Parade

The set looked amazing with a factory setting with the floor in front clear for change of settings with good use of props. The Society constructs their own sets and this was another triumph for the set design and construction team led by John Buckley. The lighting plot was fantastic and set the atmosphere in each scene beautifully. The balance of sound with cast and Orchestra was perfect with consideration given to the lyrics of the songs telling the story.

The Production team had clearly worked hard to create a magnificent piece of theatre with every aspect of direction and choreography thought through. The direction from James Schofield was breathtaking with every little nuance and mannerism of characters honed to perfection. The choreography by first time choreographer Katherine Farrow was creative, inspired and beautifully put together. The scene with foot stomping which reverberated through the auditorium was electric and drew me in to the scene creating a break down of the fourth wall with the audience. Every piece of dancing suited the time and scene being played.  A fantastic debut Katherine and I look forward to future shows you choreograph.

The company numbers were utterly stunning with fantastic vocals from every single member on the stage including the ensemble. The difficulty in writing this review will be to find enough superlatives to describe the performances in this show such was the standard of acting and singing. This may be an amateur society but this show from start to finish with every aspect was as professional as I have ever seen.

Sam Maurice was totally believable in the role of Leo Frank. There was a deep commitment to this role by Sam who went from awkward, aloof Jewish man with identifiable mannerisms and awkward way to a warmer, more emotionally connected, scared man who is driven by his innocence and need to clear his name. Sam’s vocals and acting were fabulous in this role and I particularly liked the change of his character mid song whilst in court.

Sophie Lord as his wife Lucille was beautifully played with great maturity. I saw a fabulous transformation of character from beginning to end with touching scenes with Sam in his prison and strength of character as she fights his prosecutors. Sophie had wonderful vocals on her numbers and delivered them with real emotion.

Caroline Featherstone was fabulous as Mary Phagan with gorgeous vocals and a lovely naïve characterisation. Mason Thomas was beautifully cast as Frankie Epps and his vocals in the funeral scene had me crying for the first of many times in this show. I loved the portrayal of this young man who I have watched grow as a performer in this society with his staggeringly beautiful voice and fine acting skills.

Billy Pretsell was mean as Hugh Dorsey and the fact that I hated him and wanted to shake him to stop the injustice is testament to his acting skills. Great vocals too.

Jon Crebbin was stunning as Old Soldier/Tom Watson with equally stunning vocals and acting to portray this role. Tom Guest was great with clear diction as Governor Slaton and some lovely vocals and dance moves in the “Pretty Music” number.

I understand this was Fola Olakunbi’s first show. I have to say I would not have known as his portrayal as Jim Conley was absolutely fabulous filled with poignancy and cunning added to fantastic vocals.

The supporting roles of Minnie McKnight played by Sara Melo, Judge Roan/ Mr Peavy played by Iain Lindsell and Britt Craig by Dominic Dunne were superbly constructed with great acting and fabulous vocals. The three girls played by Samantha Parr, Emily Clarke and Claire Morris were super with stunning vocals. Hannah Edwards as Mrs Phagan was brilliantly played with such emotion and depth of sorrow and again with stunning vocals. Rebekah Davies as Mrs Slaton and Lee Brennan as Luther Rosser were great in their roles but I have to say there was not a weak link in this show and every member including the children filled their parts beautifully.

The whole show was amazing and faultless vocally with great acting and dancing which drew in the audience. This was a stunning production from start to finish and we the audience felt like we were part of the action, so well directed, staged and acted was the piece. I was still affected by the show the following day such was the injustice of the story and the authenticity of the production. It is one I will never forget and would like to say well done to every cog in the Parade wheel.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.