[Aranel]

The only William Finn musical I had previously seen was 'Spelling Bee' on Broadway. Whilst being an impressively original and very amusing show I didn't find the score particularly memorable.

So I was pleasantly surprised with the enjoyable selection of Finn's songs presented in the cabaret style 'Make Me A Song'.

It is, as other reviewers have pointed out, undoubtedly American and heavily Jewish influenced but I didn't find that too distracting, especially in the Second Act which I enjoyed more than the first.
For me the song Anytime (I Am There) was the highlight with it's performer Louise Dearman stealing the show. As the relatively unknown (compared to the other established actors in the show), Louise comes out tops!
Of the others I thought Frances Ruffelle has seen better days, Sally Ann Triplett was motherly but very good, Gareth Snook didn't appeal to me but that's down to personal taste, Simon Thomas is a dead ringer for Oliver Tompsett and plesant to listen to and Ian H Watkins was endearing and better than I expected!

The Player's Theatre is a charming venue which should be used more often than it is. It has a relaxed atmosphere and the 2 hour revue works well here (especially when teamed with a few drinks in the bar upstairs!).

Go see it (and look out for Finn himself who has been attending several of the previews aswell as opening night).

[Felix]

couldn't agree with what you said more Aranel! I'm never a fan of Frances'...saw her Roxie... hated it! and never liked her Eponine til her songs in Act 2, she really impressed me! Sally Ann was solid but somewhat underused. Louise and Simon were great, reminded me of Marin Mazzie and Oliver Tompsett! But I thought Gareth was very so-so! I liked all the music and the show overall, but the only complaint was Act 2 was WAYY too heavy for my taste compared to Act 1! I mean love those songs it just seemed to dragged alittle bit, esp without plot or much applause spaces.

Highlight for me is definitely:
Make Me A Song and Heart & Music - Company
I'm Not That Smart - Ian... he really stole the show there!
Only One - Sally Ann - her 'piano solo' but was hilarious
Poor Unsuccessful and Fat - Company
Stupid Things I Won't Do til Anytime in Act 2

[power-ranger]

Saw this Wednesday evening - thank God for Louise Dearman - she was awesome - should definitely be the next Elphaba!! I thought her and Simon's 'Sailing/Set those sails' was beautiful. I agree that Act II was a bit on the heavy side - and it was a real shame it focused so heavily on Gareth. The material for this show is excellent but the production fails from being seriously miscast!! Sally Ann Tripllett and Louise Dearman are extremely strong performers and vocalists. Simon has a great voice, but lacks stage presence....Ian was trying far too hard and made 'What more can I say?' very insincere, and Gareth was out of tune in every number. Frances Ruffelle - her voice is awful - I don't know why she's in this production.....
Good material - needed an exceptional cast to do well over here, but sadly didn't get it!!

[DavidB]

It's noticeable that nearly every review of this charming show has highlighted the amazing Louise Dearman as the best performer - this girl should be in a leading role in a big show now!!!
Everyone else was also excellent:
Louise Ruffelle has a voice full of husky sensuality
Gareth Snook looks like Elvis Costello and probably got the least accessible songs
Simon Thomas has a fantastic voice and looks like a leading man - he will be in Marguerire next.
Ian H Watkins did not look out of place in this company
Sally Ann Triplett has real star quality but was underused, possible because she was a late addition to the cast.
Make Me a Song is a delightful show in a very comfortable theatre and hopefully producers will take a chance on more revues like this.

[Haz]

Saw this yesterday afternoon and generally agree with the comments here.

Louise Dearman was simply wonderful.
Frances Ruffelle seemed a little past it, frankly. Nice voice for harmonies, but irritated me greatly on its own.
Sally Ann Triplett was off - we had Jessie May in her place, who did a great job, especially given it was her first show and she'd had no run through!
Simon Thomas seemed a bit bored, but lovely voice (and cheekbones that could cut glass)
Didn't rate Gareth Snook terribly highly.
H was good enough but felt he seemed to be seeking the spotlight in the group numbers.

Very lovely revue though, and perfect in that space at the New Players.