MSO presents An Evening on Broadway, at Hamer Hall

Musical theatre magic is captured by the MSO, conducted by Jessica Gethin, with two of the finest exponents of their craft, who have made it big in the West End.

I speak of the vocal clarity, dexterity and brilliance of soprano Amy Manford and tenor Josh Piterman, who have starred in The Phantom of the Opera.

Photos by Laura Manariti

Individually and collectively, they deliver a series of spine-tingling performances, bringing to life some of the finest Broadway hits ever conceived.

In fact, it was award-winning Gethin, currently principal conductor of the West Australian Ballet, who gave WAAPA graduate Manford her first big break.

And look at the latter now, taking the world by storm, regularly touring with no lesser light than Andrea Bocelli.

Over the years, I have seen and heard Piterman grow to become the superb tenor he is today, undoubtedly at the top of his game.

Think West Side Story, Cats, Hairspray, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Les Misérables for starters.

The emotion both channel – in solos and duets – is special and quite something to behold.

They are musical storytellers par excellence, reverential to their art form, effortlessly able to transport us to the beating heart of the shows from which they draw material.

They combine sensitivity and pathos with raw power and precision. Nor are they averse to humorous interplay.

The result is a musical theatre master class.

Dressed to the nines, in the most elegant and spectacular gowns, and formal evening wear, the pair dazzle and delight the assembled at a packed Hamer Hall.

Many of the big numbers from the big musicals are given voice.

In the first act, it is West Side Story, Sunset Boulevard, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma!, Les Misérables, Jekyll & Hyde, The King and I, and Carousel.

After the break, Evita, South Pacific, Into the Woods, The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls and The Phantom of the Opera.

And while the MSO and enthusiastic conductor Gethin shine throughout, most appropriately, they are also given their own brackets sans Manford and Piterman.

They open the show with a medley of Broadway showstoppers, perform The Jellicle Ball from Cats and symphonic dances from Fiddler on the Roof.

MSO presents An Evening on Broadway is a program to savour – 100 minutes of pure, unadulterated warmth and wonderment. I loved it.

For upcoming MSO concerts, go to https://www.mso.com.au