Calamity Jane

Post pandemic there seems to be a bit of a resurgence in interest in the more traditional operatic shows popular in the seventies and eighties and judging by the ticket sales and excited anticipation in the audience for Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society’s production of ‘Calamity Jane’, you can see why.

The scene was set as soon as the overture struck up with the audience joyously singing along to the well-known Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster’s songs – ‘The Black Hills of Dakota’ being the firm fan favourite.

Steve Humpherson’s swiftly paced production had something for everyone: - excellently drawn and portrayed characters – Liz Compton’s ‘Calamity Jane’ was a tour de force and as the central character, the production was in safe hands from her first appearance and continued with verve and vigour and talent; Edd Caine’s musical direction and Emma Newton’s choreography was thoroughly in keeping with the time and style of the late 19th century mid-west; extremely efficient and almost seamless transitions from scene to scene by cast and crew became an integral part of the action taking place on a practical, functional and realistic set; an enthusiastic and talented ensemble who relished every onstage moment giving 110% and all in all – a highly enjoyable evening’s entertainment!

‘Calam’ was ably graced by a talented cast of supporting characters – Richard Probert’s long-suffering ‘Wild Bill Hickock’ in particular was always on hand to add the touch of reality to Calam’s ideas and aspirations and gave us a very sympathetic and thoughtful version of “Higher Than a Hawk”. The pairing of Emma Newton’s ‘Katie Brown’ and Thomas Lloyd-Price’s ‘Lt. Danny Gilmartin’ not only was a delight to watch but also offered the antidote to Calam’s crazy schemes. The saloon cabaret provided by Salli Gage’s ‘Adelaide Adams’ was beautifully realised, especially with Salli and the male ensemble’s rendition of “It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry” and in contrast, the comedy cabaret was provided by Adam Partridge’s ‘Francis Fryer’ and some impressive dance routines accompanied by the highly accomplished dancers. “Hive full of honey” was a particular highlight!

Not to be outdone were the parade of local townsfolk headed by J. Paul Murdock’s exhaustingly entertaining and comical ‘Henry Miller’ whose watchword seemed to be – always make a drama out of a crisis but on hand was his niece, ‘Susan’, played with just the right level of kindness and compassion by Bek Millward, to make sure that things would come out right in the end. Add in Alex Catana’s ‘Doc Pierce’, Kitty Roberts, Golden Garter’s Barkeep, ‘Jo’, customer ‘Hank’, played by Christopher Smith and Peter Goldsmith’s irascible ‘Rattlesnake’ and you have a redoubtable force to counter any incomers with their weird ways. Michael Bradley was also in fine form as the ‘Colonel’ but also as a valuable ensemble member.

Backed up by the enthusiastic and exhaustingly indefatigable ensemble and dancers the team effort was gloriously in evidence.

Technically it is not the most demanding of shows but in the Stage and Tech Teams capable hands, all ran smoothly and added to the evening. Acoustics at Stourbridge Town Hall are not always the most manageable and there were one or two issues but they in no way detracted from the warmth and comfort of an evening of musical theatre nostalgia.

My thanks to Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society for their hospitality and warm welcome and it was lovely to see some dear friends once again.  I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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