REVIEW TAMWORTH MUSICAL
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SOCIETY – 125 Years of Blood, Sweat and Cheers
As soon as Mary, Peter and I entered the Tamworth Town Hall on Saturday night some of my muso mates who were playing in the orchestra commented: “We know you will enjoy the show.”
They certainly weren’t kidding!
To put together this five-star concert so soon after the record breaking season of The Sound Of Music was a feat in itself.
Director Ben Mettam worked closely with TMS president Peter Ross, MC Bill Gleeson, musical director Tim Godden, stage manager Daniel Gillett, sound engineer Mitch Alcorn, lighting operator Jordan Hearne, wardrobe advisor Ann Walsh, properties master Lynn Stahlhut and lighting designer Peter Godden for two hours of magical variety entertainment of the highest standard.
Right from the opening segment there was loud cheering and clapping for the 35 members of the cast and orchestra who brought back lots of nostalgia with hits from many of the well-known musicals like Show Boat, South Pacific, Cabaret, Annie Get Your Gun and Hello Dolly.
Mr Gleeson, who has been a member of TMS for 54 years, gave the audience a very detailed and interesting history of the society as well as providing excellent piano backing for many of the cast.
Multi-talented musical director Tim Godden has been a TMS member for 14 years and showed his versatility by writing many of the charts, providing piano accompaniment and conducting the orchestra.
What a lovely surprise having Patrick and Vanessa Kelly making a special trip from Auckland in New Zealand.
They are extremely talented, professional performers who both enjoyed their four years in Tamworth and would not have missed the celebrations for quids. Patrick will also be remembered for his dynamic work in Peter Allen The Man and His Music at the annual Billabong Jazz Concert four years ago.
Nice to see my good mate Ron Hartmann still playing great trumpet at the age of 77. He and his son Graham were much valued and very supportive members of the 18-piece Johnny Muller Big Band between 1977 and 1986.
Congratulations to all members and supporters of the Tamworth Musical Society on 125 years of providing many unforgettable and cherished moments from so many outstanding and varied productions.