A SHORT biographical revue of the life of Bing Crosby, Going My Way, was performed by Curtain Up Amateur Dramatic Group.

The script was written by musical director John Denby, after some detailed research into Bing's Crosby's life, and the revue was performed at Totland Church Hall.

Due to a shortage of men, John had to swap the part of Bing's brother Everett to that of his sister Rose.

Set in Bing Crosby's Californian ranch in the 1950s, act one follows Bing, his mother Kate, sister Rose and wife Katherine as they reminisce about his rise to fame and what to include in his autobiography.

With a young wife who says she 'wasn’t born for most of his life', a sibling who hustles to get him the best deals and a mother who admonishes her son's faults but boasts about his successes in equal measure, we learn a lot about Bing Crosby's rise to fame.

Act two depicts a party at the Crosby ranch with guests, comedian Bob Hope and Bing's friend Harvey Shaeffer.

Bob Everson looked and sounded the part of Bing Crosby with some lovely solos, including Moonlight Becomes You and As Time Goes By, capturing Crosby's laid back style perfectly.

In act two he was paired with Geoff Kirk as Bob Hope, with a sterling comedy performance from Kirk as the wise-cracking comedian, who got behind the character.

Bing Crosby's mother Kate was played by Cheryl May who aged up to play the matriarch.

Cheryl showed off her superb voice with Pennies From Heaven and Dinah.

Valerie Rezin gave an assured performance as Bing's sister Rose, a go-getting business woman. She also gave a lively rendition of Swinging On A Star which she sang with Dorothy Green and Janet Haire.

Nicola Watson as Katherine, Bing's second wife, gave a warm and delightful portrayal. Alan Cass was a believable Harvey Shaeffer.

The musicians, Toby Elliott on drums and Mike Whitehead on double bass, with John on piano, produced upbeat and easy-listening tunes, which supported the singers without overpowering their voices.

The finale medley was a lovely idea. Janet gave an assured rendition of Wrap Your Troubles, Dorothy delighted all with Blue Skies.

It was a pleasure to hear Curtain Up newcomer Alan Cass sing Just One More Chance and Spanish Town. The audience was encouraged to join in the comedy song Goodnight Irene, a lovely comedic turn from Janet and Bob. Other vocalists included Mary Harvey and Pam Everson.

Director Cecelia Vivian certainly got the best from her cast, with full house performances on Friday and Saturday.

Well done to all involved on stage and behind the scenes.

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