REVIEW: THEATRE ANCASTER’S “BEST OF BILLBOARD:” MUSIC, MEMORY AND MESSAGES
Theatre Ancaster’s Best of Billboard is a celebration of pop-rock music. In the music industry “Billboard” refers to Billboard magazine and its weekly music charts which tracks the popularity of songs and albums globally. These charts are used to measure the success of an artist in the music industry and to celebrate those achievements, the creative trio of Stacey Bishop, Colin Lapsley and Angela Broadley have put together a stellar set list for Theatre Ancaster’s 23rd instalment of their highly anticipated concert series.
The focus of the series this year is on solo artists with notable inclusions of Elton John, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Adele, Lady Gaga, Michael Jackson and more. The moment the lights dimmed, and the colourful combination of lights and projections began, the energy in the audience was electric. The next two hours were like traveling through pop music history with several memorable hits filling our souls.
The live band was such an integral part of this concert, lead by Colin Lapsley on keyboards with some recognizable guitar and saxophone solos by Chris Wheeler and Sal Roselli respectively throughout the show. There is a wonderful mix of catchy pop songs, love songs, queer anthems and even a few unexpected selections included (no spoilers!) I recommend avoiding the set list in the show’s program as I found not knowing what was next added to my eager enthusiasm.
No one on stage is trying to fully emulate the original artists and each performer gives a fresh sound for several of the numbers. Sometimes the repeated artists felt unnecessary, but did not deter any enjoyment from the concert series whatsoever. The high energy numbers (with their precise choreography) and then heartfelt ballads (and a few power ballads for good measure) showcase the jaw-dropping vocal talents from the entire troupe and demonstrate how Theatre Ancaster continues to nurture the most consummate professionals in the area.
The costumes, headed by Becki England, are impressive and suit each iconic artist. The ethereal gowns for Erin Bree Pierce as Adele, the pink satin gown and glittering jewels for Kim Ellis’ Madonna and the red vintage ensemble for Bethany Bysma’s Katy Perry were only a few of the costumes that stood out, as did Colin Lapsley’s white feathered suit and platform boots for Elton John and, of course, the instantly recognizable red jacket for Robyn Russell’s Michael Jackson. There are costume changes every single song and it is quite the impressive feat watching the time periods change through the cast’s costumes.
What I did not expect from this concert series was the amount of important messages in the songs and how much they resonate, even decades later. The messages of “Freedom,” “Born This Way” and “Man in the Mirror” as examples, are powerful reminders to live your life, love yourself, make the change you want to see in the world and of course, find the joy in music and dance. If you are feeling like the world is too much, I highly recommend getting a ticket for Best of Billboard. Let this celebration of some of the best chart-toppers in music history wash over you and remember the importance of what music and its message can do. Don’t miss it.
Image One-Three - Professional Photography by Gareth Skipp
Image Four - Twelve - Photography by Steel City Reviews (April 18 performance)
Featuring: Stacey Bishop, Erin Bree Pierce, Angela Broadley, Michele Brown, Bethany Bysma, Kim Ellis, Aly Ferguson, Chantal Fernandez, Adam French, Colin Lapsley, Matt Miller, Janet Raymond, Hailee Rose and Robyn Russell
