January 1994
Region 8 - Ken Webb
CHICAGO
Lowton O. & D.S.
Not a show to please everyone, with its theme of crime and choice language, but, nevertheless, a production of the highest quality. The colour and style of the set, which was open for all to see on entering the hall, with al its colour, made a tremendous impact.
Although mainly a show for women, the men were not to be outdone with a fine piece of acting from Mark Roberts as Amos Hart. The part of Billy Flynn was cleverly handled by Colin Magenty. But the stars of the show have got to be Velma Kelly played by Karen Galloway and Roxie Hart played by Wendy Stott - they were superb and the way they put over their musical numbers was first class. Producer Gordon Perry must be congratulated on bringing the very best out of this society. But, the questions now arises, "How do you follow that?"
OLIVER!
Barnton Variety Theatre Workshop
As I wasn't able to visit this society on any of their performance nights I did manage to pop in to a rehearsal night and found everything going as well as could be expected. Producer Cecil Walker was quite happy so I sincerely hope everything went according to plan and I apologise to the members of the society for not being able to see a full performance.
HALF OF EVERYTHING
Newton-le-Willows A.D. & O.S.
Half of Everything is an ageless musical set in the not too distant past, but probably is more relevant today than ever before.
It is an account of how one couple's lives are shattered by the devils which torment us in everyday life. Wit Hadley and Paul Aitchison, two local writers from the North West first began writing this musical in February, 1991. The inspiration to write a musical on the subject of divorce was written from Wit's personal experiences. The story is not a true story, but is typical of events and traumas likely to occur in the breakdown of a marriage.
Of the production, I feel that a lot of work has got to be done to make it flow, and although the music was good in parts, I felt it was repetitive and too loud. At times it drowned the singing and the dialogue.
There are things I am sure the writers will want to cut out and replace with something else after the first night's performance, but judging from the audience reaction, it was thoroughly enjoyed.
MY FAIR LADY
United Northwest Co-Operative AOS - Warrington
Moving to new premises is difficult enough and takes time to adjust to stage problems which may arise. On this occasion I felt a lot more could have been done with the stage settings. It isn't good theatre to have the cast coming through the main curtain to create a scene. This was a pity because the company gave a very good performance with Professor Higgins and Colonel Pickering working well together. Eliza didn't come over very well as the common flower seller but came into her own from the Ascot Scene.
There was a strong portrayal of Alfred P. Doolittle and an equally convincing performance by Mrs. Higgins. The costumes looked good and the tempo throughout was maintained.
It was nice to meet you all backstage. Thank you for the hospitality shown to me and my wife.
BRIGADOON
Acton A.O.S. - Nantwich
This was a well-dressed, fast moving show with excellent accompaniment from a first class orchestra. The part of Fiona, played by Alex Bird, was well portrayed and along with Tommy Albright, played by Malcolm Robertson, were ideally cast. However, I didn't understand why the body mics were turned off for the dialogue, which I would have thought was just as essential as the singing.
There was a good portrayal of Harry Ritchie by Peter Johnson, especially the Sword Dance, which he did like a true Scot. There was some fine singing by Neal Harper as Charlie Cameron. I felt Gail Simpson as Meg Brockie was outstanding playing the part with vibrant efficiency. Jerry Hulse put across Jeff's one liners with perfect timing.
Thank you for a most enjoyable evening.
OLIVER!
Burtonwood AMDS - Warrington
This is the best show I have seen at Burtonwood and augers well for the future.
It is possibly Dickens' best known story and, therefore, probably easier to portray. The part of Oliver was confidently played by Philip Lee, who was supported by an enthusiastic group of workhouse boys.
I though the scenery was well done. The society must be congratulated for the continuity it maintained on such a small stage.
All the characters played their parts well, with an outstanding performance by Linda Cole as Nancy.
I felt sometimes the dialogue could have been a bit slicker. A big improvement all round. Well done!
