The Night of 1000 Voices on Sunday 2 May 1999
In a special one-off concert devised and directed by Hugh Woolridge to celebrate the Centenary of NODA, a registered charity with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as its Royal Patron. A huge massed choir of a 1000 voices from around the British Isles, augmented by 200 children, the City of Philharmonic and the Royal Albert Hall Organ, will accompany some of Musical theatre's most talented performers in a night to remember at the Royal Albert Hall. Soloists for this unique evening will be coming from all over the world and will include Philip Quast, the man who as Javert stopped the Les Miserables 10th Anniversary Concert and Britain's own lovable favourite - the immensely versatile Roy Hudd. The 'host' for the evening will be Miss Gloria Hunniford. Also appearing will be Howard Keel.
The West End's David Firman and 'Mr Broadway' himself. the legendary Don Pippin will conduct these massed forces in what promises to be a wonderfully entertaining compilation of great musical theatre with songs from 20 favourite award-winning musicals. During the evening the first British Musical Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented in person to Cy Coleman (composer of Barnum, Sweet Charity, City of Angels etc) who has also agreed to perform a medley of his own compositions on the piano - a world first!
With Leo Andrew, Teri Bibb, Kelli James Chase, D Michael Heath, David Michael Johnson, Connie Kunkle, Lauri Landry, Patricia Nessy and Kenneth Nichols. With best-loved songs from: The Lion King * The Phantom Of the Opera * Oklahoma! * Titanic * Porgy and Bess * Brigadoon * Guys and Dolls * Cats * South Pacific * Carousel * Candide * My Fair Lady * Evita * Jesus Christ Superstar * Sweet Charity * Hello, Dolly! * Chess * Les Miserables * Show Boat * West Side Story
Night of 1000 Voices Concert at the Royal Albert Hall 2nd May 99.
A Review By Angela Pollard
Sunday had arrived for the concert at the Royal Albert Hall and what a wonderful day it was. Firstly it was great to meet up with members of the forum beforehand and have a chat and secondly we had such a good position in front of the stage in the centre. It was also nice for me to meet up with a few other theatre enthusiasts I know inside the hall.
We picked up our programmes and were allowed into the arena around 7:30. We all quickly sat down and opened our programmes to see what Philip was singing. Well this is what we looked forward to seeing him perform, "Oklahoma", "Tonight" from West Side Story, "A Good thing Going "& "Not a Day Goes By" from Merrily We Roll Along and then the finale "The Circle of Life".
The evening contained many highlights, but I must especially mention Cy Coleman performing a medley of his work and NODA Centenary Chorus's performance of "Do You Hear The People Sing?" from Les Miserables and "Rhythm of Life" from Sweet Charity which both received a huge applause.
So to the performances:
David M Johnson performed "It Ain't Necessarily So" from Porgy and Bess" and "Superstar" from Jesus Christ Superstar. His interpretation of both songs was excellent and he has a wonderful voice. Lauri Landry and D Michael Heath performed two superb duets together and complemented each other beautifully. D Michael Heath's performance of "Anthem" from Chess, was wonderful and moving.
Connie Kunkle was performing what for me was one of the most moving songs "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel. I am glad to say her performance was not only stunning, but also so full of emotion. Kelli James Chase performed "Memory" from Cats wonderfully, although I found her performance of "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" lacking a bit in emotion. Teri Bibb's performance throughout the night was lovely. Kenneth Nichols and Leo Andrew both gave splendid performance in the Guys and Dolls sequence.
As for Cy Coleman well he was just marvellous. His medley of works was superb and had the audience applauding, clapping and singing. As for the awards presentation unfortunately Elaine Paige could not be present, but we were able to hear her talk from New York. Both Michael Crawford and Howard Keel both received standing ovations and both gave warm and emotional speeches.
