British Invasion
July 15, 2011
Musical Director: Gavin Tucker
Stage Director: Mike Dawson
Cast: Mark Allan, Paige Robson Cramer, Danny Malena, Jennifer Dawson Hobbs, Patrick Foran, Roy Berti, Evan Smith, Bill Simms, Gavin Tucker
Stephenville Theatre Festival kicked off its 33rd season with a celebration of British hits that have made a mark on popular music – with stellar performances by several Bay St. George musicians.
The first act of “British Invasion” is an homage to the Ed Sullivan Show, whereby quintessential British rock ‘n’ roll acts that appeared on the show are highlighted onstage.
Many of the STF performers manage to capture some of the charisma and appeal of the original artists – which include the Beatles, Jerry and the Pacemakers, Herman’s Hermits, Yardbirds and Rolling Stones.
The definite standout is Jennifer Dawson Hobbs. Her rendition of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun” leaves the audience both enthralled and excited for more. Her voice has a depth and spirit that could easily rival any performer in the province – or beyond.
Besides her vocal abilities, Dawson Hobbs’ natural charisma and mannerisms onstage are spot-on; one actually gets the feeling of a live concert performance rather than somebody playing the part of a famous musician onstage.
Also impressive onstage is Patrick Foran, whose provides folly as the show’s host. For the first act, Foran did his homework and picked up several quirks and mannerisms to play Ed Sullivan. He moves the show along swiftly, all the while keeping the audience’s attention and even garnering a collection of laughs for himself.
The second act is designed as an MTV-era show, with Foran incarnated as MTV video jockey Mark Goodman. He tells the audience the “second wave” of the British Invasion came about during the early days of music videos and has continued to the present day. Acts such as the Police, Duran Duran, the Police, Joe Cocker, Annie Lennox and Adele are highlighted.
The STF band really hits their stride during the second act. Roy Berti on drums, Evan Smith on keyboards, Bill Simms on bass and Gavin Tucker on guitar give impressive performances, even if they’re not at the front of the stage. Of particular note is Tucker’s guitar solo during Cream’s “White Room.” (One might asking themselves why a song from 1968 would be included in the MTV-era portion of the show. Well, the audience is told this and several other classic songs were featured on the music channel in the 1980s.)
Dawson Hobbs brings the audience to a complete standstill with her rendition of the Phil Collins’ hit, “Against All Odds.” Even if you’re not a fan of Phil Collins, this performance is not to be missed.
The sole protest with the show would be a few of the costume choices. A couple of performers seemed uncomfortable in their get-ups, and there was something about the suits worn during the Beatles’ numbers that didn’t read mod or cool.
Overall, with good vocals and an adept technical crew keeping pace with the quickly changing performances, “British Invasion” provides for an entertaining evening that appeals to both young and older fans of pop music from ‘across the pond.’ The show plays on July 30, Aug. 3, 7 and 13.
