Calamity Jane
Information
- Date
- 24th October 2024
- Society
- LEOS MTC
- Venue
- Trent College, Long Eaton
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Elle Bates
- Musical Director
- George Parkinson
- Choreographer
- Molly Parkinson
- Written By
- James O’Hanlon
We had a very enjoyable evening watching LEOS MTC perform this classic musical, Calamity Jane. The show opened with a wonderful overture played by a live 10-piece band. The band sounded great throughout the show and the ensemble singing was strong with clear harmonies, congratulations to Musical Director George Parkinson and Assistant Musical Director Oliver Milton for their attention to detail.
We went straight into the action with ‘The Deadwood Stage’ arriving in town and Calamity Jane burst on to the stage played by Aimee Chilton. Aimee brought bundles of energy to her performance as Calamity as she retold her brave stories to the Golden Garter during ‘Careless With The Truth’. Aimee kept the pace and energy throughout the show and has a beautiful voice, her rendition of ‘Secret Love’ was a show stopper. Adam Worton played Wild Bill Hickok and I particularly enjoyed his duet with Aimee in ‘I Can Do Without You’.
The famous actress Adelaide Adams was played by Lisa Stone who did a great performance of ‘It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry”. Katie Brown was played by Becky Morley, the dresser of Adelaide, such a fun character to play. Becky was a joy to watch, bringing Katie Brown to life. Vying for her affection was Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin played by Jack David. A lovely duet of “Love You Dearly” by this pairing.
Jack Woolley stole the limelight in his portrayal of Francis Fryer with great vocals. ‘Hive Full of Honey’ was an entertaining number with the audience giggling around us as Jack brought out the humour brilliantly in this number. Rachelle Bragg played the kind-hearted Susan, organising and supporting her Uncle, a lovely portrayal from Rachelle.
Henry Miller is the owner of the Golden Garter and Simon Parker performed this very nervous and worried character well with his great acting skills, he never dropped out of character at any point.
Direction by Elle Bates, assisted by Rhodri Denton, I loved how they created the deadwood stage in the opening scene very cleverly done. The scene changes were very slick and well managed by the cast and the stage crew. Sound was clear from Matt Haslam and creative lighting by David Price.
The choreography was created by Molly Parkinson who also appeared as one of the Can-Can Dancers in the show. All the cast looked like they were having a great time on stage and that came across to the audience.
LEOS MTC are doing a wonderful job making their shows more accessible with a BSL Interpreter, the programme had an audio described QR Code and there was a Touch Tour for audience members. Well done LEOS MTC!
I am excited to see your next production of ‘Made In Dagenham’ in April.
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