The junior and adult cast of the Aldridge Musical Comedy Society (AMCS) put on a great show for their latest theatre production, Stages Through the Ages. High-energy performances, toe-tapping tunes, and nostalgic numbers took the audience at the Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock right back to the Broadway production of Show Boat from the 1920s before journeying right through to songs from modern-day musical theatre shows, including Hamilton and Back to the Future.
Backed by a live band that kicked things off with an impressive musical composition consisting of a selection of classic musical tunes, the stage was set for a night to remember. The cast of Stages Through the Ages performed 29 songs from stage shows throughout the years, combining scintillating solo performances, dreamy duets, and harmonious ensembles from the whole cast.
Highlights included a powerful presence from Richard Beckett, whose commanding vocals shone in “Do You Hear The People Sing?” from Les Miserables, “Beggin’” from Jersey Boys, and “Luck Be A Lady” from Guys & Dolls. Hats off to Mark Newman for a perfectly-timed rap of the very tricky “Alexander Hamilton” from Hamilton, which he executed with style and rhythm; Rebecca Oatley for a beautiful performance of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from My Fair Lady; and Chloe Robinson, who delivered captivating solo performances from stage shows including Rent and Cabaret.
Chloe returned to the stage for a dazzling duet with Mark Bayliss, who left the pit as the conductor to join her on stage for an emotional performance of “All I Ask Of You” from Phantom of the Opera that wouldn’t have been out of place on the West End stage.
Numerous other members of the cast also took their chance to shine with a rousing and energetic version of “Ex-Wives” from Six, featuring Gaynor White, Chante Williamson, Sarah Beckett, Rebecca Oatley, Chloe Robinson, and Lucy Pountain, which received one of the biggest cheers of the night, and a pitch-perfect rendition of “Popular” from Wicked by Charlotte Mannion. Encapsulating the old showbiz phrase “the show must go on,” Emma Bosworth took to the stage in various numbers, including “Super Trooper” from Mamma Mia and in the role of Miss Honey from Matilda with crutches, having injured herself severely back-stage during the opening night. Now, that’s dedication!
The junior cast melted hearts when they first took to the stage for “Yellow Brick Road” from the Wizard of Oz, but proved themselves to be just as show-stopping as the adults with some fantastic performances, especially in “When I Grow Up” and “Naughty” from Matilda, with the likes of Amelie Williamson, Amelia Critchley, and Heidi Gottschall delivering their lines with maturity beyond their years. Indeed Amelia, aged just 13, also put on a sterling show as Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray with an impressive interpretation of the song “Good Morning Baltimore”.
A special mention must go to choreographer Sarah Beckett who has been behind the choreography at AMCS for 36 shows and is now taking a break. She can now enjoy her rest proud of her achievements and be pleased that she has gone out on a high with some magnificent moves from the cast ranging from 1930’s tap-dancing to modern dance styles.
Overall, Stages Through the Ages was a theatrical triumph, showcasing the talent and dedication of the AMCS cast and leaving the audience eagerly anticipating their next performance – So This Is Christmas, coming to the Prince of Wales Theatre between November 28-30, 2024.