January 2000 - Region 8 - Ken Webb
HELLO, DOLLY!
Acton AOS
There was a good opening to this most delightful of musical comedies with excellent costumes, particularly in the "14th Street Parade". Sadly I felt this went on a bit too long and so lost the initial impact. Jennifer Hall gave a very good interpretation of Dolly Levi. Although a little insecure vocally, she delivered her lines with attack, great characterisation and looked the part. Her perfect foil was the experienced Tom Nixon as the well-known half millionaire, Horace Vandergelder. Cornelius Hackl was excellently played by Mike Malone. Accompanied by Peter Johnson as Barnaby Tucker, they were probably the best I have seen for a long time. Outstanding was Gail Johnson as Irene Malloy. Her singing was of a high quality and a pleasure to listen to. Louise Kaminski as Minnie Fay made the ideal shop assistant. These players made a great foursome executing the dance routines extremely well. I was, however, a little disappointed with the "Waiters' Gallop". I found the production quite entertaining but it was let down by the slow tempo of the music.
OKLAHOMA!
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS
Oklahoma! is still a great box-office attraction and regarded as the most influential musical of post-war years.
Opening onto a superb set, Joan Campbell set the scene as the mischievous Aunt Eller and her coy flirtation with Curly was perfect. The sweet, but sometimes stubborn, Laurey was excellently played by Carol Farrish-Mayer. She was a perfect match with the suave, cocky portrayal of the equally impressive Curly by Ben Jones. Rob Medina was ideal as Will Parker who sang and danced his way into the heart of the delightful Ado Annie played by superbly by Alison Gorton. Her feminine charms and excellent timing with Ali Hakim played by Carl Morgan, who maintained his accent throughout, was perfect and extracted every ounce of humour possible. Nigel Wells interpretation of Jud Fry was perfect. He sang "Poor Jud" and "Lonely Room" with great feeling, sympathy and understanding.
Alison Molina as Gertie Cummings caught the eye - or should I say, "ear" - and completing the rest of the talented cast was Lewis Pritchard as the ideal, protective father Andrew Carnes, Ric Hazlewood as Slim and Rob Wheeler as Cord Elam.
I found this production very enjoyable and one which was performed with polish, style and most impressive, perfectly balanced and well controlled orchestra.
The production, choreography and lighting were all first class. The programme, too, was superb.
I also had the added pleasure, together with our Councillor, John Owen, of presenting long-service awards to Stuart McPake and Sarah Percival (15 year badge), Stanley Marsden and Mary Marsden (30 years) and Harry Marsh (50 year gold bar). Congratulations to each and every one of you.
42nd STREET
Centenary AOS
Technically, 42nd Street is not an easy show to stage but, despite the problems of the Parr Hall playing space, the stage crew worked extremely hard to ensure the smooth running and continuity of the show. Set in 1933, those dancing feet came right from the start. With choreography by Beryl Rigby the precision of the dancers was outstanding.
The excellent portrayals of Dorothy Brock (Sheila Cummins) and Julian Marsh (Mike Hall), coupled with Maggie Jones, co-author of Pretty Lady (Patsy Roberts) and Pat Denning, ex-vaudeville star (John Postlethwaite) enhanced the show.
Katie Adaire as Peggy Sawyer and Liam Mackenzie, making his debut, as Billy were superb. There was excellent support from Jennifer Lawrinson (Phyllis Dale), Clare Brown (Ann Reilly), Cath Burrow (Gladys), Sue Clinton (Lorraine Flemming) and the rest of a large cast.
The orchestra was well controlled but I felt, apart from the dancers who were superb, the production lacked that polish normally associated with this society.
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Centenary O & D.S.
Yet another venue for Centenary O & DS, but another rip roaring success.
This comedy by Ray Cooney was billed as a Rolls Royce of a farce and the society members sure made the most of it.
The story is about a Dr. David Mortimore, played superbly by Mark Murphy, who is about to address a neurologists convention, when an old flame, ex Nurse Jane Tate, played to perfection by Pat Jackson, arrives and announces that their liaison years ago resulted in a son, who is desperate to meet his dad. Dr. Mortimore, frantic to keep this catastrophic news from his seemingly straight-laced wife, Rosemary, ideally played by Sheila Cummins, invents all sorts of excuses, like inventing, not one, but two none existent husbands, and, with the help of a colleague, Dr Herbert Bonney, played with panache and aplomb by Alan Shields, created mayhem and laughter throughout.