SHOWBOAT
Mid-Cheshire A.O.S. - Nantwich
The opening of this well-known Jerome Kern musical set the scene for a wonderful night's entertainment.
A packed house enjoyed every minute of the show with all its well known tunes and fine choral singing - bringing back memories of a bygone era.
A show of this magnitude needs a set of strong characters with the society certainly picking the right ones with Ron Dodd as the charming ne'er-do-well Gaylord Ravenal and Susan Oldfield as the innocent Magnolia who played their parts with distinction.
Terry Healey's rich bass tones cast him inevitably, and deservedly, as Joe and the famous solo Ol' Man River was much appreciated, as indeed was the beautiful soprano voice of Barbara Turner as Julie. Captain Andy, played by David Parkes and Parthy Ann Hawks, played by Liz Cassidy, were ideally cast as the proprietors of "The Cotton Blossom". With Frank (Dave King), Ellie (Sharon Cassidy) and the Helen Bates dancers we were treated to some excellent dance routines.
The scenery had been well thought out and continuity with such difficult sets was reasonably well maintained. Congratulations to both musical director Tony Taig, for maintaining a good tempo, and to producer Anne Hooker for another excellent production.
CALAMITY JANE
Golborne St Thomas ADOS - Warrington
Not being able to attend the production week of this show, I managed to pop along to the Saturday dress rehearsal and what a pleasant surprise I had. With limited stage facilities, I found the whole production very entertaining. With the experienced Alison Sheridan playing Calamity Jane and the rest of the well chosen cast, I would not think producer Anne Hooker had a lot to worry about. The costumes were excellent, the scenery well thought out and the show accompanied by a nice combo.
MAGICAL MELODIES
Centenary O & D.S. - Warrington
Congratulations to the company on an excellent production - a truly musical extravaganza with music from the good old days - Gershwin - and even rock for the energetic young dancers in part 1
No stars, just a true team effort - on stage, back stage and in the pit, with some excellent improvisation from producer and musical director Alan Thomas. In part two we were treated to large helpings of Lloyd-Webber, Bernstein and Sondheim, but although enthusiasm was in abundance, I feel the music of the golden oldies never loses its char, (must be my age!)
Thank you for a most pleasant evening and an even nicer change of entertainment.
GUYS AND DOLLS
Knutsford A.O.S.
For its 50th anniversary production Knutsford A.O.S. felt that it ought to go back to putting on its productions on the big stage again. What a wise move this turned out to be. It certainly brought the best out of the cast, which has been lacking in the past few years.
Going to a new venue is always a problem and having a completely new stage crew is another but all credit to those responsible for a first class performance, probably their best for a long time.
The costumes all looked good, especially the Hot Box Girls in Take Back Your Mink and the chorus singing was of a high standard. Credit must go to chorus master Dave Walters and Musical Director, Sue Sharkey, who maintained a strict tempo throughout. Sarah Brown (Anna Walton) and Sky Masterson (Robert Dakin), playing their first leading roles, were ideally cast and their solos and duets ,were memorable contributions to the show. Julia Harris excelled as Miss Adelaide with clear diction and riotous renditions of her solo numbers and duets. This was the best Adelaide I have seen. The colourful number Take Back Your Mink with the Hot Box Girls was a knock-out.
Adelaide's opposite number, Nathan Detroit, was played by Tony Harris with his Sue Me number a clear winner. Strong characters were needed for the male parts and these were in abundance, with Harry the Horse (Andrew Bytheway) Big Jule (Jim Dakin), Lt. Brannigan (Ken Griffiths) and Nicely-Nicely Johnson (Harold Buck) with that show stopper Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat. Other parts were played by Ron McCormick (Benny), Joe Marshall (Rusty Charlie), Arthur Maycroft (Arvide) and Barbara Fuller (Gen. Cartwright).
I felt a show of this calibre needed better lighting and sound, which, at times, as sadly lacking. As a show, however, this production of Guys and Dolls was very good and thoroughly entertaining.