Review: THE THEATRE CHANNEL - Episode 7, Rodgers & Hammerstein (Online)
Photo credit: Edward Johnson
For episode 7 of The Theatre Channel, we are taken to the beautiful surroundings of Regent’s Park and the open-air theatre for a special celebration of the music of the legendary Rodgers and Hammerstein. From Allegro to The Sound of Music, this tribute to many a classic was as beautiful as the surroundings.
With a cast including Josefina Gabrielle, Daniel Koek, Amara Okereke, Caroline Sheen and Michael D. Xavier, we are treated to a number of performances interspersed with an interview with Ted Chapin, former President of the Rodgers and Hammerstein organisation, telling us about some of the partnerships’ most famous pieces of work including The King and I, The Sound of Music and Carousel to lesser-known musicals such as Flower Drum Song.
Highlights of this online offering include Caroline Sheen’s rendition of ‘Whistle A Happy Tune’ from The King and I , Daniel Koek’s take on ‘This Was Nearly Mine’ from South Pacific, Ethlinn Rose and Tavio Wright’s charming performance of ‘Sixteen Going on Seventeen’ from The Sound of Music and Michael D. Xavier’s performance of ‘Climb Every Mountain’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ medley that saw him take to the stage of the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
The Theatre Café Five, consisting of Danny Becker, M-Jae Cleopatra Isaae, Vicki Lee Taylor, Anthony Starr and Kayleigh Thabani, provides wonderful accompaniment throughout with energy and grace.
This episode of The Theatre Channel takes these songs, some of which could be considered somewhat old fashioned, and gives them a new life by sending them out into the surroundings of the park. It gives the saying “all the world’s a stage” a brand new meaning and the bird song at the beginning is wonderfully fitting to “all the sounds of the earth are like music.”
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Rebecca Wallis
To view the episode and book, please click here.
