Calamity Jane

It is many years since I saw Calamity Jane and cannot understand why when it is such a good ‘company’ show.

I was told the first time a box-set had been built for the Cromer stage and how good it looked and how well it worked with swift changes, as did everything in the off-stage credits.

Another first in Martin Rodwell directing a full scale musical (as opposed to a play), and everything was brought out to shine with huge life and energy and fun. Lots of vital movement for all under the regime of Carole Beatty and not just the dancers who were very lively with can-can etc. And that great orchestra and all those harmonies from the stage under the baton of Mark Sharp. All good.

And to that excellent casting and a team to be proud of, plus not forgetting that amazing chorus with their huge energy level and total commitment to song and movement and the great feeling of enjoyment from everyone of stage.

In the title role, Andrea Wilson just burst on to the stage like a firework and she dominated centre stage and attention with personality and style and talent as Calamity: what a perfect casting and what a performance. How well she worked with Annabelle Culley who made a delightful and sweet voiced Katie Brown, these two a great team. In the romance stakes, and personality clashes, the two men came up trumps: Gary Clifton as a strong no nonsense Wild Bill Hickcock taunting Calamity, but with the softer side coming through eventually, singing well to standard and all notes in place; and to Zac Green as Danny Kilmartin as the sweet voiced suitor to Katie but wanted by Calamity, can I believe that 2013 saw him win my ‘young performer award’ with now his portrayal of a lead in adult musical. This group of four really worked as a great team in characterisations and vocals and their interactions for the story/

But there are other lines in this production: Henry Miller from Carl Dennis was such a dynamic characterisation, always on the go with trying his best for The Golden Garter and his troubles. As niece Susan, Selina White, a role that I do not remember as being so strong, was energy personified in organisation; and in romantic partnership, but mainly as the comedy character role, with great timing, Matt Scantlebury as Francis Fryer had the fun perfection role casting. And looking good in her costume and personality Adelaide Adams, Kat Tindall came over well in her number with the stage door johnies. And, of course, Peter Thrower in yet another of his ‘cameos’ as Rattlesnake to enjoy.

Above all this was an evening of pure enjoyment in the whole presentation on stage and Martin and the entire company should be congratulated on the energy of the show and for sending us home singing (and skipping down the pier) to those great melodies.

And can I say how delighted that Andrew Payne awarded Life Membership of CSODS for all his dedication and work devoted over the years, so well deserved.

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