I know I haven't mention Philip but I thought I would save the best to last. Not only was he outstanding, but astounding, I am not just talking about his singing but his acting as well. His performance of "Oklahoma" was fabulous and he sang "Tonight" magnificently. As for his the performance of the two songs from Merrily We Roll Along, well it was just superlative. Finally the finale it's self he sang "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King accompanied by the all the soloists, the chorus and children from the Sylvia Young Theatre School. His performance was exceptional, he really interacted with the young children superbly and it was just a wonderful touch at the end when he lifted the small girl up. All I can add is if Disney is still looking for someone to play the part in London well they should look no further.
Overall the concert was superb. The atmosphere had been tremendous and it was wonderful to be not only to be part of an audience who truly enjoyed musical theatre but to be able to participate.
The Night of 1,000 Voices a Review by Anne
As Angela has already given you a wonderful review of the whole show, I'll give you my smaller version. The show itself was magnificent all the performers wonderful and so talented, a particular favourite of mine was Patricia Nessy singing Glitter and be Gay from Candide. She was wonderfully talented and her range fantastic. It was an honour to see and hear Cy Coleman, a man of great genius. One performer who stood out for me was Kenneth Nichols singing Ol' Man River, a deep voice with great emotion and power.
The Lifetime Achievement Awards were particularly moving - Howard Keel almost moved to tears and Michael Crawford having the audience in stitches, telling them how he was sacked by NODA 30 years ago, and now they were making amends.
Every performer was wonderful and the chorus of 1,000 full of enthusiasm and obviously enjoying the moment. Their rendition of Sail on Titanic, a new song for the new musical Titanic, arranged and conducted by Don Pippin was very powerful as was their performance of Do You Hear the People Sing.
Now to Philip. He bounced on in blue shirt and black jeans, and I mean *bounced* smiling and bubbly he belted out Oklahoma with great gusto. Audience participation was requested and duly given. After his performance he *bounced* off again waving happily to the chorus who waved back. We next saw him in a quintet with the other 4 soloists singing Tonight from West Side Story, as usual giving his all, this time dressed in black suit and open neck white shirt. We were taken to the interval by a wonderful rendition of Don't Cry for me Argentina from Kelli James Chase with a powerful and *loud* backing from the choir.
Following wonderful performances of Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweet Charity, Chess, Cats, and the wonderful Cy Coleman, we once again had Philip on stage. This time singing A Good Thing Going by Sondheim. Fantastic is all I can say. The eyes have it! The final word in the song - 'gone' - spoken with such sadness and such emotion in both face and voice, quite beautiful. Also beautiful was the wonderful smile and handshake that Philip gave to solo cellist Justin Pearson before leaving the stage.
After Kenneth Nichols wonderful performance of Ol' Man River and the Lifetime Achievement Awards it was time for the Finale. And what a Finale !!!!
The music from The Lion King began, the soloists arrived on the stage singing it along with the huge choir, children began to appear from the side steps, and the auditorium and walked whilst singing on to the stage and around the stage. Then Philip appeared, dressed in white shirt and black trousers he sang The Circle of Life whilst moving amongst the children. They in turn stretched out their arms to him and he touched their hands and bent down and smiled into their faces, still singing with such power, he then walked amongst them to the other side of the stage. There at the front in the corner was a tiny little girl, he pointed towards her and she outstretched her arms to him. He walked to her, picked her up and held her aloft, arms outstretched exactly the same as when the baby Simba is held aloft from Pride Rock and shown to the bowing animals below. The music was so powerful, Philip singing with child held out in front of him, children, soloists, huge chorus, it was quite wonderful and almost moved this member of the audience to tears.
Night of 1000 Voices - Review by AnnieR
An absolutely wonderful evening - These words do not begin to describe the Night of 1000 Voices! The first treat was to discover that Philip was singing four times during the show which for a first time Quastie like myself was something special.
The evening began with the company and chorus giving an enthusiastic rendition of Another Opening and No Business Like Show business, followed by David Michael Johnson prowling around the stage with It Ain't Necessarily So! Then the moment I had been waiting for - Philip bounded onto the stage in blue shirt and black jeans and with the 'new' short haircut looking just fantastic, to lead the company and audience in Oklahoma! It was obvious that he was totally relaxed and enjoying himself.
