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Name: BarryNet Briefs Date/Time: 9/17/2019 10:11 PM Subject: PROMS IN THE PARK, Hyde Park
Broadway World, 17 September 2019 The BBC Proms closed another year with literal bangs, as the Last Night of the Proms played out at Proms in the Park in a blaze of fireworks, alongside the more traditional classical performances over at the Royal Albert Hall ... The world's largest contemporary choir, The Rock Choir, kicked proceedings off with some crowd-pleasers like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", and "Bohemian Rhapsody". Aled Jones and Russell Watson featured early on in the programme, with a classic rendition of "Volare", amongst others. The Proms' ode to musical theatre began with a mash-up of "On My Own" and "I Dreamed a Dream" by Carrie Hope Fletcher and Shan Ako, the current Fantine and Eponine in the concert version of Les Miserables playing at the Gielgud Theatre. Proms host Michael Ball donned his Javert jacket, and belted out the signature "Stars", shortly before introducing Jon Robyns' brilliant performance as King George from Hamilton. Ball then broke the news that Robyns had been cast as Jean Valjean in the upcoming Les Mis cast opening in the newly named Sondheim Theatre. A temporary exclusive for Proms-goers, as the news story broke seconds afterwards online. The Cardinals wrapped up this MT extravaganza with a rendition of "Shallow", from A Star is Born. An impressive line-up of retro pop acts graced the stage next, with Gabrielle, Lighthouse Family and Bonnie Tyler. Jack Savoretti gave us some mellow acoustic vibes, which changed the pace nicely before ramping things back up again for Chrissie Hynde, who proved her staying power with a powerful delivery of five songs from her back catalogue. Headliner Barry Manilow closed the proceedings, storming through a 40-minute set with the energy of a man half his age. His vocals were on point, and even his lesser-known hits went down well - clearly there were many Fanilows in the audience. Plugging his 2020 tour, Manilow appeared to be thoroughly enjoying his time on stage, and he was the perfect showman, bringing everyone together in a dancing shower of sequins.
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