Over the Rainbow, Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
She was the songbird who soared for too short a time. But while during her lifetime the Washington-born singer Eva Cassidy's unique and exquisite voice was known to few, today, 12 years after her death from cancer aged 33, it's appreciated by millions.
This moving tribute tells her story with a cast who both act and perform her most popular songs, balancing humour with the final tragedy.
The fine West End singer Faye Tozer engagingly conveys the contrasts of Eva's personality. Despite her father's displeasure, Eva passed over the chance of an arts career to make it in music. And when she did start recording she refused any attempts by record producers to categorise her.
She interpreted songs with her own style blues, gospel and jazz-like touches. Yet she could also be extremely shy in front of an audience, her confidence often deserting her. Success came slowly but, cruelly, her decline was rapid.
The songs included the blues of Fever, the gospel of Wade in the Water and the ballads, Songbird, Autumn Leaves and, of course, her inimitable version of Over the Rainbow - truly magical.
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