Review: GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING at NextStop Theatre

Beautiful voices, smooth dance moves and classic theater tunes that will make you swoon, melt and sigh are why we keep going back to the theatre, particularly when it comes to Rodgers & Hammerstein. As pioneers in musical theatre, they set a standard for the stage that has influenced the art to this day. Theatre companies continue to sing, dance and convey the unforgettable words & scores of the revolutionary duo and the company of "Rodgers & Hammerstein's A Grand Night for Singing" at NextStop Theatre carries the torch beautifully.

Obviously, the cast all has pristine singing voices and perform charming choreography in an intimate atmosphere that makes the audience feel at ease, but the cast shines whenever they break the fourth wall in the theater. They interact with the audiences, inviting them to dance, laugh and sing with them, leading the lucky audiences into "some enchanted evening." Director Michael J. Bobbitt leads a spectacular cast.

All of the cast stands out on their respective songs, but Karen Vincent's charm and pristine voice is a standout in a group of highly professional performers. Marquise White has a smooth voice which will make audiences swoon in "We Kiss in a Shadow," and "This Nearly Was Mine." He also is hilarious in the all-time favorite "Honey Bun," and prepare to be dazzled by Sarah Anne Sillers's "I Can't Say No."

But what makes watching the production astonishing are the cast's facial expressions. As they sing, you see sincerity, passion and emotion -- they want to connect with you through music, which is what they successfully do. The words, the music, the show and the talent of the cast is just effortless, will leave you breathless, and of course reminds us why we still return to Rodgers & Hammerstein, "Hamilton" age & all.

*Photo by Lock & Company

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