Everyone except Erica - who wasn't feeling up to it - went to see a cabaret night at RADA this evening. It was a fun mix of musical theatre standards and self-written songs. I am excited to see the RADA students actually perform in shows because their acting talent is very apparent. One girl stood out in particular for her rendition of "Maybe This Time." The standout guy was actually an alum (I think). He performed "Mr. Cellophane" from Chicago. OHH...Also, there was a girl in a white, froofy, poofy, sparkly leotard-garment. She sang "Broadway Baby." It was hilarious for the students who knew her (and some of my companions who don't, who seemed to be in on every inside joke of the night. ha. ha. ha. ha.).
It is very interesting to see how their vocal techniques/styles differ between the UK and America. American voice training seems to focus on being very bright and Broadway-ready. Nearly everyone tonight used vibrato sparingly, and their dialect lends itself well to a very jazzy, open style. I am SO confused. I had written this whole thing about which contemporary British jazz singers sound like these girls, but when I looked up videos for reference, I found out they were all American! Suffice to say it's a great sound, but not one you would expect to hear on a musical theatre song. While it is soulful, it's not as trained or refined or well-supported by breath as most typical musical theatre voices.
At the end, one of performers (I guess, an alumna) came back onstage and talked about a singing coach she and many RADA students had worked with. I guess, the concert was done in his memory, but the whole thing was a little unclear. What was clear, however, was that RADA is apparently a place where "Let's Go Fly A Kite" from Mary Poppins is an appropriate, rousing, show-closing number. I think I'll like it here. I love Mary Poppins. I kind of want to be her when I grow up, or at least play her onstage. (Speaking of Mary Poppins, I still need to buy a big umbrella. Preferably one that will fly me to class in the mornings!)
It is very interesting to see how their vocal techniques/styles differ between the UK and America. American voice training seems to focus on being very bright and Broadway-ready. Nearly everyone tonight used vibrato sparingly, and their dialect lends itself well to a very jazzy, open style. I am SO confused. I had written this whole thing about which contemporary British jazz singers sound like these girls, but when I looked up videos for reference, I found out they were all American! Suffice to say it's a great sound, but not one you would expect to hear on a musical theatre song. While it is soulful, it's not as trained or refined or well-supported by breath as most typical musical theatre voices.
At the end, one of performers (I guess, an alumna) came back onstage and talked about a singing coach she and many RADA students had worked with. I guess, the concert was done in his memory, but the whole thing was a little unclear. What was clear, however, was that RADA is apparently a place where "Let's Go Fly A Kite" from Mary Poppins is an appropriate, rousing, show-closing number. I think I'll like it here. I love Mary Poppins. I kind of want to be her when I grow up, or at least play her onstage. (Speaking of Mary Poppins, I still need to buy a big umbrella. Preferably one that will fly me to class in the mornings!)