The concert, which took place at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane in December, will be released in cinemas on the 14th and 18th February.
Oh what a glorious celebration of the great partnership of Rodgers & Hammerstein this is! Celebrating the 80th anniversary since their first collaboration, this concert performance (featuring an incredible line up of performers) is a treat from start to finish to witness. But just as importantly, it highlights the significance and importance of Rodgers & Hammerstein in musical theatre history – even if some people in 2024 find that what they created is a bit dated.
However, as Julian Ovenden so brilliantly articulates, the duo are “musical theatre’s Shakespeare” and this is something that strongly comes across in this concert performance, which not only covers all their biggest songs but reminds us of some hidden gems along the way. It was a joy to hear Daniel Dae Kim’s performance of ‘It’s a Puzzlement’, quickly followed by him reuniting with Maria Friedman for a charming performance of ‘Shall We Dance?’ that goes down a treat.
The 40 piece Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee, beautifully highlighted the lushness of the scores that Rodgers & Hammerstein created so wonderfully – enhancing the emotion and power effectively. Michael Ball’s renditions of ‘ You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ were beautiful highlights that really brought the emotion to the surface.
From a personal level, I have always loved the romantic qualities of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s collaborations, which in the concert are highlighted by Joanna Ampil’s version of ‘Love Lloo Away’ Flower Drum Song or Patrick Wilson and Lily Kerhoas’s particularly beautiful and thoughtful performance of ‘If I Loved You’.
Aside from more poignant moments, the concert also knew how to have plenty of fun as well, with Marisha Wallace’s interpretation of ‘I Cain’t Say No’ (and ‘I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair’ of course) and Jonny Labey’s rendition of ‘Kansas City’ providing plenty of fun (also a show isn’t a show unless you have a tap dancing sequence involved!). The full cast involvement in ‘Do-Re-Mi’ gives each of the performers a chance to highlight their particular set of talents. Anna-Jane Casey’s rendition of ‘The Lonely Goatherd’ is performed with particular charm that puts a smile on everybody’s face.
Other real highlights of the evening performances include Audra McDonald’s powerful and moving rendition of ‘ Climb Ev’ry Mountain’, giving the concert the ultimate climax, while Aaron Tveit’s rendition of ‘You’ve Got to be Carefully Taught’ proves just how relevant this song is to this day. There is power and passion on display in every performance.
Rita Moreno’s guest appearance offers one of the many brilliant nostalgic moments in the show, with an unexpected story involving Deborah Kerr that certainly makes the audience laugh delightfully, perfectly encapsulating the whole atmosphere of the evening . Andrew Lloyd Webber’s appearance was equally sincere and poignant (but could have been a bit more to the point) and it is clear from all of the performers exactly how much the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein has meant to them.
It is a real treat to hear so many beloved songs in one concert and it comes across as a warm and affectionate tribute to a duo who first showed us the power of musical theatre. I just wish I had been there to see it live.
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets for the cinema screenings visit: https://concert.rodgersandhammerstein.com/
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