January 2001 - Region 8 - Ken Webb
ANNIE
Millennium Theatre Summer School
Welcome to NODA and especially to Region 8. This summer school began as an idea 12 months ago and is the brain child of Richard Jervis and Simon Callaghan, who recognised that there was a need for an extra curricular activity for the young people of Congleton to be involved in the theatre during the summer holidays.
Annie was chosen for its fantastic storyline and allowing members to play multiple characters. Auditions were held in July, the parts were cast and rehearsals began on Monday 7th. August 2000 at the Daneside Theatre. After three weeks of intensive rehearsing every day from 9.30 p.m. I witnessed what I thought a superb production, and it was well worth my trip to Congleton on a wet and windy night.
Carrie-Ann Williams gave a sparkling performance as Annie and the orphans all did extremely well with Emma Atherton, as the guardian, Miss Hannigan, performing with great gusto. Grace played by Stephanie Harden and Daddy Warbucks played by Dave Martin were both portrayed with feeling.
Every one connected with this production is to be congratulated, especially the producer/director Richard Jervis, producer/musical director Simon Callaghan and professional dance teacher and choreographer Nicky Evans for their hard work and attention to detail.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Co-Operative Amateur Theatrical Society
This musical is always a favourite with audiences for it has good music, passion, love and tolerance and a good storyline.
Julia Hart gave a polished performance as Nellie Forbush and her scenes with the children, Jerome played by Robin Lynsky and Ngana played by Sarah Evans, were quite emotional. The small male chorus made the most of 'There Is Nothin' Like A Dame' and the ladies were equally enthusiastic with 'Wash That Man'. Glen Kindon was outstanding as Emile de Becque, the French planter, and Ron Makin, supplying the laughs as Luther Billis was ideal.
As well as being responsible for the music, Jan Alger played Bloody Mary but I am not convinced that this is a good idea, although the music was played at a good tempo (well done for that) Gary Yorke as Lt Joe Cable and Liat played by Emma Gaina played their roles extremely well, and together with the rest of the smaller parts were ideally cast.
A word of praise to producer Dorothy Carter for some well set scenes, including the smaller ones like the office, on such a limited stage, and most importantly, for maintaining continuity.
ANYTHING GOES
Mid Cheshire AOS
This production transported the audience back to the 1930s and introduced the great, the good, and shady characters onboard the SS American, sailing from New York to England Although the story line is weak, one never tires of hearing the Cole Porter evergreens.
There was a good imaginative opening with a set that was ideal for the Memorial Hall stage. Kath Pimlett displayed all her talents as Reno Sweeney and her performance together with Bob Cleverly as Sir Evelyn Oakleigh was ideal. The demure and ladylike Hope Harcourt was suitably portrayed by Debbie Hobley, with an equally impressive Jeanne Walker as the domineering mother Mrs Harcourt. Nick Murison gave a commendable account of himself as Billy Crocker, but I would have liked him to have been a little more flamboyant in the part. The cast in general were quite good, but outstanding was Barrie Billinge as Moonface Martin. His timing and the humour he extracted from the part were excellent. He was supported by a superb Bonnie, the gangster's moll, played by Julie Gaskell.
Although the music was kept at the right tempo I can't say that I liked the sound that came from the combination of synthesisers, Nevertheless, a good entertaining production by Sue Chatt and Loraine Derry, with choreography by Joanna Chatt to whom I had the pleasure of presenting a 10 year badge. It was also my privilege to present Secretary and Producer Sue Chatt with her 25 year medal, and a first for the society of a 50 year Gold Bar to Mrs Sheila Cranmer Gordon.
OLIVER!