The role of the Matron, played by Anita Warburton and that of Nurse by Beryl Rigby, were brilliant and the situations with Bill. a patient (Bas Bennett) were hilarious. Mike Hall gave the perfect portrayal of Sir Willoughby Drake (reminiscent of James Robertson Justice) and John Postlethwaite gave his usual commanding performance as the Police Sergeant.
Special mention must be made of the excellent way young Nick Thomas played the part of Leslie, the son who is downstairs desperate to meet his dad, and together with Mike Walsh as Dr Mike Connelly and Laura Booth as the mother, Mrs. Bonney, they completed the perfect cast.
The set built by the Society was superb and fitted the Parr Hall stage perfectly.
A play of this nature needs to be slick, and Centenary didn't let us down. Congratulations on a super, super production.
WEST SIDE STORY
Centre Stage Youth Theatre
Congratulation to all concerned for a first class production of this emotionally and physically demanding show with its difficult, but exciting music.
When I entered the theatre, I thought that this junior society had taken on too much but oh, no! everything was done with admirable skill and daring. The visual presentation was good and authentic and the fight sequences were very well done.
The singing of the difficult, discordant music was achieved with superb backing from a very competent orchestra. The confidence of these young people has to be seen to be believed. From them a lot of senior societies could learn!
The Jets and their girls, the Sharks and their girls were ideal and the tender love scenes between Maria (Lucy Davies) and Tony (Marnix van der Kraan) were perfect.
The scenery was ideal and handled with quiet efficiency. The costumes looked good and what pleased me most was to read that they were all designed and made by the society.
Once again this was a very good production and one of which to be proud.
AN EVENING WITH C.O.D.Y.S.
Cheshire O & D Youth Set
The evening turned out to be very entertaining and with something to suit all tastes, ranging from chorus numbers, solos, monologues and sketches.
With over 30 musical numbers from all the popular shows, this young society, of which there are around 50 members, were all keen to display their talents - and we were not disappointed.
As this was just a one-night-stand to raise funds, it was a tribute, not only to the performers but to the backstage team who must have worked hard to put this extravaganza together.
My main criticism was that the musical accompaniment was, at times, too loud which was a pity because some of the soloists were quite talented and who knows, in a few year's time, we may see some of them on the bigger stage!
Keep up the good work.
ANYTHING GOES
Congleton AOS
Arriving at the theatre we were welcomed aboard by the Purser (Brian Ashby) and escorted to our seats up the tastefully decorated gangplank which, I felt, set the scene for a splendid evening of entertainment.
The action takes place on the SS American sailing from New York to England with an excellent cast lead by producer Eric Pover as Billy Crocker, a young admirer of an American heiress Hope Harcourt, played by Helen Simpson. They were a perfect match for each other.
Keeping the steam at boiling point was the ex-evangelist Reno Sweeny, played superbly by Kath Pimlett and her sexy angels, Charity (Jenny Lee), Virtue (Claire Lilley), Purity (Claire Masters) and Chastity (Kirsty Morris). Providing the humour was Moonface Martin, public enemy No 13 (David Martin) and his moll, Bonnie (Hannah McAllister). Both roles were superbly played. Outstanding, however, was Nigel Evans as the silly Sir Evelyn Oakleigh. His antics were just right.
Complementing the cast was Mary Lloyd (Mrs Harcourt), David Hey (Elisha J. Whitney), Alex Johnson (Ching), Chris Sheard (Ling) and the Captain (Arthur Smith.
The set was superb - the best I have seen for this show - and the costumes, with all the glitter, was breathtaking, particularly in that big number, "Blow Gabriel, Blow".
Congratulations to producer Eric Power, musical director Ian Pickford and choreographer Nick Evans for a first class production that had everything.
FINIAN'S RAINBOW
Co-Operative Amateur Theatrical Society
The show opened onto a very nice set made by the society. I was most disappointed, however, with the tempo of the music which, in my opinion, was far too slow. The prompter was working overtime and the chorus was a little unsure of its entries. Maybe first night nerves!!
On the brighter side, the quixotic rogue, Finian, was played with assurance by Glen Kindon and had the 'bit of magic'. Together with Sharron, his daughter, played superbly by Julia Hart and Og, the leprechaun, played by Lee Sharples they made an excellent Irish trio.
The American characters from Woody (Gary Yorke) down to the smallest role were ideal and the coloured chorus looked good. Great care was taken with accents - both spoken and sung.
The costumes looked good by more care should be taken with the lighting.
