‘Tim Rice and Friends’

Press, 13 December 1985, Page 4

‘Tim Rice and Friends’

An evening with “Tim Rice and Friends,” featuring Elaine Paige, presented by Stewart Macpherson at the Town Hall Auditorium, December 12, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. It is hard to believe that such a tiny frame is the source of a voice of amazing dynamic stength and emotional power. Elaine Paige, star of “Evita,” “Cats,” and the forthcoming musical, “Chess,” turned on a vibrant display of musicianship at the Town Hall Auditorium last evening. As a rule, I am not one for the, belter, the singer who pushes a sound from the chest to its dynamic limit. Yet, the forte, so to speak, is the forte of Elaine Paige’s craft. The great gust of voice she is able to muster at climactic moments during a song carries an expressive punch that is impossible to duck. “I Don’t Know How to Love Him," “Memories,” and that haunting new tune, St Know Him So Well,” “Chess," all set an atmosphere that was magiPaige’s: perform-

ance was only part of a most enjoyable evening’s entertainment held under the banner of “Tim Rice and Friends.” With the exception of “Memories,” all the material performed during the concert carried lyrics by this successful songwriter. The concert was, as Rice suggested, an illustrated history of his career. First up was the juvenilia section, a selection of early songs including one from the only ill-fated WebberRice musical, “The Likes of Us.” Eminently forgettable stuff this, as the lyricist was the first to admit. Nevertheless the early songs were sung with unfailing cheer, and a reasonably musical voice, by Rice; the evening was set on a good-humoured course. Next up were excerpts from “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” These served to introduce the singing talents of Tommy Korberg, a Swedish artist who will take a lead role in the premiere stage presentation of I‘Chess.” 1- As with Elaine Paige, his

is a big voice capable of a telling range of expression throughout his '• register. His stage manner, though, is not as relaxed a nd confident and at times it seemed as if he had not fu, Uy mastered his material.

However, wh en his turn came to presen t two songs from “Chess,” this singer produced a c ommanding performance. I v muld not be surprised if “Th e Anthem” and “Where I W ant to Be” prove to be emotional highlights of the new musiSelections fron a “Superstar,” “Evita,” a. nd “Blondel,” with occasional songs penned by Rice fc >r a variety of artists, comj deted the programme. All wt ire introduced by the lyrici Ist in an easy, charming mai nner.

Orhcestral accompaniment, variable in places with frequent sunnj i spots, was provided by m embers of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra, and a tight rhythm section of bass, guitar and drums, was directed from the kej 'board by Andrew Powell.