Thoroughly Modern Millie

Holiday visitors were given a real summer treat last week with LMCS production of ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’. The show opened with Millie, played by Bee Anderson, who acted, danced and sang throughout superbly. Jimmy Smith, played by Ryan Richardson, finds a distraught Millie, who has just arrived in New York, wandering helplessly having lost her suitcase and all her money within minutes of her arrival. He is persuaded to help her by sending her to a hotel where young theatrical hopefuls reside. His rendition of “What Do I Need with Love” and, in the second half, “I Turned the Corner”, a duet with Millie, were both very moving. Gina Bland as Mrs Meers left no doubt in our minds that this was a thoroughly unpleasant and ruthless woman. Her costumes and make-up were outstanding, as were those of the rest of the cast, and her performance was riveting. Carl Buckthorpe and Jade Berry as Ching Ho and Bun Foo, her two servants, caused much merriment in the audience with their various antics and incredible Chinese language which was translated into English on the screen at the back. Learning their script took on a completely new meaning!!

Once again this society proved that miracles can happen and magic can really appear on stage despite their amateur status. All the principals performed in a confident and polished manner having been well chosen for their parts. The chorus singing was strong and their voices well balanced and, thanks to clever choreography, the dancing was very effective. I enjoyed the tapping which was good and appreciated the pictures formed during and at the end of each sequence. Nick Williams and Anna Moorey as Trevor Graydon and Miss Dorothy were really well matched, both giving strong and memorable performances especially in act two when they fell in love. Their body language and facial expressions were brilliant and I loved their rendition of “I’m falling in love with someone” and “Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life”.

Charlotte Grimes as Muzzy and Rachel Brown as Miss Flannery both gave strong performances with well sung songs and polished dancing. I particularly liked ‘Long as I’m Here with You’ which Muzzy performed with Millie and ‘Forgot about the Boy’, a spectacular opening to the second half where the ensemble were supporting Miss Flannery and Millie.

The set, the lighting and the sound worked really well and the orchestra, set at the back of the stage, supplied great support for the singers without overpowering them. The company as a whole delivered a feel good factor to the audience so as everyone left the auditorium humming the songs and in better spirits than when they arrived.

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