The guest singers then had the spotlight with great performances, both solo and with the chorus and company, joining in Almost Like Being in Love, Luck be a Lady, Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat, Nothin' Like a Dame, You'll Never Walk Alone and two songs from Candide which were new to me but beautifully sung. The first half drew to a close with a spirited performance of Get Me To the Church on Time by Roy Hudd and company, followed by the Tonight Quintet featuring Philip and Terri Bibb and Leo Andrew and Connie Kunkle, which was superb. Finally, Don't Cry For Me, Argentina sung by Kelli James Chase brought Part One to a sensational close when the choir and Albert Hall organ exploded into song and music with such impact that some of us jumped in our seats through the sheer power of the sound!
Part Two got off to a great start with David Michael Johnson's flamboyant Jesus Christ, Superstar, and then The Rhythm of Life by the chorus. Cy Coleman was next singing and playing a medley of his songs, which was very special and a world first. Another chance for the orchestra and choir to do their thing with Hello Dolly, Terri Bibb with Ice Cream then onto a breathtaking rendition of Anthem from Chess by D.Michael Heath. Another great moment came when the chorus went into Do You Hear The People Sing - starting with just one voice, others joining in from different parts of the choir, more and more joining in on each line until the whole choir was standing and singing! A truly striking performance.
Then it was back to Philip accompanied by a solo cello for A Good Thing Going and Not A Day Goes By. This was a stunning set, one that I shall remember for a very long time, a real 'Oh!' moment. The emotion was understated but very powerful. Sail On Titanic from the chorus was an impressive follow-on leading to Kenneth Nichols Ol' Man River closing that part of Part Two. At this point, the Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to Cy Coleman, Elaine Paige (by phone from N.Y.), Howard Keel and Michael Crawford. All were obviously proud and delighted and gave moving and enjoyable speeches.
The show was almost finished but for the final song, The Circle of Life, featuring Philip and full company including children from the Sylvia Young school. His complete ease with the children and obvious rapport was clear to see and a delight to watch. This was a rousing and moving end to what really was a very special evening - full of fabulous performances, huge enthusiasm and sheer joy from everyone involved. I am so happy to have been a part of it!
Review of 1000 Voices Concert by Barbara.
I've tried hard to think of something about the concert that hasn't been mentioned as yet but can't come up with anything so far. I too thought it was a really marvellous performance from everyone throughout the evening and the highlights for me other than the obvious were David Michael Johnson's performance of Jesus Christ Superstar and the choir singing Do You Hear The People Sing.
Superstar is one of my all time favourites which I have loved since I saw the film in the seventies and I thought that his performance was really excellent, the first time I'd actually seen it live too, the fireworks at the end were a surprise as well, hands up all who jumped out of their seats then! That's what happens when you're sitting so close to the front. By the end of "Do You Hear The People Sing" the hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end. I loved the way they started off with one or two people singing gradually building up to the whole choir joining in and I thought they were terrific. They sang really well throughout the evening and I'm so glad that I was there to hear them.
All the singers were really very good, I liked Patricia Nessy singing Glitter and Be Gay from Candide and when Teri Bibb sang Vanilla Ice Cream, my first thought was of the Forum and I wondered if perhaps she'd been in for a look over the past few weeks!
I loved all the songs that Philip sang, it was so good to hear him sing songs that were completely different from anything I'd heard him sing before. He was so full of enthusiasm whilst singing Oklahoma smiling all the time, eyes twinkling and looking like he didn't have a care in the world. Tonight, A Good Thing Going and not a day goes by were beautifully sung too and the finale was lovely to see, with all the children on stage and their lovely smiling faces as Philip went around touching there hands for them to stand up. It was a really great performance by all those who took part on the night and I'm so glad I took the opportunity to go to see the concert now.
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