The Return Of The Not So Long Haired Lover!!

Jimmy Osmond

The Moon River And Me Tour

Theatre Severn

22/October/2016

If you are of that golden age that so many have found ourselves at, then it is likely that you will remember the harrowing scenes that haunted our television sets, so many years ago. That of Osmond-mania. You will recall the tearful, nay hysterical school girls crying and rhythmically banging on the chained up doors shouting, “We want The Osmonds,” well the hysteria has gone but the love was certainly still there for the littlest Osmond of them all; Jimmy Osmond.

Flanked by two very impressive singers Emily Penny and erstwhile X-Factor contestant Charley Green, backed by the Moon River Band, Jimmy belted out all the hits and more as he celebrated his fifty years in  Showbiz.

Green is a great crooner with a voice way beyond his years. He breathed out such classics as, “Music to Watch The Girls Go By,” and “Butterfly,” Jimmy very unselfishly shared the light with him and it seemed that Cowell’s loss is Jimmy’s gain. The lad is brilliant.

Emily Penny. In a state of pregnancy sang so beautifully too. “Downtown,” and “Anyone who-ever had a heart,” proved she had the power to really send out those top notes and gave both Petula and Cilla a run for their money. She was excellent.

The Moon River Band comprised Drums, Bass, Lead guitar and keys. They were very tight, well-rehearsed and delivered note after perfect note for Jimmy to chase and dance with.

There was a generosity in Jimmy’s performance. Not just to his Co-stars but to his fans also. He walked amongst the audience, singing, shaking hands and signing autographs. But there was no synthetic smile. He seemed genuinely pleased to see everyone. He allowed photography which is unusual, he was warm and one is left with the impression if he had a notebook he would have taken everyone’s number so he could give them all a call when he’s bored.

However boredom won’t feature in this man’s life. He is as fresh, as talented and as entertaining as he and his famous brothers ever were. I presume a still very full diary will await him for some years to come.

If in 1973 one could lay money how a Priory Boy might react to the question what do you think of the, “ The Osmonds" the answer would have been one of scorn and derision. It was a merely peer group controlled music snobbery. Even so one would not expect this favourable review. We all grew up.

School boy prejudice aside: He and his Brothers remained stars and as a result there were both genders there getting down to the sounds of Jimmy O’ and everybody loved it.  Great show, great vibe and great fun.

Probably just as well Jimmy is slightly more than a long haired lover, he cut his hair, got older and carved himself an unshakeable place in the musical hall of fame.

 In this ever changing world where threats of war and terrorism haunt our daily lives its nice to know that the past is still there, it’s just that we have to look further back to see it. But when we do how sublime it is to lose yourself and enjoy every golden second. Brilliant.

This is a Five Star Review.

Owen J. Lewis