A Review by Marcia Chandler
For the final production of the 2010-11 season the Dillon County Theatre presented a sparkling musical revue—“All the World’s A Stage” starring Robin Thompson and “Friends.”
Let me just say that this reviewer was overwhelmed! We have come to expect excellent entertainment from anything that Robin Thompson puts together, but, if anything, he (and the cast) outdid themselves on Saturday night, April 9. They played to an appreciative full house, and the time flew by too fast!
I told some of my friends that I really did NOT want to review this sow…because EVERYONE in the show did such a marvelous job that I wanted to give everyone a score of 150%!
Robin chose different parts of the world from which to select songs, and it made for a varied menu. From the Napa Valley, California he had selections from the musical, “The Most Happy Fella.”
A new and very special treat was the appearance of the glamorous and oh-so-talented young Erika Bryant who sang two songs in Italian. Erika has a great “stage presence” and her performance was enthusiastically received by the audience. A Dillon native, Erika has studied voice with Robin for 14 years.
Another Dillon native, Joey Webster, has distinguished himself with his fine voice and appearances in many Florence Little Theatre productions.
Three couples who always present love songs are Shaw and Rebecca Thompson, David and Arlene Boyd, and Reverend Mike and Beth Rouse. Their singing is so “meaningful” and goes straight to the heart of the old “romantics” in the audience. (Yes…there are a few of us left!)
The stage in the West end of London was where Andrew Lloyd Weber first staged his musicals, and Beth Rouse sang “Memory” from CATS, and Beth and Mike together sang the beautiful “All I Ask of You” from PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Their duet was lovely.
Kevin Carter and Rebecca Thompson sang an all-time favorite, “Almost Like Being In Love” so convincingly!
Courtney Dease and Rebecca Thompson with the ensemble sang four selections from “Into The Woods.”
Following intermission, Robin devoted the entire second part of the show to selections from “Les Miserables.” This show was such a tremendous favorite with most people that the audience applauded heartily to every selection. The entire cast sang the selections from “Les Miz,” and Cole Davis sang the moving “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” with much feeling.
At the conclusion of the show, the audience gave the performers a well-deserved standing ovation.
A very special “thank you” goes out to Robin Thompson (“Mr. Music”) who planned this very well “put together” production, and who superbly matched the songs to the singers…and to the singers themselves who sang from their hearts to entertain us.
We of the theater are so grateful to our sponsors and to our loyal patrons, who make it possible to bring quality entertainment to our stage. We welcome new patrons and would be glad for you to “come aboard” with the Dillon County Theatre. We will be starting a new membership drive soon and we’d like to count you in. For information you may telephone either 774-8896, or the Dillon County Chamber of Commerce at 774-8551.