Vale Royal AOS
This is possibly Dickens' best known story and probably easier to portray, but it still needs actors of ability to bring the best out of the characters which, producer Cecil Walker had at his disposal. With a very good opening scene, the workhouse children set the standard with a good rendition of 'Food, Glorious Food'. Liam Carter gave strong portrayal of Mr Bumble and strutted around with confidence as the workhouse beadle and was a perfect match with Susie Jones as Widow Corney. Sharon Cassidy was excellent as Nancy, full of confidence and personality and accompanied by an equally talented Ali Hulford as Bet. Mike Kelsall played the very difficult part of Bill Sykes effectively and was most realistic.
Mike Scott must be congratulated on his portrayal of Fagin and the way he handled the Gang in 'Pick A Pocket Or Two' and the solo number 'Reviewing the Situation', but outstanding was Danny Sala who played a good and reliable Oliver with a very good singing voice. None of the other principals let the side down, and all the children ( and there were a lot of them) were good. I was delighted to see a large appreciative audience on the first night, which must have been very encouraging, and to witness a good production.
GUYS AND DOLLS
Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company.
It doesn't matter how many times you see this show, the script and music are so good, it can't help but please and even better when performed entirely by teenagers. Companies like Centre Stage, which was formed in 1996, are important to amateur theatre and it is good to see the talent being channelled in the right direction.
Principals and chorus tackled everything with enthusiasm and a determination to succeed, with lovely performances from Vicki Bailey as Miss Adelaide and Chris Ashman as Nathan Detroit making the most of the comedy parts. Romance was well portrayed by Vicky Garbett as Sarah Brown and James Masterson as Sky (I think they quite enjoyed it).
Nice to see lots of boys taking part as the crapshooters, and watched with an eagle eye by Lt Brannigan played by Daniel Masterson. Benny (Tom O'Dell) and Rusty Charlie (Richard Cowan) combined well with Marnix Van der Kraan as Nicely-Nicely Johnson in the difficult 'Fugue For Tinhorns' and together with the rest of the talented cast, made the most of that show stopper 'Sit Down You're Rocking The Boat' led by the confident Nicely.
Congratulations to the stage crew who handled the excellent sets very well and to producer Yvonne Wild who brought the best out of the cast with a very brisk and lively production, supported by a very competent orchestra. Well Done.
SOUTH PACIFIC
Acton AOS.
This show has always been popular with societies and audiences with its strong story line and lots of good music. Angela Kenworthy made a very likeable Nellie and Tony Henson gave a competent portrayal of Emile and his singing, particularly of 'This Nearly Was Mine', was very moving. James Davidson was good as the tattooed Luther Billis with Stewpot (Scott Watson) and the Professor (Mike Malone) giving good support. There was strong acting from Peter Johnson as Comdr. Harbison and Bob Sleigh as the hard-hearted Capt. Brackett, who showed his gentler side when persuading Nellie to forget the transfer request and help organise the Thanksgiving Follies. James Hindle was ideal as Lt. Cable and together with Hannah Townsend as Liat they looked the perfect couple.
Supported by the rest of the competent cast and chorus, the singing was of a high standard but outstanding was Bloody Mary, played by Jennifer Hall, who gave the best interpretation of this part I have seen in a long time.
I wasn't too impressed with the Boar's Tooth Ceremonial and sometimes wonder whether or not it's that important. Scene changes, although looking good, took too long, and I felt the show was lacking in pace with an orchestra that wasn't up to your usual standard.
THE BOYFRIEND
St. Thomas's AD & OS
The music of Sandy Wilson and his nostalgic look back to the twenties, proved as delightful as ever, but at one period of time, with all the problems the society had, it was amazing the show went on at all; with some members going off sick and one having to go into hospital. Nevertheless, as the saying goes, "The show must go on". - and it certainly did, with a production to be proud of.
