Calamity Jane

This was a production that certainly pulled out all the stops.  Full of energy with some brilliant performances from the principals, supported by a strong chorus of singers and dancers. The show has some terrific songs and under the musical direction of Sarah Sykes the cast produced a high level of vocal achievement, including some lovely harmonies. Malcolm Hollow’s directing and choreography used the stage to great effect and  with additional choreography by Sally Newland, produced dancing of a high standard.   

Calamity Jane has captivated audiences since it first hit the big screen back in the fifties, and is probably best remembered for Doris Day’s husky rendering of My Secret Love.  It therefore takes someone of considerable talent to don the deer skins and bring the character of Calamity to life on stage and I think Zoe Blackery nailed it.  A terrific performance capturing the true essence of Calamity from tom-boy to bride. Very well done.

The principals were all well cast. Lorraine Berry gave a lovely performance as Katie Brown and Matthew Juggins was absolutely right for the role of Wild Bill Hickock. His powerful singing voice was a joy to listen to.  I hope he continues performing in musicals.

Bob Rawlinson was spot on as the dashing Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin and Mike Sykes gave a polished performance as Henry Miller. Well done also to Sean Burke for his wonderfully spirited characterization of  Francis Fryer.

Tash Crossley made a charming Susan and Cath Dickerson gave a delightful performance as Adelaide Adams, a small but significant role.

There is insufficient space in this report to mention the other principals but everyone was brilliant and looked as though they were having a really good time.

The Black Hills of Dakota is always a bit of a showstopper and here it was no exception. The company came together for this number and the result was absolutely beautiful although it did take a while for everyone to get on and off stage.

The costumes were absolutely right and the scenery was kept fairly simple and without an overload of props.  Consequently the scene changes were smooth and did not interrupt the pace of the show.    

The orchestra was nicely balanced but the orchestral accompaniment for this show, to my mind, does seem to lack depth. However that’s something we have to accept and  Sarah Sykes as an experienced MD can only interpret the score as intended.  Unfortunately not everyone in the orchestra was on top of the music and there were a couple of dud notes and a missed cue during the overture. I notice from the programme that there were musician changes during the week.  This is often unavoidable and was perhaps partly to blame.

The lighting seemed absolutely fine as was the sound except for an intermittent noise which appeared to be coming from one of the static mics. This was sorted out by the second act.

There was a new twist on the walk-downs and I’m not sure if everyone in the company had the opportunity to take a bow.  If they didn’t then this was a shame.

That said, this was a terrific production.  The audience clearly enjoyed it and the cast were having a great time.

Congratulations to all involved, I had a very enjoyable evening and thank you for inviting me.

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