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The Glenn Miller Story
The New Alexandra Theatre
***** IN the summer of 2014, Tommy Steele was having dinner with his dear friend, director/producer,Bill Kenwright, and during the evening the seeds were sown for the idea of The Glenn Miller Story. Without hesitation, it
was decided that Tommy was the perfect choice to play the role of Glenn,
the iconic leader of the most famous swing band of the wartime era. And
so, the story begins. The packed auditorium
at The Alex greeted the delightful Tommy Steele with rapturous applause
as he stepped into the aircraft hangar that formed the versatile,
cleverly designed set. The opening number,
Without You, a duet with Tommy and
'Chummy' MacGregor, (Ashley Knight) set the tone for this terrific show. The troupe of superb
dancers gave high octane energy with the big show stoppers, including,
Sing Sing Sing, Chattanooga Choo Choo,
St Louis Blues March, Get Happy and the
finale of Don’t Sit Under The Apple
Tree, I’ve Got A Gal From Kalamazoo and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
where the enthusiastic audience were invited
to sing-a-long and happily obliged. Alongside the great
swing numbers, there were poignant duets with Glenn and his beautiful
wife Helen, (Abigail Jaye). Helen also gave us solo renditions of
Moonlight Serenade
and At Last.
Pure magic. When Glenn eventually
found 'the sound' he had been searching for and the band he formed hit
the stage with In The Mood
one can fully appreciate the huge appeal the band commanded in the 1930s
and into the early 1940s and today still, the glorious music with its
unique formula is enjoyed by Miller aficionados globally. So very sad that the talented Miller died, in his
musical prime. On that fateful night of 15 December 1944 , the plane he
boarded to Paris went missing over the Channel. However, the legacy he left the world is
priceless and in this fabulous show, Tommy Steele brings Glenn to life
and boy, does Tommy deliver; a consummate showman who has been wowing
his fans since the 1950's with his genial style and flair . . . and
whatever you are on, we all want some! With excellent support from the talented
ensemble, this show will put you well and truly in the mood. For an
uplifting, feel good evening, this show is a must. And what a treat to
have some imaginative choreographed tap numbers. Love it! All credit to directors Bob Thomson and Bill
Kenwright, the boys in the excellent band and of course, the inimitable
Glenn Miller. Runs to Saturday 27 August 27th Elizabeth M Smith 23-08-16
A fitting tribute to a star
**** YOU’VE got to hand it to former teen idol
Tommy Steele for his performance as legendary American bandleader and
trombonist Glenn Miller. Although approaching his 80th birthday in
December and, with wispy grey hair and a not so spritely on his pins
these days, he looks a bit like your favourite granddad, he is still a
real pro. Tommy works the audience particularly well,
turning to chat to them at suitable moments and leads the cast and the
customers in a rousing finale with numbers like Don’t Sit Under the
Apple Tree, I’ve Got a Gal from Kalamazoo and Boogie Woogie Bugle
Boy. At one point in the show, when he is referring to
Miller’s phenomenal musical output, he chuckles: “Never mind him . . .
I’m knackered”. He mimes playing the piano and trombone pretty well,
too. It’s easy to see why Tommy hesitated when offered
the role, and some might feel a little uncomfortable with those romantic
scenes with young wife-to-be Helen Burger in the first act, but Abigail
Jaye, who sings beautifully, deals with the situation tactfully and
makes a considerable impact. The very charming ex pop star pensioner and this
musical really hit the spot just before the interval when the superb
orchestra all appear together on stage to play the memorable
Moonlight Serenade, and they excel later when becoming Major
Miller’s wartime band, continuing to play during an air raid with bombs
exploding nearby. That’s courage. Other huge hits to thrill the audience include
In the Mood, Pennsylvania 6-5000 and Little Brown Jug, while
Tommy is indebted to the outstanding group of singer-dancers who join
him in so many of the important numbers. Glenn Miller’s exceptional talent was tragically
lost to the world when his plane disappeared over the English channel
during a flight to entertain the troops in Paris in 1944.This musical is
a fitting tribute to a great musician. Directed by Bob Tomson and Bill Kenwright, the
show runs to 27.08.16 Paul Marston 23-08-16
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