Leanne McClymont portrayed the part of Hortense extremely well and maintained the French accent throughout. The young, and not so young, were well integrated into the show and overall casting was good, with an attractive and lively line up of young ladies played by Vicky Deluce as Maisie, Aimee Scally as Dulcie, Rose Hatton as Fay and Ghislaine Coleman as Nancy, and a nice team of enthusiastic suitors played by Dave Walsh (Marcel) Les Jones (Pierre) and Gary Williams (Alphonse), with Steven Howard, being the third person to step in during the week to play the part of Bobby - and doing it very well. Clare Pilkington was ideal as Polly the young love, rich girl, and together with Mathew Morrell as the runaway heir to a fortune Tony performed with a pleasant naivety. Mature romance was provided by Madame Dubonnet, well played and sung by producer Alison Sheridan, with old flame Percival Brown performed by Tom Taylor. Lord Brockhurst (Jim Holme) and Lady Brockhurst (Carole Serjent) were well portrayed and a perfect foil for each other.
A good set and general presentation brought first class theatre to Golborne. The production under the direction of Alison Sheridan and musical director Nancy Wells, was bright and pacey and the superb and colourful costumes completed a good evening.
CALAMITY JANE
Centenary O.& D. Society
This society has triumphed once again, with a production that opened at a terrific pace, with a well dressed and slick chorus, clever lighting, and a super set, that would have been a credit to any professional theatre, but the pleasing thing is that it was all made by the society.
Clare Asprey, playing her first leading role, as Calamity demonstrated her talents to the full. Her ability to switch from life in a male dominated environment to female gentleness was achieved with ease. Another newcomer playing her first major musical lead was Jane Riley, who gave a super portrayal of Katie Brown. Playing the role of Wild Bill Hickock was Ray Hanson who, with his fine baritone voice, was a joy to listen to and together with the experienced Jason Coman as Lt. Danny Gilmartin, was ideal. George Warburton as Henry Miller and Wayne Richards as Francis Fryer displayed their talents both musically and dramatically, and Claire Ewing was delightful as Susan. Good support came from the other principals and chorus, and the dancers were in top form, with some delightful routines.
Altogether a very good production, with some nice individual touches by producer Harry Kennedy, and a competent orchestra, under the baton of musical director Jill Hyde.
CALAMITY JANE
Congleton AOS.
This musical is probably best remembered as the film with Doris Day in the lead role, but it does have a collection of good tunes and melodies which stay with you, even when you leave the theatre. And this production did just that with a first class production by director and choreographer Eric Pover.
It was bright, colourful and pacey, and the lengthy scene changes of a very good set, were cleverly disguised with scenes in front of the curtain. Sarah Goodwin was good as Calamity and acted the part with vitality, and sang the songs with gusto. Mark Bours played the part of Wild Bill Hickock as good as one would wish to see and gave the impression that he was enjoying himself. Lesley Davies as Katie Brown and Dave Francis as Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin played their parts with great feeling and panache. I was impressed with the Bijou Theatre scene, and the glitz and glamour associated with it, together with Pam Anstice as Adelaide Adams and her number, 'It's Harry I'm Planning To Marry'. Of the other parts I felt Chris Sheard did well as Henry Miller together with Helen Snelson as Susan, and Neil Yates as Francis Fryer gave a very good interpretation of the part and showed a good stage personality.
The chorus was probably at its best in the 'Black Hills Of Dakota' number, but overall the singing was of a high standard. Thank you for the hospitality shown to me and my wife and for a very pleasant evening.
GUYS AND DOLLS
Alderley & Wilmslow AOS.
It doesn't matter how many times you see this show, the music and script are so good, it invites laughter and enjoyment, and the sparkling performance of this evergreen musical, had a production team which ensured a fast flowing production.
The pace was set with a very good opening in 'Fugue For Tin Horns' with Michael Dos as Benny Southstreet, Bob Jennings as Rusty Charlie and Nicely-Nicely Johnson played perfectly by Andrew Harrison.
Ali Davenport was ideal in the part of Sarah Brown and her transformation from Mission Doll, to letting her hair down in Havana was superb; and together with Barry Dilworth who demonstrated his talents as the smooth, sophisticated, full time gambler Sky Masterson the couple were perfect.
