13
Information
- Date
- 6th November 2015
- Society
- Brentwood Operatic Society Youth Theatrical Group
- Venue
- Brentwood Theatre
- Type of Production
- Musical (Youth Section)
- Director
- Gaynor Wilson assisted by James Wilson
- Musical Director
- Andy Prideaux
- Choreographer
- Katie Lawrence
I had only recently heard of this show but what I had heard, meant I was looking forward to BOSSY’s production. I was not disappointed, the cast, for both performances were energetic, enthusiastic and clearly enjoying every minute of the production. Telling the story of a 13-year-olds anguish at growing up and not really understanding what is happening to him physically, the dialogue was wonderful with some terrific one liners.
I went to see two performances because there were two female principal casts and it didn’t seem fair to see one and not the other. When I left after the first performance I was really looking forward to seeing it again (and that doesn’t happen too often!)
All the Principals were on top form, Jonathan O’Neill demonstrating his versatility in the part of Evan. I have watched his progress over the last few years and, I think, he has the talent to achieve his dream to perform professionally. Dan Pugh’s characterisation of Archie was simply superb, rarely have I seen such attention to detail in both the physical characteristics and the wry, self-deprecating humour required of this difficult part. I was questioning whether he really did have the disability, clearly a mark of brilliant acting.
Patrice was shared between Anna Jones and Maisie Threadgold-Smith. Both actresses brought a maturity to the part and both have lovely singing voices. Eleanor Rickenbach and Francesca Green shared the part of Kendra and, again, both have strong singing voices and good characterisations. The part of the vamp Lucy was played, very differently, by Lucy Bacon and Lydia Abbotts. Both absolutely right for the production but it was interesting to see the smouldering, sexy Lucy followed by the cheekily sexy Lydia. I loved both interpretations. Adam Ellis played dumb jock Brett extremely well, especially as I understand he only joined the cast a few weeks before the production.
Other roles were played by Sam Johnson (a terrifically cheeky Eddie) Kieran Trenoweth (Malcolm) and well done to Michael Percival for stepping into a speaking part, literally, on the day. Ellie Lovelace and Tomi Bello shared the part of Molly, Amelia Nolan played the part of Charlotte and Jodie Tarrant and Rebecca McDiarmid shared the part of Cassie. Josh McLean played Simon and Owen Jackson played the Rabbi, great voice and great dance moves!
The Ensemble was particularly strong in this show, BOSSY has a lot of talent and it was clear that a lot of work had been done on the cast playing their characters at all times. I particularly liked the way they all were continuously acting on the side lines during other dialogue and songs. Just be aware that this should not upstage the main performer or performers.
The choreography was excellent, well done to Katie Lawrence. The music was just the right level with a small band that was right for the production. There seemed to be a few difficulties with mics on the Friday but, overall, the sound was good and mics were all turned up on time with just a single exception. Costumes were modern so totally appropriate and lighting was well plotted.
A fantastic show, well done to all.
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