May 2003 - Region 11 - Edith Yates
GIGI
Grange & Dist. A.O.S.
The producer of this society demands perfection and she usually gets it. This show with the sophisticated dialogue was a joy from start to finish.
The opening scene with the gauze was a good start with Honoré played by Derek Roberts, and his number with the male chorus of 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls' all added up to a great team spirit. Derek has a voice you could listen to all night. The youthful Gigi played by Jennifer Archibald made a lovely character. Wonderful characterisations came from Margaret Stockley (Mamila) and Jean Malkin (Aunt Alicia), both these stalwarts had been perfectly cast. Mark Jeffreys played a strong Gaston even though he didn't win Gigi.
All smaller characters had been well cast and all worked well together. This certainly came over to the audience.
Doreen Dunlop led a good orchestra and the scenery was cleverly constructed.
Costumes were very good and colourful.
The groupings and movements of both principals and chorus were superb. Congratulations
must go to the producer Christine Bell.
KISS ME KATE
Lancaster Amateur Dramatic & Operatic Society
This show is never easy to produce, but with Cole Porter's super music and a strong cast of principals, Peggy Brierley succeeded and what a fine show she produced.
Hattie, played by Sarah Morrell, got the show off to a good start with
'Another Op'nin', Another Show'. John Beamer playing Fred Graham (Petruchio)
gave a very commanding performance with this difficult role. He excelled
with his musical numbers like 'I've come to Wive it Wealthily in Padua"
together with a very good men's chorus, also "Were Thine That Special
Face". Good stage presence and lovely singing came from Karen Simpson
playing Lilli Vanessi/Kate. Lois Lane/Bianca played by Suzanne Ward was superb.
I did like her character change between Lois Lane and Bianca, again good
singing with numbers like 'I Hate Men' and 'Always True to You (In My Fashion)'.
Roger Bradley played the laid-back
character of Bill Calhoun/Lucentio very well. Brian Wood and David Dann made
a great pair of gangsters and as is usual in this show the gangsters bring
the house down with their number 'Brush up your Shakespeare'.
All the supporting roles had been well cast.
Angela Pearson led a good orchestra and Nicola Read and Rachel Thompson must be congratulated on their choreography. Once again a very good production and a good night's entertainment.