The music of the late Glenn Miller continues to entertain and enthral, as evidenced last night by the audience which packed out Dunedin's Regent Theatre.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra was a sight to behold, with its gleaming brass instruments, as the hits rolled out one after another. The tour of New Zealand is part of the celebration of Glenn Miller's 75th anniversary.
Opening with Caribbean Clipper, the orchestra soon had the audience tapping their collective feet with American Patrol. There was more than a sprinkling of grey hair in the audience, and as the songs continued, the sighs of recognition became louder with each announcement of the next number.
It was a wonderful trip down memory lane, helped in no small way by the musical direction of Rick Gerber. The orchestra prides itself in maintaining the arrangements of the original big bands led by Miller, first the civilian grouping, then the United States air force band. It was mission accomplished for Gerber and his talented musicians.
The Swing Kittens swooped in with some Andrews Sisters hits and Wendy Smith chimed in with some fabulous singing of Miller hits. Also featuring were the Broadway Swing Dancers and Mark Karpinski, who provided the tear-jerker of the night with White Cliffs of Dover.
All of the favourites featured, including Chattanooga Choo-Choo, In the Mood, Tuxedo Junction, A String of Pearls and Little Brown Jug.
The show closed with the full-length arrangement of Moonlight Serenade.
If there was one surprise, it was the stunning arrangement of Pokarekare Ana arranged and sung by the Swing Kittens.
The swingers and singers were dressed in age-appropriate costumes, reflecting the wartime fashions. It was a concert that will live on in the memory for a long time.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Regent Theatre
Wednesday, June 26
