Come Back To The Five And Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Helen Clarke and also later met Ben Maytham and Steve Wooldridge one of the Society’s steering group.

The action takes place in a five and dime store in McCarthy, Texas and follows an all-female Jimmy Dean fan club, meeting to honour the 20th anniversary of Dean’s death in 1955. The script cleverly moves between two timelines ie 1955 and 1975. The set, allowing a very wide stage area with two entrances/exits was very impressive and all built by volunteers and society members. Props to support the set were numerous and imaginative eg a jukebox, CRUSH machine ( made from an old fridge), a shrine to Jimmy Dean, a makeup and accessories table etc. Congratulations to set designer, Dave Borthwick and the team of set designers for such an imaginative and realistic set. Kerry Lecomber was the Stage Manager and responsible for the props.

There was talented acting by every member of the cast all of whom maintained their American accents throughout. Some played the young characters involved in 1955 and others as the same characters in 1975 who were having flashbacks to 1955.  After a few minutes it became clear to the audience that there were two timelines being successfully acted out on stage.

Jenni Horn, as Juanita the store owner, played a very strong and convincing role of “keeping the peace” between the fans. Kelly Fletcher, as Mona was most convincing, reliving the past and constantly recalling her “friendship” with James Dean and Becky Linge as the younger Mona was delightful.  Charlotte Curtis was excellent as Sissy as was Tasha Abbott as young Sissy.   Rebecca Darcy, as the Porche driving elegant Joanne was true to the part with a surprise revelation at the end!   Ryan Wilson as Joe was the only male actor and tackled the role with great energy and enthusiasm. Katy Pointer, as Edna and Fran Davey, as Stella were both extrovert, rather loud characters  and they seemed to really enjoy their roles.

In fact, everyone on stage threw themselves into their characters with huge enthusiasm and were probably word perfect. Excellent use was made of the stage area by the cast, choreographed by Stephanie Brown. Lighting and sound (James Aleksic) and operated by Michelle Emmerson-Grey were very appropriate to the times as were the costumes (Leeann Ling).

This challenging production was skilfully performed and presented and I must congratulate the co-Directors, Helen Clarke and Ben Maythem for their innovation and interpretation. A fitting tribute to Pat Taplin, Helen’s mother who set up this local society and died 10 years ago.

Well done everyone involved on and off stage. The audience certainly were appreciative and I enjoyed the production immensely.

Hazel Hole MBE,  Regional Representative NODA East, District 11                                                                              

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