Calamity Jane

“Whip crack away, whip crack away, whip crack away!!”  This song has been stuck in my head since seeing Kilmarnock’s latest production of Calamity Jane and shows no sign of leaving anytime soon. What a delightful treat to see a good old-fashioned, classic musical, especially when it hasn’t been staged in the local area for a while. I loved how Director Liz brought this classic show back to life with a breath of fresh air.  Using simple and effective staging, clever lighting design and even a different take on the leading ladies costume to match the poster design. Teamed with flawless vocals from the principal cast and full ensemble, along with clever and fitting choreography from Tom and Marie-Anne, it all worked so well together and created an overall excellent production. While we are on the production side, I would also commend the success of the costumes and wigs which naturally complimented the era of the piece. One of the highlights for me was the clever use of the stage space during Black Hills.  The movement was simple and effective and amplified the beautiful vocals of this classic musical theatre number. The title role was shared by Pauline Ferguson and Rachel Howat at alternate performances, with Rachel being the Calamity on the night I was there. Rachel’s Calamity Jane was confident and powerful. She gave a controlled, funny portrayal with impressive characterisation, vocals, line delivery and facial expressions balancing the tomboyish character at the start and building in some gentleness as the show progresses, but never losing her warmth and spirit.  Rachel commanded the stage during every scene she was in and worked so well with her fellow characters, in particular her relationships with Katie Brown and Wild Bill were lovely. I know Pauline would also have delivered a knockout performance as Calamity during her shows and would like to acknowledge the dedication, hard work and preparation that both would have put into the role. Playing opposite Calamity was Michael Gallagher as Wild Bill Hickock. Michael’s Wild Bill was an excellent charismatic foil to Calamity especially in the little comic spats between them, and what a voice!  “Secret Love” showcased Rachel and Michaels beautiful voices and with the atmospheric lighting behind them, it was a wonderful theatre moment. Cassidy Murray brought us a well-rounded Katie Brown with strong vocals, controlled movement, bringing out a warmth and humour to the character, making her Katie very endearing.  Craig Love as Danny Gilmartin the love interest first to Calamity and latterly Katie, gave another confident performance which had warmth and charm. Neil Warrander kept order as Henry Miller the owner of The Golden Garter, using his great comedic delivery and strong stage presence to make this character very engaging and enjoyable.  Evan Warrander, as Francis Fryer provided the additional comedy relief as the song and dance man.  I enjoyed both his musical numbers, and he certainly worked that stage in the dress and wig disguise! He worked so well with Connie McCrone as Susan and as a couple they were very sweet and charming. I also loved Mhairi Anderson’s portrayal of Adelaide Adams with her class, sass and composed character. A small scene in the show, but a memorable one. The main principals were supported by a few other minor characters, all of whom delivered excellent performances and helped move the story on, as did the fab ensemble. They committed to various characterisation, with their own subplots which were wonderful especially in the saloon scenes. Congrats to the whole club on another triumph and for the warm welcome Daniel and I received from Robin, Liz and the full cast when we got to make a quick pre-show “hello!”.

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