Faye Treadwell path blazed the best way, turning into the primary feminine African-American music supervisor of observe.
On the loss of life of her expertise supervisor husband in 1967, Treadwell took over the only administration of one in every of his most well-known acts – The Drifters.
As identified for his or her ever-changing line-up (60 members through the years) as for his or her raft of hits within the 50s, 60s and 70s, The Drifters are nonetheless touring to today. Indeed they’ve an eye-watering variety of dates within the UK stretching effectively into 2025.
In The Drifters Girl, Treadwell recounts her inspiring story to her younger daughter. There is far of curiosity right here: the highs and lows of constructing it as a girl in a white, male business, the mega hits, the sell-out excursions and the authorized woes, the relocation to the UK within the 70s and the revival of the band.
It is obvious that, whereas Treadwell’s story is historical past making and her enterprise acumen legendary, the music is of paramount significance. And who can blame the writers and producers? The Drifters’ again catalogue is so huge and so regularly heard that these songs are as acquainted to audiences right this moment as they had been once they had been launched.
While problems with on a regular basis racism and sexism and the private tragedies met by the members are touched upon as Treadwell tries to blast by the glass ceiling, they’re calmly touched upon slightly than handled in any nice depth.
But lets get to the music. From the primary observe sung, you understand you might be in for an absolute deal with. The band sound superb, crisp and sharp all through and you’ll be hard-pressed to search out 4 higher vocalists than these representing the various members of the band: Tarik Frimpong, Daniel Haswell, Miles Anthony Daley and Ashford Campbell are observe good their harmonies divine. Carly Mercedes Dyer is a pressure of nature as Treadwell, with lungs that might blast off the ceiling. Of observe is the truth that the 4 members of the band play each different function within the drama and with absolute aplomb.
There are a sack load of hits performed out completely on stage: Under The Boardwalk, Save The Last Dance For Me, Saturday Night on the Movies, There Goes My Baby and two variations of Ben E. King’s Stand By Me, in addition to many, many others.
The manufacturing whips alongside at break neck velocity, the motion enjoying out on Anthony Ward’s easy, smooth and seamlessly reworking set, enhanced by Ben Cracknell’s heat, inviting lighting. And ends to the delight of the viewers in an on-your-feet sing and dance alongside.
This manufacturing earns its stars for pure leisure worth, the best high quality solid, smooth manufacturing values and sharp concise story telling. It very a lot delivers precisely what its viewers needs and expects. An uplifting evening on the theatre.
Runs till 13 April 2024 | Image: The Other Richard
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