September 2000 - Region 10 - Peter Hendren
CRAZY FOR YOU
Whitehaven Theatre Group
Dancing dominates this show and right from the opening bars of music, the audience was treated to a dazzling display of fast, clever tapping from over a dozen beautifully costumed girls in brilliant lighting. It certainly was "Knock 'em back in their seats" from the word go!
Tex Houghton as Bobby Childs excelled in speech, singing and in dancing, too. He looked easy on the stage and this is gained by experience and hard sweat - especially in this show! Maria Morton as Polly was good match for him and again danced brilliantly. Her solo 'Someone To Watch Over Me' was particularly poignant. Both of these two tackled the difficult intros to the Gershwin songs well, where it is easy to go astray, until the popular bit kicks in!. However, this was a great team show from all the well cast smaller roles.
As I mentioned, the dancing dominates. Carol Corless (choreographer) had a wonderful team of expert dancers on hand to give superb displays and pictures, especially in "Slap That Bass", and "I Got Rhythm". The orchestra was lively, fat and brassy where needed, and the sound, lighting, and lovely costumes worthily complemented the cast. The main scene changes were well handled on this limited stage.
As you might have guessed, I was most impressed with producer Pauline Robertson's Crazy For You! It had pace, life and punch. A worthy show to celebrate the society's 30th anniversary. It was very well done indeed.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Keswick AOS
It was a delight to see Keswick AOS in its new home, - the magnificent Theatre by the Lake. The company had space to work, scenery flying facilities, superb lighting, an extended orchestra - 10 birthdays all at once!
South Pacific was good choice, and Keswick pulled off a great production of it. Baxter Shaw was both MD and producer and had worked hard to lift the society to new heights. Sarah Warner as Nellie, and Chris Briggs as Emile had a good rapport, and worked well together. Edna Sharman enjoyed her Bloody Mary, and I also liked the characterisation of Captain Brackett by Jim Jenkins. (and the good French from Islay Crosbie and Daniel Brown as Emile's children).
Flying sets meant fast changes which maintained the good pace. Lighting was excellent in this 'pro' theatre, as was the sound. Well done, Keswick AOS - now you are really on your way!