Calamity Jane

Calamity Jane may be considered to be one of the ‘older’ shows but it certainly still has an appeal. The orchestra had barely struck up a few bars of the lively overture when the audience joined in clapping and singing along to the memorable, well known melodies.

The show revolves round Calamity and Jenna Lee gave an energetic performance as the tomboyish Calamity maintining a great pace and excellent accent throughout. She sang with great verve especially in ‘Windy City.’ The transformation from the raucous, brash Calamity to the more sentimental Calamity when she finds her more feminine side and realisies that she has feelings for Bill was well done.’My Secret Love’ was sung with real sincerity. Bill Hickock (Dougal Affleck) was a real match for Calamity keeping her well and truly in her place and eventually winning her affection.’Higher Than A Hawk’ came over very well.

Henry Miller (Bob Crawford) is expecting a beautiful actress to entertain in his saloon and he showed real frustration in trying to control the townsfolk when an unexpected Francis Fryer (Mark Belcher) turned up instead of the actress Adelaide Adams (Kit Millar). I enjoyed Mark’s characterisation as the not too wimpish but rather likeable Francis with his subtle comedy. ‘Hive Full of Honey’ was most entertaining.There was some good interaction between himself and Susan (Claie Bayne) who made it clear that she had an eye for Francis.

Calamity is sent out to sort out the confusion and appease the townsfolk and brings back Katie Brown (Claire Riddoch) Adelaide’s maid who, initilally jumpy and terrified at being found out that she was an imposter, gave an assured song and dance routine in ‘Keep It Under Your Hat.’ She is delighted to win over the charming and somewhat dashing Lt.Danny Gilmartin (Andrew Jack) and together were a well suited couple and vocally well matched singing ‘Love You Dearly.’The other supporting principals all played their parts well.

I was impressed by the general ensemble work. The impatient, non too happy townspeople displayed their displeasure forcefully when they were let down by Henry. The female chorus left us in no doubt about their feelings about ‘Men!’ while the male chorus led by Bill were more amorous about ‘Adelaide’.There are some great numbers in the show and these were put over well by the company particularly ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’ with it’s lovely harmonies and ‘Windy City’ which went with a swing.Choreography throughout was well suited to the show and neatly executed and the costumes were in keeping with the period.

This was a well directed show both in production and musically and it was obvious that everyone on stage was enjoying themselves. The small orchestra was well controlled and supported the singers admirably. A most enjoyable production which was very well received by a capacity audince which was good to see.

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