This week is the fifth in a series of six Triple Sensation episodes, and my attention is waning. I’m really ready for this show to be over. There are eight finalists left to compete before the judging panel. Wylmari Myburgh, Tess Benger and Vancouver’s own Andrew Cohen and Alyssa Brizzi have already been eliminated over the past two episodes.
After the required recap, the episode starts off with the group song and dance number “They’re Playing My Song.” David Light goes before the panel performing “Why God Why?” (Miss Saigon). The judges largely pan his performance.
Liam Tobin who sings “Maria” (West Side Story) has both the voice and the fresh-faced matinee idol good-looks of a leading man. The judges are equally divided as to his musical talent.
Kaitlyn Semple’s “I Wish I Were in Love Again” (Babes in Arms) seemed to be over her head.
Hailey Gillis’ “I Had Myself A True Love” was a great piece of musical theatre and she immediately went up in my estimation. The judges seem on the surface to agree with me.
Cayley Thomas’ “I Feel Pretty” (West Side Story) was strong and full of confidence.
Jen Shaw sings “That’ll Show Him” (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) and is thoroughly trashed by the judges for not catching the subtext of the song.
Glen Mills and Leah Cogan received good reviews for their joint acting scene from A Doll’s House.
Mill’s version of “The Apple Tree [Forbidden Fruit]” (The Apple Tree) was not as universally liked, though I still find him to be a strong performer.
Cogan’s “I Have Confidence” (The Sound of Music) was praised by the judges as has been their custom.
After another group number from The Wild Party and the judging begins. I thought perhaps that my ears had deceived me when I heard some criticism of can-do-no-wrong Leah Cogan.
In the end it was Glen Mills and Jen Shaw who were eliminated. I’m a little disappointed to seem them both go. Mills has had some passionate vocal performances and Shaw’s energy on stage is something special. But the judges have spoken.
Next week will include guest appearances from Jason Alexander, Albert Schultz and composer John Kander. The winner and runners-up are revealed in the final episode next week of on Triple Sensation, Monday July 27th on CBC.
Previously on Triple Sensation:
Musicals in Vancouver 