MAMA Revue 2018
MAMA celebrates with world tour
MAMA is looking to beat the January blues with a “world tour” at the Brunton from Thursday 18, including a treat of party tunes and pop hits from the last 70 years in Celebration its annual revue.
Of course, this being the Musselburgh Amateur Musicals Association, members will also be putting on the top hats and tails for some of musical theatre’s finest moments – and maybe even a sneak peak of tunes from April’s Calamity Jane.
Ever mindful that such revue productions need a strong presentation, choreographer Lisa McLeod will be returning to push the members to bring out their best dance skills, as she has for the last four years.
Keeping the annual production fresh is a concern for the company. The production team knows that it needs to provide a programme which everyone in the company will enjoy performing – and which will be enjoyed by the audiences. This year’s they promise “a party around the world, with a very special stop in Scotland along the way”.
“It’s always tough choosing the songs!” a spokesman for the company told Æ. “MAMA’s age range is from 9 to over 80, and we try to find songs that will fit the different voices – but also the different ages that come to see the show.
“It’s a different way of doing things that we actually choose the songs first – this is done by members of the committee along with the production team to make sure all the different ages and stages of members are included in the decision.”
infectious enthusiasm
The result is a programme of over 20 songs. Long term MAMA member Laura Paterson has been putting all her infectious enthusiasm for music into her role as MD, to get the company up to speed in time for the four performances next week.
The production team is completed by the revue co-ordinator Graeme Aitken, who directed the company’s production of Anything Goes in 2016 (Æ review: “★★★★☆ It’s the Top“).
“This year we have taken on board the challenge of songs from around the world, as well as some Scottish favourites,” the spokesman continued. “The jukebox section is going to be great – it’s got favourites from company members of all ages.
“Because these songs are all our versions/arrangements of them, it can be quite difficult to put the MAMA “stamp” on them – but our production team have done a great job of this.”
Treats will include selections ranging from Singing in the Rain to the Proclaimers and Stupid Cupid to Galway Girl.
“The Revue also contains some of our most loved musical songs – after all, we are a musical theatre company!
“We’re buzzing for Calamity Jane, which has also already been cast. So literally three days after the revue closes, rehearsals for that begin.
“I think the main thing about MAMA is we have fun. We really do enjoy being on stage and there’s nothing better than when we see the audience clapping and cheering along.”
Listings
MAMA Revue: Celebration
The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA. Phone booking: 0131 665 2240
Thursday 18 – Saturday 20 January 2018
Evenings: 7.30pm; Matinee Sat: 2pm.
Calamity Jane
The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA. Phone booking: 0131 665 2240
Thursday 12 – Saturday 14 April 2018
Evenings: 7.30pm; Matinee Sat: 2pm.
Tickets and details: www.thebrunton.co.uk.
MAMA Links
Website: http://mamaonline.co.uk
Twitter: @MAMAmusselburgh
Facebook: mamamusselburgh
ENDS