of the Movies/Best of Broadway
★★★☆☆ Catchy tunes
Edinburgh New Town Church (Venue 111): Wed 7 Aug – Fri 9 Aug 2024
Review by Cyril Langston
Edinburgh Musical Theatre presents a double bill of fan-favourites in two concerts with Magic of the Movies and Best of Broadway at Edinburgh New Town Church (formerly St Andrews and St George’s West) for three nights only.
Magic of the Movies presents favourites from animated films. A rather eclectic mix of titles fills the movie-themed programme, with everything from Taylor Swift to Rascal Flatts. The selected films are family-friendly, making this show appropriate for a family evening out.
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With music arrangements by Nicola Kendall and music direction by Kayleigh MacDonald, each song is adapted to suit EMT’s cast of almost 40. Standouts include Emily Millard and Zan Milner’s Hallelujah, with unique harmonies bringing a new and welcome twist to a popular song.
Andrew Hally and the men’s ensemble come alive in their rendition of Frozen 2’s Lost in the Woods, loosening up and allowing their personalities to shine through. It’s a missed opportunity that the women’s ensemble doesn’t have a similarly characterful piece, but they do get a chance to come together for their rendition of Touch the Sky from Brave.
Those in the front row may find themselves in the proverbial splash zone, just inches away from high kicks and jazz hands. The group moves through the aisles of the theatre often, which brings a dynamic element to the production.
Unfortunately, issues with the sound interfere in a few instances, with the quieter soloists difficult to hear, even with quite quiet background music. With such well-known songs, this lower energy is noticeable.
passionate about Broadway
The same performers, following in Best of Broadway just after, are hardly recognisable in comparison. It’s not difficult to guess that the group is passionate about Broadway; the ensemble is completely transformed by the energy and smiles that suddenly appear for this production. From the first notes of the appropriate opening number There’s No Business Like Show Business from Annie Get Your Gun their voices fill the space, their dynamics reflect the emotion of the song, and their stage presence lights up.
Master of the House from Les Miserables gives soloists Ben Carey and Aimee Corr space to show their lighter sides, while Kieran Robson Renner wows in Kinky Boots’ Step One. The ensemble has the most fun with a medley of songs from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, with choreography by Sheona Dorrian and more audience interaction loosening up the crowd.
The men’s ensemble once again stands out with a beautiful rendition of Miss Saigon’s Bui Doi made memorable by Alex Cruikshank’s excellent solo. EMT are at their best when their passion and excitement shine through.
Musical theatre lovers will feel like they’re among friends as they tap their toes to the selection of songs fans of the genre know and love in Magic of the Movies and Best of Broadway.
Running times: 50 minutes each show (no interval)
Edinburgh New Town Church, 13 George St EH2 2PA (Venue 111)
Wednesday 7 – Friday 9 August 2024
Music of the Movies: 7.10pm; Best of Broadway: 8.40pm.
Tickets and details:
Music of the Movies; Book here.
Best of Broadway: Book here.
EMT Website: https://edinburghmusictheatre.co.uk
Instagram: @edmusictheatre
Facebook: @edinburghmusictheatre
ENDS
