Beyond the barricade is back
Schmaltz goes into overdrive when it comes to musicals. But the very best of them - an entertaining, heartfelt, light-as-air romp - take just a few moments to win over diehard sceptics. No wonder musicals at the West End or on Broadway are riding an...
Schmaltz goes into overdrive when it comes to musicals. But the very best of them - an entertaining, heartfelt, light-as-air romp - take just a few moments to win over diehard sceptics. No wonder musicals at the West End or on Broadway are riding an all-time high. Now if you're not set to lap up Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia... the list goes on and on... including the Walt Disney revivals of the golden 1950s during an upcoming trip to London or New York, you can catch up with Beyond the Barricade belting out fabulous tunes as the famous group returns to Malta. They are currently whizzing through western Europe, South Africa and the Far East.
The Malta lap thanks to Masquerade Theatre Company is the group's fifth visit since first wowing the crowds in 2003 and performing to sell-out shows every time. Meaning the four British singers plus band in tow have struck a particular chord very much in keeping with their fame for a stirring rendition of the world's most popular musicals. But why do people worldwide rave over musicals? "Fantasy, melodies, escapism, spectacle, and in many cases, characters they can associate with," pipe up the four bubbly singers. "Even the depressing stuff isn't quite so bad when you sing it!"
Andy Reiss and David Fawcett aptly lead the gang of four since Beyond the Barricade is their baby, inspired by their concurrent performance in the record-breaking and age-defying Les Misérables many moons back. Both eventually appeared in the 10th Anniversary Concert of Les Mis at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. Unlike the men, the female singers have not been fixtures in the group so that Beyond the Barricade keeps going from strength to strength by honing a balance between continuity and fresh blood. This time round, Claire Marlowe has recently teamed up with Andy and David, while Katie Leeming has made a welcome return after a two-year break. All together they breathe the starry-eyed magic of West End productions since they have starred in countless star-dusted roles.
Over the years Andy and David have also become highly sought-after musical directors. No newcomer to Malta, Masquerade succeeded to rope in Andy as musical director for Seussical and The Rocky Horror Show. Despite his jam-packed schedule, he regularly conducts workshops for the company's budding talents. In total contrast, it's a first time in Malta for both Katie and Claire.
Catch up with Andy, David, Katie and Claire at the Manoel Theatre next weekend to sing and sway to hits from Chicago, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Spamalot, Wicked, We Will Rock You and of course, Les Mis. The oomph in Beyond the Barricades' performances is truly infectious as the gang ring out the magic of each number. How do they keep up the spark throughout so many repeat performances? "The magic comes from the emotional content and the musicality of the songs - great arrangements and timeless compositions. We like to perform to an audience as if they have never heard the songs before - this often happens in musicals." Fans no doubt will make a bee line to the show.
So dump any doubts lingering about the bitty feel of singing excerpts. Andy, David, Katie and Claire are all raring to go because Beyond the Barricade never fails to capture the essence of the musical's narrative, even if they're singing just one song. What's more, they are a complete act in themselves!
• Beyond the Barricade is being performed at the Manoel Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sundat at 7.30 p.m. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 2124 6389, by e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
The Malta lap thanks to Masquerade Theatre Company is the group's fifth visit since first wowing the crowds in 2003 and performing to sell-out shows every time. Meaning the four British singers plus band in tow have struck a particular chord very much in keeping with their fame for a stirring rendition of the world's most popular musicals. But why do people worldwide rave over musicals? "Fantasy, melodies, escapism, spectacle, and in many cases, characters they can associate with," pipe up the four bubbly singers. "Even the depressing stuff isn't quite so bad when you sing it!"
Andy Reiss and David Fawcett aptly lead the gang of four since Beyond the Barricade is their baby, inspired by their concurrent performance in the record-breaking and age-defying Les Misérables many moons back. Both eventually appeared in the 10th Anniversary Concert of Les Mis at the Royal Albert Hall in 1995. Unlike the men, the female singers have not been fixtures in the group so that Beyond the Barricade keeps going from strength to strength by honing a balance between continuity and fresh blood. This time round, Claire Marlowe has recently teamed up with Andy and David, while Katie Leeming has made a welcome return after a two-year break. All together they breathe the starry-eyed magic of West End productions since they have starred in countless star-dusted roles.
Over the years Andy and David have also become highly sought-after musical directors. No newcomer to Malta, Masquerade succeeded to rope in Andy as musical director for Seussical and The Rocky Horror Show. Despite his jam-packed schedule, he regularly conducts workshops for the company's budding talents. In total contrast, it's a first time in Malta for both Katie and Claire.
Catch up with Andy, David, Katie and Claire at the Manoel Theatre next weekend to sing and sway to hits from Chicago, Blood Brothers, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Spamalot, Wicked, We Will Rock You and of course, Les Mis. The oomph in Beyond the Barricades' performances is truly infectious as the gang ring out the magic of each number. How do they keep up the spark throughout so many repeat performances? "The magic comes from the emotional content and the musicality of the songs - great arrangements and timeless compositions. We like to perform to an audience as if they have never heard the songs before - this often happens in musicals." Fans no doubt will make a bee line to the show.
So dump any doubts lingering about the bitty feel of singing excerpts. Andy, David, Katie and Claire are all raring to go because Beyond the Barricade never fails to capture the essence of the musical's narrative, even if they're singing just one song. What's more, they are a complete act in themselves!
• Beyond the Barricade is being performed at the Manoel Theatre on Friday, Saturday and Sundat at 7.30 p.m. Tickets may be obtained by phone on 2124 6389, by e-mail: bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt or online at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt