“Five Guys” party leaves you wanting “Moe”!

“I’ll never forget the excitement with which my musicals-mad Brother burst into the house, words spilling swiftly from him and filling the atmosphere with pure exuberance!

He had just returned from seeing the original presentation of a hit show, intriguingly entitled “5 Guys Named Moe”… and, for a moment, I truly believe that he, himself, had been dusted with dance-steps, as he couldn’t stop moving and enthusing about it…

The West End had been bowled over by an infectious party vibe, simply oozing the epitome of slick, combining hi-energy music, movement and accomplished acting!

I, meanwhile, was desperate to get a slice of the pie, which had my big Bro spinning like the proverbial top…. and, so began an affection for what the Arts could inspire, in just one evening!

Roll on a few decades and I find myself the one who has been swept up into the pre-show anticipation for, yours truly, would find herself in unique edifice of The Marble Arch Theatre, in-the-round… urging the artists to get the 2018 party started!

Yes, it was my turn to see the new 5 Guys!

Now, being so close to Mayfair, it was a thrill to take in a gentle sojourn within the eclectic environs of ‘Boisdale Restaurant’… How wonderful to be ensconced in this Scottish family-owned establishment, where the intimate atmosphere is one of front-room privacy, with an open-door policy to all-comers. How refreshing to be descending an LP-lined stairwell and shown the cavernous lower deck of “The Vinyl Bar and Groove Room”, where guests can while away the hours to shellac-soaked DJ sets, re-surface to live music and then, turn a corner, to encounter a splendid, split-level dining scenario. An amalgamation of secret worlds, hidden in plain sight, it is the perfect dessert island for a sweet-tooth, such as I! Were it not for the prospect of fulfilling a childhood dream, I would have reclined further into the arms of my comfy corner…yet, parting held less sorrow, due to the jazz, jazz, jazz that was jumping through the air… which would be quite the intro into my next musical milieu…

Matinée this may have been, but, as with the best of creative experiences, the time makes no difference, the audience number makes no difference (although, as far as the eye could see, it was a sell-out!)… when the lights go on, you’d better be ready to turn up for the business of show!

… And that, dear friends, is exactly what took place!

The one-and-only Clarke Peters, (he of the, seemingly, endless, stellar acting resume!) and former member of the original dazzling incarnation, which had so many in a spin, adds to his credits, by taking the directorial helm. The influence of his multi-disciplinary artistry is passport-stamped throughout the journey of the production. It is as if his soul were integrated with every fibre, of every number… his spirit inscribed in every dance routine!

The action was to take place in ‘The Marble Arch Theatre’, a location akin to a flat-pack, fold-out template, except of ‘Tardis’ proportions… But Ikea, this ain’t, honey! Oh no… this is the height of ‘purpose-built’, for a very definitive reason!

The deceptively-sparse, speakeasy set was amphitheatre perfection, in drawing the audience closer to the action. In order to accentuate the 360-degree effect, a great visual point-of-reference was a circular travellator-stage which rotated between inner and outer seating circles… meaning that, cleverly, the concept of ‘rows’ simply didn’t register. It was a superb mechanic with which to suspend reality, unite us all, and facilitate us swivelling in our seats, as if in trendy upmarket office chairs!

I relished the fact that, at no point, did I feel as though I were simply an observing part-of-the-furniture!

Quite the opposite, since, at this all-encompassing gem of a jamboree, we all felt part of the production, which upped-the-ante, where audience participation was concerned… From semi-skatting ”The Calypso BeBop”, to the collective conga, any nerves were assuaged by the excitement of lyrics literally falling, confetti-like, from the rafters accompanied by a rousing Caribbean rhythm, respectively.. and that was just Act One!

Notwithstanding the twenty-minute interval, this theatrical train rarely, if ever, decelerated.

As for the actors, they were swan-like… Hardly pausing for breath, they appeared to glide through proceedings, as smoothly as their dance sequences! Show-tunes were, at once, belted out with grit and gusto, whilst wistful with vocal reminiscence, so as to project pain and pathos, with tender poignancy. The clarity of narrative being served, par excellence by a company of players, both, front and back of house, at the apex of their collective game, optimising the entire arc of the engaging plot…

…which begins with our protagonist, “Nomax”, who is a washed-up, maxed-out drunk, becoming increasingly beholden to his vices. The worse for wear after yet another stint of night-life and libation, he is still intent upon continuing to party hard… Enter stage left, right and centre, five guys named ‘Moe’, with a short, sharp, shock of an introduction, determined to stop the downward spiral of women and wine, with song and dance… hopefully leading to redemption with Lorraine, the real love of Nomax’s life.

Edward Baruwa portrays the vexed, perplexed and dishevelled soak with distinct aplomb. The 5 Guys, “Little Moe”, “Know Moe”, “Big Moe”, “Four-Eyed Moe” and “Eat Moe” played by Idris Kargo, Dex Lee, Mykal Rand, Adrian Hansel and Emile Ruddock, sparkle like the best, vintage champagne, with soul-filled melodic recitations, as warming as a far-flung beach destination and as crystal-clear as the blue sea lapping upon the shores of their vocals.

Snazzily-dressed in the sharpest of threads, the Guys cut-a-cool-dash, in outfits, beautifully reflective and celebratory of the era, in a rainbow of coloured and textural references. For example, such bespoke stylistic touches as a punchy plaid for “Know Moe” and luminous lime-green circular spectacles on “Four-Eyed Moe” customized each quirky character trait with class and distinction. Synthesizing this attention-to-detail towards apparel with that of the choreography also made for impressive visual imagery. The finesse of Fosse under the spectrum spotlights gave way to full-on, Nicholas Brothers, at fever-pitch! The moves weren’t just slick, they were oil slick… and the more experimental they became, the better! Often weaving about the space with the ease of a shuttle through an antique loom, physical theatre was playfully explored, to powerful comedic effect. Yet, for all of the eye-catching clowning, moments of mimicry and mime, innovative transformation of props, the artistic intention was nailed, with every well-honed high-kick and picture-perfect pose, worthy of, undoubted, hours of relentless rehearsal!

Binding together this colossus of an ensemble endeavour, was the, simply stellar, jazz band… Silhouettes, but ever-present, behind intricate curtains in Act One, they dazzle during the overture in Act Two. No longer the exuberant, yet, enigmatic shadows, they become the main attraction, delighting us with samples of scintillating solo virtuosity, before receding, once more, into the ether of the energetic Louis Jordan-filled score… Out-of-sight, perhaps, but never out-of-earshot!

This put me in mind of another late, great Louis…namely, Armstrong, who once said “If you have to ask what jazz is, you’ll never know!”* Well, forget what you think you know, because, mark my words, you will get right-royally schooled by the majesty of this five-star musical… Compact, yet languid, fresh and free, this was total, high-impact theatre, awash with innovative twists and turns…

Yes, believe the hype, friends, and get down to The Marble Arch Theatre because I love, love, LOVED the rip-roaring rollercoaster ride through the age, with the 5 superfly Guys Named Moe and a standing ovation of satisfied, fellow theatre-goers emphatically agreed!

©A_F_R_O_W2018-2019. All Rights Reserved.

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Click through for booking information about the smash hit show “5 Guys Named Moe” !

Deepest A_F_R_O_W-thanks to:-

Boisdale Restaurants, Team @Bubblz_Gigglz, Chloe at G-Gee PR and The Marble Arch Theatre for organising this outstanding, interactive experience!

(*Quote taken from www.brainyquote.com).

 

 

 

Creative Arts go OFF-the-BEAT-en track!

All roads led to ‘The Oval Space’, in Bethnal Green, last night, for one of the most anticipated of multi-media mash-ups on the Creative-Arts Calendar, namely, ‘The Shoreditch Fashion Show 2013’! You might remember that I was more-than-a-tad excited at the prospect of attending the event, which was presented by ‘öffbeat’, the Arts lifestyle brand… Well, it was, indeed, an extraordinary display of, what I happen to believe, makes the power of creative-collaboration so undeniably potent.

The moment I entered into the behemoth of this, formerly-derelict, space, pregnant with potential, I immediately sensed a synchronicity between the throbbing baseline, which was disseminating through my central nervous system and the  contractions of imminent, fashion-brand-births! I also found myself marvelling at just how perfectly-balanced a venue it was, being, at once, expansive, with enough room in which to throw and catch shapes, a-plenty, whilst also intimate enough to accommodate the collective energy of a collaborative congregation.

The vibe was rich and distinct. People from all walks-of-life rubbed shoulders, as they shook to the dynamic DJ-grooves and pressed palms with artists and designers, alike, in congratulatory exuberance. However, just like the beats, the meet-and-greets didn’t stop, for these everday-people embraced one another, as well as opportunities to form newfound fashion-friendships.

Co-existing under this banner of ’emergent ambience’ were starkly-contrasting Art-forms. In one corner was housed a formidable frieze of stylised character-outlines, created by self-confessed Narnia-resident, Dom&Ink! These especially-conceived, ebullient images were oft-surrounded by admirers, yet, things took a definite turn, when the quiff-sporting illustrator, and author of ‘Map Of My Heart’, appeared, and encouraged the observers to colour them in! Around the corner, more exceptional Art took my breath away. Wandering guests were bathed in diffused, iridescent light, emitted from the impressive installations, at floor and eye-levels, of SunYin Xiaowen and Aphra Shezma. Others stood, face-to-face, with equally-stunning, Fine Art offerings from Linda Cieniawska, Charlotte Osbourne and Gwyneth Fugard. As I passed by the intermittent onlookers, it was as if their inner energies were mirrored by the pieces, in such a way as to become ‘human glowsticks’ and ‘living wallpaper’ and I recall feeling truly priveleged, not only to witness the effect of such private moments, being experienced in public, but to also be an integral part of appreciating the exquisite talent.

As time grew nearer to the presentation of fashion, which was so on-edge, it felt as if someone were scraping their fingernails down a blackboard, excitement was fuelled by singing sensation, Vince Kidd. All but prowling-the-platform, he delivered Otis-Redding-raw vocals, with a similarly-seasoned prowess, speaking-to-the-deeps with his soul-inspired spin, on life, love and all that lies between. After taking the audience upon a heartfelt journey, Kidd made his exit, stage left, to whoops of delight and enthusiastic applause, leaving the see-through screen to became the backdrop behind which each model would wait, before taking to the runway.

In a bid to further immerse myself into the experience, yours truly took to her second home (for which I didn’t need to find five percent!), the Frow! Suddenly, silhouettes of each collection were backlit-to-perfection, establishing the effect of a ‘fashion-fourth-wall’, as well as indicating that, tonight, something was coming, which was better than good! However, this separation was soon to be aurally removed by bespoke, live collaborations with up-and-coming musicians who, from the stature of their performances, are bound to make increasingly influential impacts in each of their respective genres. First-up, was the amazing singer, Lydia Baylis, who tore-away-the-veil, with a unique set of beautifully-accompanied, sultry, acoustic-folk. Hot-on-her-heels, and before anyone had time to settle into the still, harmonic haze, ‘Kill It Kid’ stepped up and totally smashed the divide, juxtaposing the, previously, gentle mood, with an awesome repertoire of sonic explosions! Both styles brilliantly served to complement the essence of each designer-aesthetic and we were treated to a creative-clash which would put the SS14 ‘print-clash’ trend of any well-known fashion-house to shame!

Models with raked-back, ‘just-got-out-of-bed’ Batiste-hair and fashion-forward, metallic make-up were bedecked in sublime, sheer pieces from the avant-garde world of Marcelo Yarussi, the deftest of twists on masterful, digitally-printed garments, designed by Nicolas Wirth and the cool creations of blank-canvas-white, high-end futurism of London College of Fashion Graduate, Isabell Yalda Hellysaz. The fêted, power-house-of-a design institution was also showcased via the stand-out, all-black, structural apparel from Maria Zhminko, the intriguing, open-weave, cage-like, riffs on body-con from design-duo, Rebecca Morter and Gemma Vanson and the decadent columns-of-kaftans, with concentrated print-formations, from the joint-genius-pairing of Christina Tiran and Victoria Rowley.

As the showlights faded, such superstar-DJ names as the irrepressible ‘Bill & Will’, ‘Shivas Regal’, the A&R-astute founder of Tigermilk Recordings, and idiosyncratic rhythm-maker, ‘Mculo’, were heralded to take-to-the-decks and storm-the soundsystem! With a two-step, here, and a head-nod, there, (but, sadly, before the anticipated arrival of the superb Rufio Summers), I was ready to bow-out gracefully and wind my way through a London-town which, once again, felt like a haven for burgeoning, undiscovered artistry. In fact, I can’t remember a night where so many apparent-strangers were apt-for-sharing, participating and co-creating such a ‘moment’ in time.. It just goes to show that there is a real fashion-fellowship, of sorts, doing-away with the out-dated image of an industry which is, supposedly, replete with back-biting, where only the strong survive, and is re–defining it, as one filled with opportunities to go beyond disciplines or regions and traverse brand new terrain! Of course, no industry is perfect, but the ethos behind such events as ‘The Shoreditch Fashion Show’, promotes the commercial as a facilitative route and support–system to creativity, whilst maintaining, without compromise, the core integrity of the energy-source from which successful collaboration grows.

