This concert version was a sensational production and, with only one performance, it was a real gem and a wonderful Sunday night treat. The male and female ensembles only consisted of five people, but they sounded like twenty-five. The male harmonies in particular soared and rang out throughout the concert hall giving me goosebumps.
However the stars of the show were Rosalie Craig as Nellie Forbush and John Owen-Jones as Emile De Becque who, as always, were simply sublime. Owen-Jones’ accent may have done a round the world trip during his first few lines before settling in France, but their character portrayal and voices were magnificent and faultless. They are both a joy to watch and listen to, and I can think of few better ways to spend a Sunday evening than listening to them sing.
Bradley Jaden was quite a surprise as Lt. Joseph Cable - when he first sang he was quite quiet and underwhelming, and I really felt concerned that he was going to be a bit disappointing; but then he sang ‘Younger Than Springtime’ and my goodness! Words cannot do justice to the transformation that the audience witnessed and heard. He can certainly belt and, although it seem to be a slight physical strain and not as effortless as Owen-Jones makes it seem, he was magnificent.
The orchestra brought Rogers and Hammerstein’s melodies to life, and it was really nice (and amusing!) to see Alex Parker, the conductor, enjoying the music and dancing along.
It’s a real pity that this was just a one-night event, as I would have loved to have seen it again. I hope that there is a Craig and Owen-Jones show partnership lined up for the near future, and I really hope that, after this and The Hired Man, there will be more of these Sunday night concerts as they really are very special events.