Cry Baby

It is always satisfying to see a show that is infrequently performed, and “Cry Baby” is a case in point – in fact this production by Kirkcaldy Youth Music theatre is a European Premiere.

Teenage culture  comprises class warfare between the upperclass Squares and the opposing Drapes.  The Squares are epitomised by “pillar of Society” Mrs Vernon-Williams (Catriona Gauld) who handles this older character with apparent ease, and deals effortlessly with large amounts of monologue and a solo musical number that would frighten any actor of greater years!  Her grand-daughter Allison (Holly McIlhatton) provides the teenage angst, whereby she yearns to break away from her grandmother’s apron strings – and be a bit less good.   To this end she feels the need also to break away from boyfriend Baldwin (Andrew Stewart) and cross the tracks to the (slightly) bad Drapes.  Holly performs extremely well in this double-character part and acts and sings her way through numerous musical numbers with consummate ease!

On the other side of the coin we have the Drapes led by the vastly misunderstood “Cry Baby” of the title, played with feeling and excellent energy by Ross McKenzie. Cry Baby is aided and abetted by his friend Dupree (Blair Hollingworth) and three women who most certainly put the word CHARACTER into character!  Pepper Walker (Bethany Morrison), Wanda Woodward (Dominika Valente) and Mona ‘ Hatchet-Face’ Malnorowski (Cara Hayes) have developed three entirely individual personae each of which works exceedingly well. Again singing and acting appears to come as second nature to this trio!  Last but certainly not least, the cameo role of Lenora, played with over the top perfection by Niamh Corkey, showcased her fine singing voice with a solo and a duet with Baldwin.

As ever with Kirkcaldy YMT, youthful enthusiasm oozes from this company, and, together with a fine choice of show, provides an evening of lively entertainment for all their audiences.

We look forward to next year,  the 60th anniversary of this Society.

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