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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Calamity Jane
Manor Musical Theatre Company
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
***** THIS is the company’s first production
under their new name, replacing ‘operatic society’ in the title to keep
up to date with current trends. What hasn’t changed is the high quality on stage,
and the audience reaction to early performances of this famous Western
musical will be a huge boost after last year’s show had to be cancelled. The story of gun-toting Calamity Jane, who drives
the Deadwood Stage, dresses like a man and is well-meaning but prone to
exaggeration, is impressively told by a cast oozing talent and
enthusiasm. It helps if you have outstanding leads, and
Barbara Hayward and Barry Styles certainly excel as ‘Calam’ and Wild
Bill Hickock who, despite their occasional upsets, eventually find true
love. Barbara, playing the
girl who is careless
Beth Willis and Andy
Hooper – who met in the production of
Oklahoma in 2014 and marry later this
year– impress as saloon singer Katie Brown and cavalry officer Lt Danny
Gilmartin, the other love interest in the show which is packed with good
music, bright colour and humour. Other strong contribution come from Paul Wozniak
as Francis Fryer, the entertainer hired by the local saloon in the
belief that he is a glamorous female vocalist, Susan Bushby (Adelaide
Adams) and Lynne Ridge (Henry Miller) And one of several
highspots comes when the ensemble sing the moving
Black Hills of Dakota,
having strolled through the theatre aisles, while the opening of the
show amuses the audience when musical director Ian Hayward is escorted
to his orchestra by two chorus girls after an apparent brush with red
Indians . . . an arrow through is Stetson! Calamity Jane is produced by Susan Bushby and
Barbara Hayward, with Maggie Moriarty’s bright choreography. Next year the company –
which is supporting the Midlands Air Ambulance - will be staging the
Rodgers and Hammerstein hit, South
Pacific (April 25-29) To 30-04-16 Paul Marston 26-04-16 |
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with
the truth, delivers just the right blend of toughness and vulnerability
to the role, while Styles is well cast as Hickock, his rich voice
perfect for