REVIEW: The Place Where We Belong

By NODA September 2025

 

The prospect of anything to do with SMILE Musical Youth Theatre fills you with excitement and concert compiled and under the direction of the irrepressible musical theatre force that is Joe Logan only goes to compound the anticipation.
‘The Place Where We Belong’ brought together musical theatre standards as well as the not so well known offerings, all of which were equally as entertaining. Given Joe’s talents in direction and choreography, it was never just going to be a concert, this was a musical celebration in all its glory. Electrifying performances, amazing choreography, superb comic touches and an energy and enthusiasm
that flows from the stage that is both enviable and thoroughly pleasurable to witness.
The evening kicked off with ‘Where do you Belong’ and ‘Meet the Plastics’ from “Mean Girls” which set the standard for the rest of the show. These weren’t just talented people singing the lyrics – they were dramatic representations of the characters from their respective musicals – and this was the hallmark for each number that was to follow. Great vocals from Michael and Casey were a
particular highlight.
Into more familiar territory with ‘Friendship’ from “Anything Goes” with Charlie and Isabella H throwing themselves into the roles of Moonface and Reno. A new song on me was from “The Last Five Years”, not an easy song by any means but Grace G gave an amazing rendition of ‘A Part of That’. A “Wicked” Triple came next with three different Elphebas, each giving their own interpretation in ‘The Wizard and I’, ‘I’m Not That Girl’ and in the duet, ‘For Good’ Amel, Annabelle A and Isla gave it everything and Ava, as Glinda, was equally as engaging in contrast.
Next the emotions were well and truly tested with Thomas and Isabel’s ‘Somewhere’ from “West Side Story” – very moving. This was followed by some great ensemble and group numbers such as a confident Ezme-Jean with ‘I Know It’s Today’ from “Shrek” along with Ava and Macy, the brilliant trio from “Gypsy” with Lauren, Isabella F and Makena and ‘Together Wherever We Go’ and a superb duet from Nancy and Molly with ‘Let Me be Your Star’ from “Smash” Two full company numbers from “The Prom” followed, ‘Unruly Heart’ and ‘Tonight Belongs to You’, a resounding finale to the first act.
Act Two retained the high standard throughout beginning with the not easy but extremely well executed ‘Welcome to the Rock’ from “Come From Away”. Huge opportunities for characters to shine in this number which everyone grasped wholeheartedly. Further highlights included great duet with beautiful complimentary voices from Macy and Casey in ‘Who Will I Love Me as I Am’ from “Side Show”, great singing from “Six”, ‘You Will be Found’ from “Dear Evan Hansen”, lovely quartet from “Into the Woods”, ‘No One is Alone’ featuring Thomas, Grace P, Jackson and Ezme-Jean, great to see Joe and Stacey’s masterclass with an appetite wetter for SMILE’s next production, “The Great British Bake Off” and ‘I’d Never be me Without You’. Crowned off to perfection with two numbers from “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie” featuring the whole company – ‘Spotlight’ and ‘Out of the Darknes’.
It was impossible to pick out every artist and every number but rest assured everyone played their part expertly showing great attention to character detail and with supreme talent. A thoroughly enjoyable tour around the world of musical theatre. My thanks to everyone at SMILE Musical Youth Theatre for their kind invitation and warm welcome, I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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