Robbie Medina gave his usual first class performance; this time in the part of Nathan Detroit always looking for a venue for his infamous floating crap game; and together with the outstanding Carolyn Farrish Mayer as the scatty Miss Adelaide providing the humour, they both were superb. She contrasted well with the more sober Sarah and their duet 'Marry the Man Today' was well received.
The dancers performed extremely well with some excellent routines by choreographer Beryl Lowry, especially the Hot Box number; and with the rest of this talented cast, made this a production to be proud of.
A word of praise for musical director Brian Goodwin for his control of a superb orchestra and to producer Michael Pennington for a very good production with some nice individual touches.
I also had the pleasure, together with Councillor John Owen to present long service awards to Rosemary Wakeford (15 years) Angela McPake (20 years) and Sue Riley (40 years) close to a Plaque to commemorate the 50th. Anniversary of the Society in 1997, dedicated on Sunday 12th November, 2000 by Rev. Simon Gale of Wilmslow in the presence of the parents of Jeannine Vickers and Rachel McGrath, young members who both died in that anniversary year.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Knutsford AOS
I found this production rather disappointing, for it seemed under rehearsed and lacked proper direction; but let me take nothing away from the principals who performed superbly; with Anna Walton outstanding as Maria Rainer who sang her way into the heart of Capt. Von Trapp, played with his usual professional approach by Geoff Dalton.
Max, played by Paul Corbett, provided the humour, partnered by the elegant Barbara Fuller as Elsa Schrader. The sisters Berthe (Lilian Atkinson), Margaretta (Barbara Farrell) and Sophia (Natalie Gallimore) were played extremely well and the part of the Mother Abbess was played with panache by Gill Mitchell who ended the first act with a fine rendition of 'Climb Ev'ry Mountain'. The charming innocence of the children was portrayed superbly by Debbie Shepherd as Liesl, Sam Walton as Friedrich, Vicky Dougal as Louisa, Simon Douglas as Kurt, Amy Marshall as Brigitta, Rhian Thomas as Marta and Emily Lunnon as Gretl; but it was very difficult to hear at times through lack of amplification and playing too far upstage.
Jim Dakin as Franz the butler and Julie Eadie as Frau Schmidt the housekeeper and Ashley Dawson as Rolf Gruber, together with the rest of the cast, performed well.
The scenery and props(or lack of them) were handled well and the small combo sounded ideal and accompanied the singers sympathetically. I also had the pleasure of presenting long service awards to Lilian Atkinson ( 10 year badge ) and a 25 year medal to Vice Chairman Barbara Fuller
GUYS AND DOLLS
Zodiac AOS.
Guys and Dolls was one of the big Broadway Musicals, full of quirky larger than life Damon Runyon characters, played with great pace and style.
Staging a show like this with limited facilities in Frodsham Community Centre was always going to have problems and these did show, particularly with the Save-A-Soul Mission. Nevertheless it was an entertaining production with many good characters.
Carmel Leather was, without any doubt, the star as Miss Adelaide; great accent, good facial expressions, vocally sound and an excellent interpretation of the character. She was ably supported by Joe Youds as the harassed Nathan Detroit.
Ron Murphy as Nicely-Nicely was ideal for the character but missed out vocally on what is always a show stopper "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" sharing the number with Nathan. The same could be said of Arvide as we had a Mission Lady called Annabelle singing "More I Cannot Wish You". Although she sang well the song lost its original meaning.
John Corcoron as Sky Masterson sang well, quite debonair in dress but lacked the easy, smooth command of the gambler. Andrea Jones brought some nice sweet touches to Sarah Brown, with the ladies' chorus enjoying themselves as the raunchy Hot-Box Girls.
Paul Millar and Daniel Shaw as Benny Southstreet and Rusty Charlie were well played as was Harry the Horse by Tim Jones, but the cartoon character Big Julie as played by Steve Ross, was quite OTT.
The production was directed by John Corcoron, choreography by Beryl Rigby
and musical direction by John Charlesworth.
(JMO)