In
the steps of Eva Cassidy
It
is hard to believe but the voice of Eva Cassidy was barely known outside
her native Washington when she died of melanoma in 1996. 
In fact, it might have remained thus if Terry Wogan’s producer
on BBC Radio 2 had not introduced Eva’s version of “Over
the Rainbow” to the Irish broadcaster, who in turn presented it
to a rapturous public. The rest, as they say, is history.
The song reached number one in the singles charts, accompanied by a
hand held video of the late singer. The album “Songbird”
also reached the coveted top spot and Eva became the only female artist
to have three consecutive posthumous best selling albums, the third
of which displaced a certain Robbie Williams from the top of the tree.
Whereas, as a performer, she did no more than 100 gigs, many to audiences
of thirty or less, since her death she has become a superstar loved
by millions for her highly personal interpretations of classic numbers.
The majority of her released recordings were only ever intended to be
demo tapes often recorded in one take. That they are so pure, moving
and overflowing with emotion is testament to her immense and unerring
talent.
Dublin 15 audiences will have a unique opportunity to see a genuine
and heartfelt tribute to the late singer this month when Theatre Productions
bring their award winning “Over the Rainbow” show to Draíocht
for one night only. This show has received standing ovations throughout
the UK and Ireland and was a huge hit in Holland, winning “Best
Production of the Year”. It is now destined for the Middle East
and other territories throughout the World and stars Faye Tozer of “Steps”
fame in the role of Eva Cassidy.
This compelling musical play journeys through her life, from her idyllic
childhood growing up in a musical family, to her studio work with boyfriend
and mentor Chris Biondo; to the exuberant live recording of Blues Alley
and finally to her tragically premature death at the age of only 33
years. It is sad, but uplifting, and features a multi-talented cast
of West End performers who perform over 27 of Eva’s best loved
songs.
“I have had the album “Songbird” for many years and
it is one of my favourite recordings,” Faye Tozer told Community
Voice. “I just love Eva’s musical ear and the way
she changes melodies. This is the first time I've played a real person,
so that's been a new challenge for me. I've had to study every inflection
in her voice - it's a portrayal of the singer, not an impersonation.
“Of course, there have been some people who have been sceptical
because of my time with Steps but I have had nothing but a positive
reaction from everyone that has seen the show. The show is a must because
it is a live music fest and it is a loving and beautiful story. You
will find out lots more about Eva and it is a touching portrayal of
her life.”
“Over the Rainbow” played last year in Derry, Waterford,
Armagh and Athlone and Faye had previously toured Ireland with Steps,
as well as attending the MTV awards in Dublin.
“When Eva Cassidy died she was 33 years old, to me that seems
just so young,” she said. “There's only two years difference
between me and her, I can't imagine having a life cut short like that
at such an early age. She must have had so much left to do.”
Theatre Productions’ “Over the Rainbow” plays Draíocht’s
main auditorium on Thursday 10th April at 8pm.
Tickets are €22 / €20.
Community Voice, Media
House, Church Avenue, Blanchardstown,
Dublin 15
Phone +353 1 822 1432 - Fax +353 1 640 4444
info@communityvoice.ie
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