Following the success of the last show, Fiddler on the Roof, this one was unfortunately not up to your usual standard.
Me and My Girl
Knutsford A. O. S.
Director: Anne Hooker
Musical Director Keith Malloin
Dance Director Helen Bates
This rags to riches story came to Knutsford High School with a very workable set from Centenary Players. It was a shame the audience had to wait for scene changes as the set was so well designed. It could have easily been changed during the action thus helping continuity and trim the running time.
To enhance this production there was a good set of costumes from Charades of St. Helens. Choreographer Helen Bates put her young dancers through their paces. The success of this show lies in the quick crossfire dialogue and very defined characters which made this director choose a cast with experience. The parts of Bill. and Sally were played effectively by Rob Dakin and Anna Walton. Gilly Godwin as Lady Jacqueline was sparkling and fresh. The rest of the cast all gave splendid support.
Musically the standard was high but because of limited budget the orchestra was small, too small to produce a rich sound but serving the cast well.
Thank you for making me welcome and best wishes for your next. show Salad
Days.
(John Flay)
ANNIE GET YOUR GUN
Mid-Cheshire AOS
I found this production of the revised version of Annie Get Your Gun quite entertaining in parts but disappointing generally. The lighting plot was terrible. For example, the "Indian Ceremonial" and the ballroom scene where the guests arrived in the dark.
On the brighter side, there was a sparkling opening by Charlie, played by David Parkes with a strong portrayal of the Innkeeper, Foster Wilson, by Ian Whitfield. Ted Moss as Frank Butler looked the part but I felt he could have been more suave and not too laid back. Debbie Hobley as Annie Oakley was good and sang her numbers with feeling. The family of Annie, Little Jake (Chris Hobley), Nellie (Laura Hobley), Jessie (Maxine Allen) and Minnie (Donna Frame) were ideal.
There were good performances from Barbara Whitefield as Dolly Tate, Jeff Burgess as Buffalo Bill, John Stopford as Pawnee Bill and Mark Burdon as Chief Sitting Bull.
Congratulations to musical director Catherine Singleton for maintaining a good tempo and for her improvisations of some of the chorus numbers.
The costumes from Midland Costume Hire looked food, but a little more care should be taken in the use of props.
OKLAHOMA!
St Thomas Golborne AOS
Oh, what a beautiful evening this turned out to be! A well cast, polished production with beautiful scenery, props and costumes the attention to detail was a delight to behold. All the members of the cast were enjoying themselves and were confident in their performances, each one supporting the other. It was also lovely to see that the company still has a strong team of talented young men and the ladies are eager to take roles large and small. All of this enthusiasm, linked with the experienced members enables the production of an excellent show.
Congratulations to Bob Lord and his backstage team for the beautiful sets and to Nancy and the band for the lovely music. "The Dream Ballet" danced by members of the cast and choreographed by Carole Serjent was indeed a "dream" to behold, simple in style but so effective. It was also nice also to see Carole back in service after a long illness.
The strength and success of any show lies with the producer and my sincere congratulations go to Alison Sheridan for this her first production. At times it was if she herself were on the stage.
If the young talents will heed what she has to say they will learn plenty. I hope this is the first of many productions by Alison.
The show brought back so many memories for me. Looking at the programme it was 27 years ago that I answered an SOS call from Brian Harper to play Ado Annie for STADOS at 4 days notice. Ado had been rushed into hospital. I played the part for them and this was a start of a friendship with the society which continues to this day. It was interesting and exciting for me to be there.
THE BOY FRIEND
Vale Royal AOS
I found this production quite entertaining and probably one of the best this society has done for a long time. Hortense was particularly well played by Belinda Spence who maintained the French accent superbly. The perfect young ladies, Maisie (Sharon Cassidy), Dulcie (Liz Cassidy), Fay (Jan Bason), and Nancy (Stacey Harrison), all looked the part with Susan Oldfield as Polly Browne the icing on the cake.
Sheila Cranmer-Gordon was superb as Madame Dubonnet and was expressively fluent and assured. The equally talented John Coppack gave a good portrayal as Percival Brown. Completing the talented cast was Ben Ireson as Marcel, Claire Claffey as Pierre and Mike Kelsall as Alphonse with Pepe and Lolita from the Diamond School of Dancing.
The scenery and costumes complemented a very good production by Cecil Walker in which the pace was maintained by musical director Heather Whyte.
Just one word of advice, be a little more careful in the choice of characters.