The Inn Crowd
Park Productions
Date:
6 January 2013
Venue:
Park View Methodist Church, Sunderland
Type of Production:
Musical
Musical Director:
Suzy Wake
Review
Author: Gordon Richardson
This was a first for me – attending a production during a church service which was highly appropriate given the nature of the production. ‘The Inn Crowd’ was the story of the nativity as told by a somewhat sceptical Innkeeper (Sam) and his equally sceptical wife (Debbie) played by Jim Kirkland and Kathleen Carter respectively. Both were astounded when all these ‘tourists’ began arriving at their tiny ‘boarding house’, starting with three shepherds (Nicole Kelly, June Whitfield and Joyce Howe) who didn’t go down well with the Innkeeper with his ‘high standards’. He was much more amenable to the higher status Wise Men (Goldie, Frank and Merv, played by Margaret Metcalfe, Molly Miller and Elma Morgan) who brought some respectability to his establishment.
Equally sceptical about her change in circumstances was Mary, played by Katrina Wake, when she was visited by the Angel Gabriel (played by Alwyn Coates). ‘Joe’, Mary’s husband-to-be (played by Nick Thompson) was equally bemused/incredulous when Mary explained how she had suddenly fallen pregnant, until he too was visited by the Angel Gabriel. Eventually, the power of logic convinced all parties of the miracle of the Nativity, and the members of the audience/congregation were invited to similarly ponder on the evidence before them.
The musical numbers were well sung in part harmonies with some catchy rhythms which had you humming along to long after having departed, which added to the enjoyment. Highlight of the songs was to me the duet by Mary and Joe – ‘This Child to Come’ as Joe finally accepted the reality of the situation, whilst Mary sang counterpoint the song ‘Why Pick on Me’ – a real highpoint.
Sound and Lighting provided by Philip Wake and Ken Thain added to the event. Well done Park Productions.
Park Productions
Date:
6 January 2013
Venue:
Park View Methodist Church, Sunderland
Type of Production:
Musical
Musical Director:
Suzy Wake
Review
Author: Gordon Richardson
This was a first for me – attending a production during a church service which was highly appropriate given the nature of the production. ‘The Inn Crowd’ was the story of the nativity as told by a somewhat sceptical Innkeeper (Sam) and his equally sceptical wife (Debbie) played by Jim Kirkland and Kathleen Carter respectively. Both were astounded when all these ‘tourists’ began arriving at their tiny ‘boarding house’, starting with three shepherds (Nicole Kelly, June Whitfield and Joyce Howe) who didn’t go down well with the Innkeeper with his ‘high standards’. He was much more amenable to the higher status Wise Men (Goldie, Frank and Merv, played by Margaret Metcalfe, Molly Miller and Elma Morgan) who brought some respectability to his establishment.
Equally sceptical about her change in circumstances was Mary, played by Katrina Wake, when she was visited by the Angel Gabriel (played by Alwyn Coates). ‘Joe’, Mary’s husband-to-be (played by Nick Thompson) was equally bemused/incredulous when Mary explained how she had suddenly fallen pregnant, until he too was visited by the Angel Gabriel. Eventually, the power of logic convinced all parties of the miracle of the Nativity, and the members of the audience/congregation were invited to similarly ponder on the evidence before them.
The musical numbers were well sung in part harmonies with some catchy rhythms which had you humming along to long after having departed, which added to the enjoyment. Highlight of the songs was to me the duet by Mary and Joe – ‘This Child to Come’ as Joe finally accepted the reality of the situation, whilst Mary sang counterpoint the song ‘Why Pick on Me’ – a real highpoint.
Sound and Lighting provided by Philip Wake and Ken Thain added to the event. Well done Park Productions.