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Leading Ladies - Lauderdale House reviewed: Thursday, September 4, 2008 Musical Stages- summer 2008 REBECCA CAINE – LEADING LADIES Lauderdale House As most of us will remember, Rebecca originated the role of Cosette in Les Miserables and also played Christine in Phantom of the Opera both here and in the Canadian premiere, both recordings I consider still to be the best of both musicals. Having had an extensive career in both Opera and Musical Theatre, she now turns her attention to all those diva that have made the leading lady such a driving force in the theatre. Using the Merry Widow’s entrance by Lehar, Rebecca arrives on stage looking like an Erte painting. We are then treated to a fascinating journey through the world of the diva over the past 100 years. Starting with Gertie Miller from the early 1900s who played the lead in Lionel Monckton’s Our Miss Gibbs,” Moonstruck” is a wonderful song which Rebecca sings to perfection. Composer Noel Coward created many leading ladies, the most famous being Gertrude Lawrence and she is fully represented in such songs as “ Parisian Pierot “ together with Lawence’s roles in Gershwin and Kurt Weill musicals. There is a wonderfully spirited version of “ Do, Do, Do” from Oh Kay! As well as the poignant “Someone to Watch Over Me”. Cowards Bittersweet introduces us to the wonderful Evelyn Laye with I’ll See You Again” then we moved on to my personal favourite Jessie Matthews. Here Rebecca shone while singing “ Gangway”, “Dancing on The Ceiling” and of course, “ Over My Shoulder”. Mary Ellis, Lisbeth Webb and finally Julie Andrews bought us up to date with classics such as “ Wouldn’t It Be Luverly” and ! I could Have Danced All Night”. But this was more than a collection of songs. The character of each leading lady was brought to life with vivid stories of their lives and loves and believe me, some of these ladies would be well at home on the covers of “Hello” and” OK” magazines. In fact, some make Amy Winehouse’s behaviour seem rather normal! The best word to describe Rebecca’s performance is “exquisite”. Her singing, movement and look scream style, class and talent. And one must not forget the great Gerald Martin Moore who co- created the show and not only provided impeccable musical support but also played several of the male characters who supported the various ladies. His Coward was wonderfully observed but he could just as easily switch into a cockney accent which was far more convincing than that of Dick Van Dyke. He also displays a dry sense of humour, commenting on the lives of the ladies. All in all, a show that is not only stylish but also fascinating and I left feeling not only entertained but a little more knowledgeable- sign of a great cabaret show. You can sample the songs on the CD, Rebecca Caine, Leading Ladies. Chris Goepfert Seven Deadly Sins Opera North reviewed: Monday, July 23, 2007 "Rebecca Caine and Beate Vollack are both superb as the singing and dancing Annas.... Where Caine is elegant and eloquent, Vollack is agile and courageous " Tho Observer ,Anthony Holden Cunning Little Vixen Opera Magazine reviewed: "Rebecca Caine seems to have been born and trained to play the Vixen; her secure lyric soprano easily encompassed the vocal line and coupled with her physical grace and incisive acting to make her an enchanting figure. " Peter Dyson Merry Widow ( Opera Holland Park ) 2006 reviewed: Friday, June 8, 2007 "Rebecca Caine was marvellous as Hanna. Her firm , clear voice and excellent diction were a pleasure, and her acting was just knowing enough without ever being arch. Her timing was perfect, her jokes landed properly, and her " Vilja" was beautifully done. " Opera Magazine - Warwick Thomson " Best of all, thankfully is the Widow herself, the glamorous , magnetic , Hanna Glawari. Rebecca Caine sings the wistful " Vilja" with silky elegance , dances with infectious panache , and gives us a multi shaded heroine to cherish - just as vulnerable as she is feisty , it's a performance to treasure , and it's one that breaks all the surface gloss to find the true emotional heart of Lehar's confection. In a mixed season so far at Holland Park , Caine's show- stealing turn is an undoubted highlight." The Times - Neil Fisher "As the eponymous heiress, Rebecca Caine slips effortlessly between artful flirtation and artless candour, looking a million dollars , and singing with a sweet , delicate soprano. " The Independent on Sunday - Anna Picard " Hanna , of course , should be the star of the show and was in Rebecca Caine's glamorous and beautifully sung performance. This Widow was merry all right - but she was wistful and nostalgic, too . Most importantly, she commanded respect. " The Independent - Edward Seckerson |