NEW musical The Drifters Girl tells the story of one of music’s legendary male vocal groups and the woman who made them.
Faye Treadwell is the legendary manager of the singing sensations who fought for three decades alongside her husband (George Treadwell) to turn Atlantic Records' hottest vocal group into a global phenomenon.
Stand By Me, Saturday Night at the Movies, Come on Over to My Place, Under the Boardwalk and Save the Last Dance for Me, are just some of the many hits the group enjoyed winning them fans throughout the world.
The Drifters Girl production photos. Image: ©The Other Richard
Some of these devotees could be seen on their feet dancing at the climax of the show at Llandudno’s Venue Cymru as part of its national tour.
The musical along with showcasing the R&B group’s familiar back catalogue gives us the truth about the woman who made them.
From the highs of hit records and sell-out tours to the lows of legal battles and personal tragedy, The Drifters Girl charts the trailblazing efforts of the world's first African American female music manager and how she refused to ever give up on the group she loved.
MORE: Ukrainian National Opera bringing passionate Carmen to Venue Cymru
I was left in awe of Carly Mercedes Dyer’s performance as the group’s cheerleader.
Her portrayal of the female music industry maverick who fought line-up changes, racial prejudice both in the US and UK and legal issues was simply sensational.
Taking on a role made famous in the West End by UK soul music star Beverley Knight, she played it with grace and passion.
Her vocals were outstanding, in particular on the tender Harlem Child and the spinetingling I Don’t Wanna Go On Without You/Stand By Me.
Miles Anthony Daley was electrifying as the group’s other manager George Treadwell.
His quiet strength in fighting the band’s corner was delivered with charm and warmth.
His duet with Dyer on the song There Goes My Baby was a moving moment.
Ashford Campbell was tremendous as Rudy Lewis, The Drifters member whose life was cut short aged 27, and as their most famous ex-member turned solo artist Ben E King.
His sweet tone on In the Land of Make Believe and his smooth version soul standard Stand By Me won him rapturous applause.
Tarik Frimpong was magnetic in several roles including Lover Paterson and the group’s original leader Clyde McPhatter while Daniel Haswell was captivating as the group’s workhorse Johnny Moore, providing a series of silvery vocal performances the show’s versions of many of the groups biggest hits.
And finally, is Jaydah Bell Ricketts who is at the heart of this sensational show playing Faye and George’s daughter whose questions help drive the story along.
If you’re after the perfect winter pick me up, are a fan of soul music, great live vocal performances, combined with slick choreography and sharp styling then I cannot heap enough praise on this standout show - seriously it is not to be missed.
The Drifters Girl is at Venue Cymru until Saturday, January 27.
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