Calamity Jane

In its return to the Ayr Gaiety Theatre, the Philharmonic chose a light, popular show to reconnect with its patrons and audiences and were justly rewarded with a “sell out” week’s run. The show contains many well known musical numbers, has a plot that audiences can follow easily and is a good “company show” with lots to do for minor players and the chorus. A strong cast headed by Pauline Ferguson as Calamity and Colin McDonald as Wild Bill Hickock set the scene in “The Golden Garter” with the rousing opening number “The Deadwood Stage”. Adam Dawson was well cast as the hapless Francis Fryer with Andrew Miller as the portly proprietor of The Golden Garter hostelry, a role in which he was clearly most comfortable. Rachel Howat took the part of his charming daughter Susan while Rita Duncanson played the haughty Adelaide Adams. Sharon McDonald was cast as her dresser Katie Brown, destined for greater things in the plot as she ably demonstrated. Connor Kirkpatrick took the role of Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, the fourth member of the double love-match. Tom McCarroll and David Russell took the cameo parts of Rattlesnake and “Doc” Pierce and the cast was completed by a shapely troupe of Can-can Dancers and a chorus ensemble.

This bright and lively production was just what was needed to rejuvenate the Society after its recent years in venues less amenable to audiences and the new treasurer could be seen with broad smiles and hovering near the box office.

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