September 2000 - Region 1 - John E. Flay
MACK AND MABEL
The East Cheshires Musical Theatre Company
Director Mike Sammon
Musical Director Andrew White
Dance Director Val Jellyman
This production had a distinctly cinematic style complemented with film footage throughout. The audience entered the auditorium with an open stage to represent going to the flickers. Unfortunately, the stage lacked lighting which would have enhanced the mood being created. When the overture started with a clever film of stars of the Sennett studios interspersed with the cast in their respective parts, the audience settled back to an evening when 'Movies were Movies'.
David Beddy as Mack Sennett, one of the great comedy movie innovators, gave an inspiring performance and this was equalled by Suzanne Mott as Mabel. Their unsatisfactory private and professional lives were fully explored in song and dialogue. The rest of the cast was strong, headed by Andrew Harrison as Fatty Arbuckle, Andrea Whalley as Lottie Ames and Des Renshaw as Frank. The Tappers and 'The Company' were enthusiastic, adding to the production. The ebb and flow of the scenes went well - it was the lighting that let them down - the 'Prince Of Darkness' reigned!
Effective scenery and costumes enhanced a great evening's entertainment. Best wishes for your next show, My Fair Lady.
SHOWTIME 2000
Urmston Musical Theatre
Director: Wendy Robinson
Musical Director: Sheila Jackson
Dance Director: Wendy Robinson
The new chairman, Peter Pennington, must have been very proud of this first production under his chairmanship. The company was in top form and the thunderous applause at the end of the night said it all. This was an evening of music and songs from the musicals which included the 'Juniors' and the 'Seniors' and was very much a team effort. Solos and company numbers gave rise to a variety of emotions and Peter Mark's 'Hip Thrusts' had to be seen to be believed! With memorable songs from Miss Saigon and Copacabana the MD conducted with a sure touch. Costumes and scenery by the society added sparkle to the enjoyment of the evening. I look forward to your next production, Oliver.
THE PAJAMA GAME
South Manchester AOS
Director: Sylvia Isherwood
Musical Director: Peter England
Dance Director: Andrea Balloch
With scenery designed by society members in the style of the recent Simon Callow production, and surgery to the script and score, we had a new look Pajama Game. The director moved the piece effectively and the orchestra was in great form. There was a splendid partnership from Sean Kerr as Sid Sorokin and Louise Morgan as Babe Williams: their character attraction to one another was believable .A lovely comedy portrayal came from Rita Sykes as Mabel. I enjoyed the dry humour put in to the part and the duet 'I'll Never Be Jealous Again' with Hines (Dave Hunt) was well-timed acting. Cameo performances came from Justin Morley as Prez and Bill Lawson as Hasler. Andrea Balloch, in her first acting part as Gladys, needs to pay attention to her diction. From where I was sitting, her voice did not carry at all. However, her choreography and dancing were exciting and different. The rest of the cast provided effective support. This society had created a most entertaining production. Good Luck for your next show, Sweet Charity.
SWEENEY TODD
South Trafford OS
Director: Jean Molnar
Musical Director: Tobias Edwards
As the director stated in the programme, "this Musical Thriller is by far the most ambitious show that the society has presented". But like any challenge you meet it head on and that's what South Trafford did by getting a cast that could cope with Stephen Sondheim's near-operatic score. Stuart Hall as Todd was brooding but could have been more menacing while Jackie Matthews lifted the production with her witty and ghoulish Mrs. Lovett. The two lovers, Johanna (Victoria Schofield) and Anthony (Jeff Harpin) gained in both singing and acting as their confidence grew. Beadle Bamford was splendidly played by David Leathlean and equally assured was Jenni Lomax as the Beggar Woman.
The set worked well except for the barber shop (on an upper level SR) - the sight lines were not good. More detail to costumes could have made a stronger statement. The MD conducted a good reading of the score but kept stopping which did not help the ebb and flow of the piece. In saying that, the production was performed with great commitment and concentration. I look forward to your next presentation, Fiddler on the Roof.
HOT MIKADO
All Saint's AODS - Eccles
Director Anthony Williams
Musical Director Nick Sanders
Dance Director Anthony Williams
This re-write of the 1938 version is a swing review with music ranging from blues to jazz. The MD conducted the score for all its worth and the orchestra sounded like a big-band of yesteryear. It was a shame that they were in the pit and not on the stage where they belonged.
For this type of review (sic) the dialogue and plot are not as important as the music and movement. There was a very strong cast headed by Bob Etherington as Ko-Ko who packed great gusto into the part. Beth Hughes must have been to the Aretha Franklin school of singing, for her interpretation of Katisha's songs was pure soul! The 'Three Little Maids From School' were great led by Natalie Burke as Yum-Yum. Her rendition of 'The Sun Whose Rays' was memorable. Other strong, well paced performances came from Jonathon Craddock (Pish-Tush) and Dave Leathlean (Nanki-Poo). There were some lovely little touches in this show and inspired choreography. Best of luck for your next production, Broadway Pirates.