Ladies Of The Night is playing at 17th Avenue’s Westside Theatre, which is a comfortable intimate place, where the audience lounges at tables in true cabaret-style.

Moreover, they can enjoy a glass of chilled wine, or a freshly brewed coffee throughout the performance. With this in mind, I charged my glass and set forth to anticipate Tauranga Musical Theatre’s latest production.

Ladies Of The Night, directed by Jan and Merv Beets, is an all female revue, which covers over forty songs throughout the show. Although the songs predominantly focus on nuances the night, (or rather, night-life), the vocalists deliver an eclectic mix of jazz, rock and country; consequently, this is defmitely a show which offers something for all music lovers.

It is immediately apparent that the professionalism and slick continuity of the performers is the result of tenacious, well-directed rehearsal. The vocal style and range of these performers, who encapsulate a variety of ages, is also outstanding. For example, Leanne Collins’ sultry version of Van Morrison’s Moondance, is delivered with absolute precision and confidence; Leanne certainly knows how to connect with her audience, and this was reiterated by other cast-members throughout the evening.

However, as director Jan Beets insists, no one is the singular star or lead. Jan, herself delivers a breath-taking rendition of Send In The Clowns; a song made famous by jazz-diva Cleo Laine. In addition, the entire company presents several stand-out numbers, rich in harmony and cleverly choreographed, such as Chanson d’amour, (Chapel Of Love), and It’s Raining Men. Ladies Of The Night boasts a collection of splendid vocalists, from pitch-perfect Ange Stevens, who covers a Nora Jones composition, to Frankie Sutherland’s hilarious parody of Are You Lonesome Tonight?  Furthernore, carefully crafted lighting, superb costumery and great stage-design, enhanced this fabulous musical evening.

- Nyree Sheriock

Bay of Plenty Times November 2006
Just the Boyz Westside Theatre Reviewed by Bob Addison 2006

What a great show the Boyz present.

I went to the opening night of Just the Boyz at the Westside Theatre on Saturday night, not quite sure of what to expect. What I didn’t count on was seeing and hearing some of the best young male vocal talent to hit our local stage in a long time.

Just the Boyz is a compilation show of songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s that everyone knows, presented in a slick, non-stop performance by 12 male singers. They are accompanied and supported by five dancers and a three-girl backing group.

There was variety, colour and movement and effective costuming.

Directed by Roy Eagleson, the show is set on a clean, uncluttered stage that allowed for plenty of movement and good production techniques. His use of lighting was imaginative and effective, and for once the sound was at a level that was totally acceptable to all ears.

It would be unfair to single out individual performers because it was obvious that everyone was working as a team – suffice to say they were all great and there were some excellent cameo performances.

Jan Beets’ sure musical direction was evident throughout particularly in the combined vocal arrangements which were excellent.

All in all just the Boyz is a great night’s entertainment and deserves to do well – don’t miss it!