Romiley Operatic Society take Centre Stage at Stockport Plaza
Last week, Stockport Plaza played host to Romiley Operatic Society’s rendition of Evita. In my opinion, Evita is one of the most beautiful pieces Andrew Lloyd Webber has ever produced. The story of Eva Peron is so meaningful and packs so much grit and passion and that needs to be portrayed to the stage – and ROS did just that in stellar form!
This production sat as close to a professional outfit as physically possible – you could have taken that cast and stuck them centre stage on the west end and nobody would have complained. The sheer talent of everybody up there was simply mesmerising.
Before discussing individual performances, I must give the plaudits to those we don’t see. Dawn Leigh did a fabulous job at directing what can only be described as a masterpiece. Everyone involved was there for a purpose and everything flowed with great precision and that happens only when there is a good captain at the helm.
The orchestra was simply wonderful. Who doesn’t love a live band? And the music was captured with grace and power that it is hard to not applaud such skill.
Now the performances.
Eva Peron, Evita, Louise Colohan – SENSATIONAL.
Evita was a strong woman, a very passionate person and especially proud of the person she was and where she came from. Not a single aspect of Peron was missed by Colohan. Everything she said and did had poise and power with it. It was almost like watching the woman herself. To take the audience to that place is a truly exceptional talent and the fact that this actress did it with ease – just wow! On top of all that, the singing involved in this show is very particular and it needs to be right. Not only was it right, it was perfect! ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’ was the pinnacle. It is the song everyone knows, and most people wait to hear – not only was it perfect, but Colohan made it hers and you’d have thought she was the real Evita. A prefect actress who played the Perfect part. Brilliant! She deserved the standing ovation she received and so much more.
Moving on to the ever-talented Gary Jones. I have seen Gary perform on stage multiple times and even had the pleasure of sharing the stage with him in a production of West Side Story. Gary is a real professional and it shines through in all of his performances – including this one, with his embodiment of Che. Gary played the part with such a dominant stage presence that you could not take your eyes off him. It also adds to Gary’s talent that he choreographed the show on top of his role. The shows dance numbers were so good to watch and with Gary to thank for that, he can’t get enough plaudits.
Photo Credit: Steven Bailey Photography
Another great performance game from Paul Allison, playing the ever-powerful Juan Peron. Paul is very experienced and a great personality to have on stage. His wealth of experience was so evident in how he brought his version of Peron to the forefront. He was the perfect partner for Evita in this production and he gave a top-quality performance that really held the narrative. The emotion on show from Paul made this true story ever more real, and I can only sit and admire his work.
Jon Harrison provided a great supporting role as Augustin demonstrated fantastic singing skills and performance levels – setting the tone early on for the audience, very well done.
There was a cast of fifty-eight in this show, and the remainder I have not mentioned, all worked together to create what could be one of the best ensembles that I have ever seen on stage. The quality of dancing and singing was so high, and it was matched by a solid level of acting that did not stop or waver at any point. It is so important when being on stage that you are present at all times, and this cast were there at all times and they deserved the response they got from the audiences all week.
From start to finish, this show had me hooked. It may not be considered it, but to me – that was a professional show. The talent on stage was worth a ticket price ten-fold. Congratulations to all involved in Evita, as it is a show that I shall remember for a long time.
