Music and Drama - An Evening of Lerner and Loewe

Date: Thursday 26 February 2009

The concert was given by 'Music a la Carte', guests and the cast of the Junior School production of 'My Fair Lady' on the evening before February half-term. The purpose was to tell the story of the partnership between Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, who wrote 'My Fair Lady' as well as 'Gigi', 'Paint Your Wagon', 'Camelot' and 'Brigadoon'. The concert also gave the junior cast an opportunity to sing some of the solos and chorus numbers that they have rehearsed in preparation for the production of 'My Fair Lady' in March. Highlights of the evening included Aimee Walker-Reid singing 'Wouldn't it be Loverly' and Tom Hess performing 'On the street where you live'.

The audience was completely won over by Hartley Alleyne, who sang 'I was born under a wand'rin' star' from Paint your Wagon, his ultra-base voice impressing everyone in the appreciative 175-strong audience.

Mr Pearce, Mr Southey and Mr Austen sang 'With a little bit of luck' and showed their dancing skills! There were also songs to thank Mr Pearce for all he has done for Junior Drama over the years, as he retires at the end of the academic year. Songs from 'Annie', 'Fiddler on the Roof' and 'Guys and Dolls' were followed by Mr Pearce rounding off the evening with his party piece - 'Pick a Pocket or Two' from 'Oliver'.

The whole evening proved to be an excellent advertisement for the production of 'My Fair Lady' next month and all left the hall humming various tunes as they made their way home in the snow that was falling outside.

Photographs: copyright Thomas Hooley 2009