Summer break is here for KTB Music Theatre Chorus! By which we mean: "it's time to continue to do our homework, and vocal exercises, and all that steaming and so on that we're supposed to be doing." Honest, Katy...
Tonight was a typical note-bashing session, as our small but well-balanced group worked through some of the songs we'll be performing at our upcoming concert dates. What better way than to begin by re-acquainting ourselves with the fundamentals in "Do-Re-Mi" (The Sound of Music)? It's the jam and bread of music, after all. Although the entirely optional opt-up has taken on a life of its own in the soprano 1 section. "They crave high notes," said KTB, disbelievingly, and this writer had the sudden feeling that we should maybe not be quite so enthusiastic to fling things to the top lest we have a repeat of TBoND. Nevertheless, our soloist corralled us unruly children with great aplomb. Would Maria the Nun be Martin the Monk in this version?
"What Shall We Do With The Drunken Sailor?" (Fisherman's Friend) has a) now earned its very own text replacement shortcut, and b) definitely got more seaworthy with each run-through. Hearing each section run through the piece separately was absolutely brilliant; the alto line in particular is gorgeous. This is one that we'll be ingraining into our muscle memories due to its overlapping lines and tricky notes, and also because as an a capella piece, we need to pay attention to Katy for cues. Very enthusiastic cues. If you come along to the concerts, you'll see what I mean. It's a joy to behold, I'll tell you that much.
Next up, we worked through the sweet and sentimental "How Does a Moment Last Forever?" (Beauty and the Beast)... or at least, the rest of the chorus did, while I went on a mission into the main theatre. It was lovely to walk back in and hear how pretty it was all sounding, and then I had to pretend that I actually know how to sight-read for the full run-through. Well done to our soloist, who obviously received a traditional and well-earned round of applause and cheering at the end.
The MTC summer break may have a new tradition (the reason I went on that mission): ICE CREAM! If you've never been to Chorley Theatre, you won't know that the ice cream on sale there is absolutely delicious (and locally made). Thank you to Paul for playing the role of our ice cream man for the evening!
"Back in Time" (Back to the Future) has had a last-minute soloist swap-out due to availability, and you know by now that our cheering for each other is always well-deserved and enthusiastic. This was a song that is just perfect for our role-swap theme, and so it's absolutely brilliant that we can both keep it and have it remain so great to listen to.
Finally, it was time to get back in the saddle and actually attempt that very awkwardly-placed page turn into the final 'bah dah wah' section in "Jeepers Creepers" (Going Places). I am pleased to report that we actually crossed the finish line and even managed to do a full run-through!
Extra cheers and applause for all of our semi-chorus members and soloists who stayed behind to work on pieces after rehearsal. It's all coming together, and we're all looking forward to hearing everything when we get to our performances.
In case you missed the announcements, our "Opposites Attract" concerts will have two slightly different set lists and will be spread across two venues: Much Hoole Village Hall, on 4 September, and Chorley Theatre Studio on 5 September. Both performances start at 19:30 (doors at 19:00), and tickets are on sale now! Tickets for the Much Hoole Village Hall evening are available on our WeGotTickets page, and tickets for the Chorley Theatre Studio concert are on sale on the Chorley Theatre website, or directly from the theatre Box Office when it is open.
While you're all buying tickets and arranging transport to come and see us perform, we'll be working on those songs. Joking aside, it's time to lock in and get this show ready for the stage. One rehearsal more!
Written by Aeryn Isherwood