Save The Last Dance For Me - New Alexandra Theatre

This production of Save The Last Dance For Me at the New Alexandra Theatre really wowed through an incredibly talented cast. 
 
The story is of two sisters on holiday in Lowestoft in 1963; when they are invited to the nearby American base, romance blossoms between 17-year-old Marie and American GI Curtis, interspersed with many popular 60s songs.
 
Having a live band for a fabulously 60s show such as this really builds the atmosphere; having a live band formed of the cast members themselves was truly spectacular. This was especially fun in scenes involving the sisters' parents, Mildred (Rachel Nottingham) and Cyril (Kieran Kuypers), where seconds after their scene had ended their saxophones were thrust upon them and the audience were launched into the next toe-tapping number.
 
The vocal talents of the entire cast were stunning, and this was especially evident and effective in the a capella numbers such as Sweets For My Sweet and Hushabye - a special mention must be given to Sheriden Lloyd in his role as Johnny: his tremendously low voice was an audience favourite. Elizabeth Carter performed wonderfully as Marie, engaging very well with her romantic lead Jason Denton as Curtis, who also gave a fantastic performance. Lola Saunders as Jennifer also delighted in her renditions of Be My Baby and Little Sister. The vocal talents of Antony Costa (Milton) and Sackie Osakonor (Rufus) were also demonstrated beautifully in several musical numbers throughout.
 
A mention must be given to Bill Deamer for his dazzling choreography that felt authentic and was expertly performed by all.
 
The only criticism is that occasionally accents slipped a bit - however this was usually quickly recovered and certainly did not detract from what was a fun-filled and engaging production, stuffed full of wonderful tunes.
 
It was lovely to see audience participation encouraged in the songs, and many were bopping around in their seats singing along, allowing the audience to really become absorbed in the story.