A new fun show is promised

Jacquelyn Fugelle (soprano), Glenn Martin (clarinet and saxophone), Marcus Martin (piano), Devon Hartley and Alice Newnham (dance) line up alongisde presenter/MC and dance artist Christina Tozer in Emmanuel United Reformed Church, St Michael’s Road, Worthing on

Saturday, February 22 at 7.30pm (doors open at 6.50pm).

“The 80 minute program (there is a 15-minute interval) exudes diversity in song, contemporary style dance and instrumental music, all with an entertaining twist and style of its own”, promises

Wend Dowse, secretary of Worthing Symphony Society).

“Integral to the entire show is soprano Jacquelyn Fugelle whose exquisite voice shows the many faces of song through 12 different love songs ranging from Cole Porter, Kurt Weill, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the hot Latino style of Astor Piazzolla and Heitor Villa Lobos.

“The show also draws on the distinguished talents of Worthing-born brothers Marcus and Glenn Martin who display their versatility and more. They bring alive the clarinet, saxophone and piano in their many performance roles throughout the evening, whether it is solo, duo or accompaniment.

“Certainly the changing and charging moods of the love songs keeps Marcus on his toes and hands as accompanist, with fingers fluttering through the full range of the keyboard and feet a sometimes a tapping.

“A dynamic, colourful element is brought to the show through contemporary dance. Emerging dancers Devon Hartley and Alice Newnham (currently dancing in London and studying at Laban Trinity) bring to life the short instrumental piece, Dance Preludes, a series of short vignettes about night time (from ghostly to playful to exotic) written for clarinet and piano by Polish composer Witold Lutoslawski and choreographed by Christina Tozer.

“Don’t be put off though by the word contemporary. These are short highly-accessible rather sexy pieces - in true Valentine mood these pieces are loveable. Devon and Alice also perform a dance improvisation to Gershwin’s Three Preludes for Piano, played in swooning Gershwin style by Marcus Martin.”

Wend added: “Glenn Martin opens the show on clarinet with an evoking 4 minute rendering of Oblivion by Argentine tango composer Astor Piazzolla. It’s a haunting piece and a diamond in the rough, buried in the 1984 Italian drama film Henry IV.

“On the other end of the emotions and with vigour and clever playing, Glenn and Marcus bring the show to a roaring finale with an arrangement (by Glenn) of lush music and tunes everyone will know from Bizet’s Carmen.

“The Valentine Show may have serious intent but it shows a lighter side of life and a lighter side of serious, and not so serious music, too! It is exciting to be working with such dedicated individuals who have collaborated to bring to Worthing a very special and entertaining show on February 22. Yes, a little late for the actual day but well within the Valentine Season, and something extra to bring out the wintry loving glow on a chilly night.”

The Valentine Show: Love, Passion and Intrigue is produced and presented by Christina Tozer.