Calamity Jane

This lively shows with its host of memorable and well-known musical numbers has achieved its enormous popularity through the quality of a superb Sammy Fain score rather than the storyline itself. Nearly every song or tune in the show having the advantage of being immediately recognised by the audience.

From the opening number in this appealing production Lisa Lilwall played the title role of ‘Calamity’ with energy and pace and with a fine voice . “The Deadwood Stage” was a rousing full company number quickly followed by ‘Careless with the Truth’. When required there was tomboy raucousness with ‘Windy City’ after she returned from Chicago, balanced with contrasting tone and emotion in her performances of ‘Men’ and the more passionate ‘Secret Love’, Dialogue and accent too were superb

In the role of ‘Wild Bill Hickcock’, Mark Williams was powerful and strong in character. Leading the men in the song ‘Adelaide’ and his performance of ‘Higher than a Hawk’ he demonstrated true vocal quality and ‘I Can Do Without You’ in the duet with ‘Calam’! both performed exceptionally well. As the would be superstar ‘Katie Brown’ Emma Hopcroft was comfortable in the part and played the role well in song and dance in ‘Keep it Under Your Hat’ and “A Woman’s Touch” along with Calamity utilised the cabin setting perfectly. ‘Katie’s’ duet with ‘Danny Gillmartin’ brought some wonderful harmony in ‘Love you Dearly’ with  ‘Danny’ being sung with a richness of tone by Sam Smith

‘It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry’ was a well performed number by Penny Hoy as ‘Adelaide’ in one of the splendid dance routines by the well-disciplined dancers as were the Can Can girls in their excellently choreographed numbers both in stagecraft and movement.

Comedy and scenes of great humour were in evidence throughout, with a special highlight in an exceptional performance by Ryan Allen as ‘Francis Fryer’ .His rendition of ‘Hivefull of Honey’ was full of character and fun without any camp-ness whatsoever.

Whilst the show to a large extent revolves around ‘Calamity’ and other principals full credit must go the chorus who in the full company numbers did complete justice to the music. As did a very pleasing on the ear well balanced orchestra. Harmonies were a delight to enjoy. Notably  ‘Black Hills of Dakota’ played in front of the curtains during one of a number carefully executed scene changes was enhanced further with soft and subtle lighting effects in purple and blue. Costumes too were of high quality vivid in colour with the right levels of authenticity.

Set and props including the Golden Garter bar scene appeared to give the stage greater depth and other scenes demonstrated innovative originality, just adding to the enjoyment for all of us in the audience.

Ian G Cox

Regional Representative - Worcestershire East (District 12)

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