Red Hot and Cole

This is the first time that I have seen this show which portrays the life of Cole Albert Porter through a series of ‘swellegant’ theatrical parties. It introduces the audience to his closest friends and associates, and tells of the triumphs and tragedies of his life. It features a catalogue of numbers from “Kiss me Kate”, “Anything Goes”, “High Society”, and “Can Can” to name a few and Ferryhill Stage Society did this show in style. From entering into the hall I felt part of the evening’s performance, the setup of the room in café style with table cloths really set the tone of the evening and transported the audience back to the roaring 20’s. Maureen Golightly, as Director, ensured that the attention to detail was palpable, and the cast looked as if they were having a ball. I particularly liked act two where everyone was dressed in red and black which visually looked fantastic. The music was in the very capable hands of Meg Childs, as Musical Director, and John Childs, as accompanist and assistant musical Director, the small orchestra truly accompanying the cast but never overshadowing their vocals.
The show began with Isobel Wheatley playing Elsa Maxwell hosting one of her famous parties, and introducing the cast to the audience. Isobel looked elegant and I loved her musical numbers “I’m Throwing a Ball Tonight”, “Tomorrow” and “The Physician”. The part of Cole was played by Michael Coulson who brought to life the story of this truly inspirational man whilst singing a number of solos and duets. I particularly liked “My Heart belongs to Daddy” and “True love” the duet with Isobel. Deborah Wilson playing Cole’s wife Linda Porter. Deborah was elegant and charming as ever and her numbers included “Begin the Beguine” and “In the Still of the Night”. This was a beautiful performance and well sung. Elsie McGowan played Ethel Merman and I particularly enjoyed her musical number “I Get a Kick Out of You”. Another great performance was given by Rosemary Jones as Bricktop, I loved her numbers ”I Love Paris”, “Ca, C’est L’Amour” and “Im in Love Again” with excellent stage presence and vocals. Jim Rowcroft played Noel Coward again with good stage presence and he delivered ”Let’s Do it, Let’s Fall in Love” well. Another strong performance came from Joe Makepeace as Monty Wooley, and I enjoyed his musical number “Miss Otis Regrets”. In his debut role Brian Charlton played Paul, Cole’s valet. Well done especially in your musical numbers ”Who Said Gay Paree” and “Wake Up and Dream”. Good performance also from Andrea Robinson who played Hedda Hopper, and again delivered her musical number “Just One of Those Things” well, There were a number of character roles who made up the chorus and I particularly liked the musical numbers “They Didn’t Believe Me” sung by the male Chorus, and the whole chorus singing “Riding High Red, Hot and Blue” and the “Kiss Me Kate” medley.
This was not an easy show to deliver, considering the amount of musical numbers and such a large cast, but Ferryhill Stage Society, as ever, gave a sterling performance and delivered another memorable evening of entertainment. Well done to everyone involved.

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