So, my deepest gratitude goes out to öffbeat, for providing me with with the chance to be part of such a unique vibe. Further congratulations go out to all other sponsors/ affiliates, both front and back-of-house, involved in delivering this fantastic gathering. Last night was everything it promised to be, an interactive celebration of multi-media expression, par excellence, filled with extraordinary and inspiring examples of Creative-Arts-at-their-best and I cannot recommend ‘The Shoreditch Fashion Show’ to you, highly enough! Neither can I wait to see how öffbeat and partners focus-pull their combined-skills to shine new lights on rising-stars of parallel creative-platforms in 2014!

©AFROW2013-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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TWITTER-TESTIMONIALS FROM ‘VIVID FASHION GROUP’ (@VIVIDFashionGrp)

‘One of the most descriptive and all together best blogs we have read!! @A_F_R_O_W please review all our events!’

‘…just re-read your blog on the show, it’s such an honour that what we created came across to you. Thank you for your words x’

MFW DAY 3 OFFERS COOL SOPHISTICATION FROM BLUMARINE…

If, like me, you are an aficionado of the home-makeover/ home-build genre of t.v. programmes, then you will already be aware of a clever little design-touch of adding mirrors, to give the illusion of increased space…

Gucci employed the method upon their catwalk and Blumarine went that extra mile, in constructing a floor-to-ceiling, mirrored wall, which subsequently made the low-lit, u-shaped runway look as if it went on for miles!!!

‘Sophistication’ was the buzzword, with a little bit of ‘edge’ thrown in to keep things cool! What better musical metaphor to use for the show, than to feed the mesmerising voice of Moloko’s Roisin Murphy into the vast space.

The stories came thick-and-fast, beginning with razor-sharp tailoring to be found in calf-length cut-offs, body-skimming skirts and a striking white jacket with slash, asymetric-opening and deftly-defined shoulders. (Now, we are not talking about power-dressing of the 80’s, here, more  an understated authority of the noughties, which we can all work!). The neutral black companion was heralded by a ‘sheer’ theme, depicted in delicate, cap-sleeved tops, apt for summer days, and a neat, leather, knee-length pencil-skirt, perfect for a balmy evening. Nigh-on floor-sweeping dresses, both sleeved and sleeveless, were luxurious, being débuted into the collection, with the contrasting white, floral, motifs overlaid onto the fine fabric.

Indeed, this was a neat segway into the ’embellishment’ element of the show, which saw the first inclusion in any presentation, thus far, of a butterfly, on a sparkling, knee-length dress. Later on, the design would be developed into a ‘metallic’ rendition with sequinned wings, strikingly-placed upon gossamer-gowns, to retain a lady’s modesty! Another welcome thematic entrée to Milan Fashion Week was the ‘polka-dot’, depicted in silver and, once more, overlaid to impressive effect, onto a black maxi-dress. This led into a stunning column-creation, featuring a fish-tail hemline, which was wittily accentuated by fastidiously-fastened appliqué in fabric, cut to mimic scales.

However, an iridescent-gold, knee-length dress, styled with a darkly-hued, tailored jacket, served to retain the harmonic adaptability of the trends, whilst also underpinning an enticing design-edge. This mood matured through an unusual, ‘paint-splash’ print, in red, white and black and would mark the beginning of a carefree, celebration of colour, revealed in a burnt umber, scoop-necked number and a garment so dazzlingly yellow that, aside its fitted, silk nature, you would believe it to, literally, be a sun-dress !

The finale wowed with sequin-studded bodices, which, when reprised against the sheer-black backdrop, would fill the pass with walking constellations and the ravishing, white feathered variation which followed, gave a goodbye-embrace to embellishent.

In all, the collection embodied inspired designs of accomplished dexterity, with looks as suited to the red-carpet, as they are the edgiest of streets-scenes…and if that sounds like you, then ‘BLUMARINE’ might just be the next label you put down, in capitals, upon your show-shopping list!

©AFROW2013-2019 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED