By Compass Contributor Christopher Tobutt
The Harquail Theatre pulsed with rhythm, nostalgia and pure joy as the cast of ‘Spotlight on Memories – A Musical Journey Through the Decades’ took audiences on a vibrant ride from the 1960s to the 2010s on 17-19 Oct.
The show featured timeless pop hits, movie themes and musical theatre favourites – all in support of Jasmine, Cayman’s palliative and hospice care facility.
As soon as the curtain opened, the audience was swept into a kaleidoscope of sound and style, with an ensemble singing ‘Another Day of Sun’ from the movie La La Land.
The Los Angeles connection continued later with male singers crooning Roy Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ against a Beverly Hills backdrop as a group of pretty women strolled around them.
Each decade came alive with its own selection of hit songs, costumes and backdrops.
Stef Prieto, fundraising and events assistant at Jasmine, said production had two main goals: “We want people to enjoy a fun evening with their family while supporting palliative care – and becoming more aware of the work Jasmine does.”
The music was a glorious mash-up of the best from the ’60s to the 2010s. From upbeat, finger-popping hits to soulful ballads like ‘The Wonder of You’, the show spanned genres and generations.
One moment the audience was swaying to the undulating bass of ‘River Deep, Mountain High’ – with Patrice Donalds channeling Tina Turner in a gold-tasseled dress flanked by scarlet-clad backup singers – and the next, you’re grooving to a Beatles medley with Carnaby Street flair. Songs like ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ and ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’ brought back wonderful memories for those old enough to remember.
The Singrays a cappella group brought James Bond glamour to the stage with a moody montage of ‘Skyfall’, ‘GoldenEye’, ‘Goldfinger’, and ‘Nobody Does It Better’. Later, the Singrays performed a beautiful rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ from the film ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’.
The UCCI dancers lit up Queen’s ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ with electric energy and then danced to a musical tributes to Michael Jackson.
One of the show’s most powerful moments was a tribute to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ’Jesus Christ Superstar’, which started with forceful dancing by the UCCI dancers to the instrumental ‘Overture’ and included a medley of songs from the popular 1970s rock opera.
As a finale, the ensemble cast sung an upbeat medley of ABBA hits that had everyone on their feet, singing along to hits like ‘Thank You for the Music’ and ‘Mamma Mia’.
Produced by Kerrie McMillan, the show featured more than 20 volunteer performers and the dynamic UCCI dancers – a true testament to community spirit and artistic passion. Every note, costume and step was donated in support of Jasmine’s mission, making ’Spotlight on Memories’ not just a show, but also a celebration of life, legacy and love.
Christopher Tobutt is a freelance journalist who has written for various publications in the Cayman Islands since 2003.
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We went to this incredible show. It was almost a full house.
Many of the performers could hold their own on Broadway.
It’s such a shame we can’t have more regular shows in this great venue.