The American hit production of Puttin’ On The Ritz was back with a spectacular bang last night! Having first toured the UK in 2014 and broke box office records, this time it is back for a longer tour to impress once again with a glorious display of song and dance extravaganza.
Having spent many a Saturday watching Fred and Ginger films with my Mother and Grandma I was hoping that this performance was oozing with style as well as substance.
For a 5 night run, the New Theatre, Cardiff is opening it’s doors and inviting you in on a journey to the classic era of old Hollywood song and dance, Fred and Ginger and the timeless music of Gershwin, Berlin and Porter.
On entering the theatre, talk of guest Strictly stars was heard among the audience and the anticipation for the show was building.
As the curtain began to rise the whole cast welcomed us with the classic ’There’s No Business Like Show Business’ which set the precedent for the show. I can imagine as a performer myself, the daunting task of a show that is filled with extremely well-known songs and having a special place in the audience hearts of an era so loved and cherished from all different generations. However, no fear was amongst this superb cast who let their talents do the talking and flowed so effortlessly from one hit to the next.
Each one of this cast acknowledged the task of performing well loved songs and of how merely a tribute wouldn’t suffice, they fully embraced the era and instantly made the audience feel comfortable with their magical displays of high kicks, beautiful lines and flawless vocal talents.
Cardiff audiences were in for a special treat when home-grown talent took the stage; Lucy Van Gasse, who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. The standout performance by Lucy was the Gershwin timeless hit ‘Summertime’, which was full of class and sublime vocal talent. As Lucy’s soprano voice glided over the spine tingling spiritual lullaby, we were reminded that this was not only an era of glitz and glamour but an era of hardship and depression.
As strictly stars took the stage in the form of Anya Garnis and Robin Windsor with their tantalising Latin routines, the audience were in a gasp of the truly stunning displays of lifts and footwork created by these dancing stars.
The coupling of Trent Whiddon and Gordana Grandosek set the floor alight with their chemistry fuelled performances of pure dance excellence, leaving the audiences wanting more from this electrifying dancing couple.
It was however Anya Gardis and Robin Windsor’s performance of Eva Cassidy’s ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’, which created a silent atmosphere in the theatre as the emotional and extremely moving performance of a song close to many hearts caused many of the audience to cheer and stand in gratitude of a truly passionate and heart-felt performance.
As we moved on to Act 2 we entered the speakeasy era of dramatic and show stopping, finger snapping, slick routine performances in the recreated famous ‘Cotton Club‘. Songs such as ‘Lazy River’ made famous by Louis Armstrong was an absolute treat and took us right to the feeling of relaxation and confidence that these performers had us in the palm of their hands with the sophistication of taking these classic songs and making them their own.
What was great to see is that Puttin’ On The Ritz is a show suitable for all generations to enjoy and is the perfect night out to enjoy as a family. Having myself grown up with my family watching on a Saturday Fred and Ginger movies it was great to see that this type of entertainment is set to last for many more generations to come.
As I looked at the audience around me; some witnessed nostalgic moments, others perhaps a new experience and for those in the audience of the next generation, a taster of what life could be like if they pursued a career to be a West End star! With feelings of joy and smiles as I left the theatre I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who left feeling that some dreams are still worth dreaming and anything is possible when you’re Puttin’ On The Ritz.
Puttin’ On The Ritz, New Theatre, Cardiff until the 26th September
Evenings 7:30pm and Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday Matinees 2:30pm