(Bill Kenwright Productions)
Creators of the hit show ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’ return
to Malvern Theatres with their other jukebox musical ‘Save The Last Dance For
Me’ showcasing the works of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Timeless classics such
as Viva Las Vegas, Sweets For My Sweet, Teenager In Love, And Then He Kissed
Me, Please Mr Postman and Tell Her are interwoven into a charming love story
set on an American Air Force base in ‘sunny’ Lowestoft in the early sixties.
Free from their parents, two sisters escape Luton, heading off to the seaside,
finding love and romance in unexpected places.
The romantic lead, Curtis, is taken by James Denton and
although he doesn’t seem comfortable playing the love struck GI, he really comes
into his own when he serenades the focus of his affections, Marie, reprised by
Elizabeth Carter who is delightfully innocent and naïve, with the voice of an
angel. X factor contestant, Lola Saunders, is great as Marie’s feisty, older
sister, Jennifer, proving her competence as a comedic actress and dancer, as
well as vocalist. Star of the pop band Blue, Antony Costa, revels in the part
of Milton, with a very convincing New York accent and secure vocals. Sackie
Osakonor’s muscular stature, as Rufus, is as impressive as his vocals and
highlighted the interesting choice of the casting director to cast overweight
men in the role of American servicemen. Audience members were discussing the male
physiques during the interval and carrying extra weight in a role where the
characters are supposed to be at peak physical fitness is something that the
performing arts industry would absolutely not accept from female performers
auditioning. It’s important that casting should reflect society and present a
variety of body shapes and sizes, however, casting has to be appropriate to each
specific role to make it believable and it is part of the actor’s job to then
stay in shape. The women clearly recognise the importance of that.
Rachel Nottingham and Kieran Kuypers deliver great
performances as Marie and Jennier’s, long suffering parents and Anna Campkin is
brilliant as Doris from Leeds. Musical talent oozes from every pore of the
immensely gifted cast of actor musicians, who make up the Forces’ band. The
rest of the supporting cast deliver slick performances throughout, maintaining
the energy and enthusiasm required for such a show.
Bill Deamer’s choreography is bright and cheery and despite
being a little repetitive it caters perfectly for the varying dance ability of
the cast making everyone look good. Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran write
simple, but effective dialogue that keeps the story moving along at a pace and Mark
Bailey’s set and costume design perfectly compliment the era and vibrancy of
the time.
Save The Last Dance For Me is an entertaining and enjoyable
night out with a sweet storyline and wonderful, live music.
4 stars
