The Edwardians (L to R): Daria Antonucci, Chuck Hoag, Kris Humphrey, Richard Jacobson, Ellen Kaplan, Jonathan Kilgore, Amanda Dullin-Jones, and Robert Teachout. Photo by Colleen Darling.
Welcome, welcome back to Music Hall! A wonderful tradition returns to Kensington as The British Players present this classic of the British tradition back to the stage. For readers unaware of what a “Music Hall” might be, it is a variety-style show that is reminiscent of the vaudeville style popular in the US in the late 19th and early 20th century. Instead of one linear performance, it consists of several acts of different styles like comedian sets, dancing girls, beautiful ballads, and innuendo-soaked songs and jokes. There are also some stock characters that usually make an appearance like the “Cheeky Chappy” and the “Red-Hot Mama.” Many well-known songs of the period emerged from these Music Hall performances which many people, even today, would recognize. Just a few are “Who Were You With Last Night,” “It’s a Long Way to Tipperary,” and “Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit Bag.” The shows also contained audience interaction such as sing-alongs and jokes at the audience members’ expense which were even more fun since audiences were allowed, even encouraged, to eat and drink during the show.
…fun and frivolity…fantastic iteration of the classic Music Hall.
The British Players have decided to theme this year’s performance as “The Tradition Continues,” since they have been on hiatus since the summer of 2024. The experience begins as soon as you walk through the door and make your way to your seats. Instead of finding the typical seating arrangements, cabaret tables are set up with candles and bowls of delicious salty snacks. You are then greeted by a bevy of barmaids who offer you an array of free beverages, including beer and wine, with the proper ID, of course. Before the official performance begins, cast members lead the audience in a sing-along, complete with lyrics in the program. It is a fun way to start the evening and just a taste of the entertainment to come.
The performance is guided by the esteemed Chairman, Robert Leembruggen, who introduces the acts and keeps things apace with some jokes and barbs. All of the classic acts are present, including the iconic characters. The cast is split into the Edwardians who are the more formal looking group, who primarily sing. The rest of the cast are the Bow-Belles who are the dancing girls but sing as well. Most of the cast opened the show with a welcome song which introduced the full company.
The next two hours brought fun and frivolity as the various acts took the stage. Daria Antonucci provided lovely vocals on some classic tunes, along with soloist Charles Hoag who brought a tear to this reviewer’s eye with his rendition of “Danny Boy.” Ellen Kaplan and Amanda Dullin- Jones also had comedic solos that I really enjoyed. There were also several small ensemble performances, both comedic and earnest. My personal favorites were “My Girl’s A Yorkshire Girl,” featuring Francis Hoag, Rob Milanic, and Bob Schwartz and “Come Into My Garden, Maude,” featuring Rob Milanic and Becca Watts. Two Music Hall staples also inspired riotous laughter from the crowd. “If I Were Not Upon the Stage” featured several of the women of the company, and then the men had their turn with the classic tongue twister,“The Pheasant Plucker.”
It wouldn’t be a true Music Hall without two of the archetype performers—the Cheeky Chappy and the Red-Hot Mama. Both were standouts. Albert Coia, a British Players institution, brought hilarious timing and performance in his two numbers, “My Little Dickie” and “The Night I Appeared as MacBeth.” Bethany Blakey stunned as this year’s sultry chanteuse. She hit every drop of innuendo perfectly while also highlighting sparkling vocals and great dance moves. She truly commanded the stage.
Leembruggen was the glue that held the whole show together and his experience as an accomplished Shakespearian actor was on full display. He made a great team with his with Sarah, who directed this fantastic iteration of the classic Music Hall.
I would be remiss to not highlight Costume Designer Nicola Hoag who provided the over 100 costumes, not to mention all the gloves, hats, scarves, and broaches. It was truly impressive. Ditto to Cathy Dunn who did all of the hair and makeup. There were a large number of specialty wigs that looked incredible.
In an increasingly complicated and sometimes intense world, this is exactly the kind of lovely distraction that is so welcome and lets you forget about your troubles for a while.
Running Time: Two hours with no intermission.
Advisory: Appropriate for ages 13 and up due to some innuendo and adult language.
“Music Hall 2026: The Tradition Continues” ran May 1-16 2026, but don’t worry, they will be back again in the summer of 2028! For more information about upcoming performances, please go online.
