September 2006 - Region 9 - Sheryl Haydock-Howorth
DAVID THE MUSICAL
Mossley AODS
Artistic Director : John Fletcher
Associate Director: Dianne Aspinall
Musical Director: David Chapman
Choreography: Jennifer Savill
What happens when a Council Licensing Manager joins forces with the Head of Music from one of the city’s secondary schools?
Answer: They come up with a musical that tells the story of one of history’s most charismatic personalities, in one of the Bible’s biggest stories – David, The Musical. The show is the latest offering from duo John Fletcher and David Chapman, and is the long awaited follow-up to Threads which was a great success. David The Musical tells the story of King David, from childhood, when he looked after his father’s flocks in the hills above Bethlehem, until his death as the King of Israel . In between we see his roller-coaster relationship with the manic King Saul, the slaying of Goliath, his exile to the wilderness and God’s retribution after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba, once he became King. Composer and MD David Chapman has provided a vibrant score which features familiar genres from '70s heavy rock, '80s ballads and even '90s rap. Writer/director John Fletcher has set out to make sure that his script tells the full story of David, including the bits that a lot of church leaders would prefer to ignore!
From an audience point of view this show had a great deal to offer. From a cast point of view there was so much for everyone to be involved in. From an honest point of view I felt the first half was a bit too long. Having said that, this show was amazing to watch. Once again John Buckley gave us a fabulous but simple set, that lit beautifully, changing the mood and appearance for the scenes, without changing the scenery. The choreography worked well for this show and the choral work was to be applauded.
A very professional performance, was given by Steve Maxfield as King Saul. You could see and feel the torment he was experiencing and his excellent singing brought such life into this role. Michael Ward never ceases to amaze me, and as David he showed us just how far he has come over the last few years. His vocal and acting has improved so much and his dancing skills should also not go unmentioned. Two excellent characterisations from these players. Congratulations too, to David’s three brothers, Nick Ward, Jack Monaghan and a name to watch for in the future, Ben Turton. Very strong performances were given by Simon Green as Joab and Martin D. Bradbury as Jonathan, both very strong and sung beautifully. We must not forget the ladies in this production, excellent performances given by Kerry Newton (Michal), Hayley Fletcher (Abigail) and Alice McGreevy (Bathsheba) again, all of whom had beautiful voices and strong emotion throughout. All other principals were very well cast and showed contrast through their acting and singing. Two promising performances were given by Alex Re as Solomon and Sam Peach as the Young David. I must also compliment the make-up team on their efforts.
This was a wonderful effort from all of you and I am sure you will have the success you deserve in writing such a musical. Thank you so much for your kind hospitality, and I wish you well with this production.
SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ
Hyde Musical Society
Director Melvyn Bates
Choreographer: Jean Ashworth
Musical Director: Jeremy Sleith
If you want a foot tapping, all singing, all dancing show then this is certainly worth looking at. Although this production only had a small cast, I am sure that you could, if you wished, include some more people. With such songs as 'Kansas City', 'On Broadway', 'Yakety Yak' and many more memorable tunes, you not only sing along but you want to get up and join in. It depicts slices of life from the '50s to the '80s and is really a tribute to the many wonderful songs written by Leiber and Stoller.
Although the Director had input into this show, the bulk of the hard work rests with both the MD and Choreographer, and once again Jean Ashworth excelled herself with some stunning routines. The MD had obviously worked very hard on the harmonies and it was exciting to hear well known songs delivered in such a different way. There is no dialogue or storyline to this show, but somehow you didn’t miss it. It was pure entertainment. Congratulations to the excellent casting of the principals - you were all a delight to watch. To support the principals were some first rate dancers and backing singers. As I said, a revue worth looking at. With good lighting and sound and a great orchestra this was a fabulous evening.
THE GOOD COMPANIONS
Brookdale Theatre
Director: David Carlisle
Musical Director: Sally Jolley
Choreographer: Elaine Wallman
Although this show is a little dated, it still has some good points. We opened to a strong choral number well performed and choreographed and showed an enthusiastic set of players.
Beverley Critchlow-Eaves was very engaging as Susie, she had a strong singing voice, good personality for this character and good diction. Working along side her was the talented Neil Lingwood, who always manages to give that something extra. Another well cast character was Jess Oakroyd played by David Blackwell; he, along with Marilyn Webley as Miss Trant are the characters who keep the Dinky Doos together. Both worked hard throughout the show. Bruce Bundey as Morton Mitchum, whilst on the right track for this character, could have been a little more O.T.T. in parts, I felt that he would have to be more flamboyant in this role and maybe as the week progressed this was achieved. Well done to Chris Baxendale as Jerry. Though not a natural dancer, he managed to pull of his routines quite well and remain in character throughout.
This show could have been a little slicker in parts, with a lack of space, maybe there were a few too many large props to manoeuvre that weren’t always necessary. I know that first nights are always a trial, but congratulations in overcoming the problem of your sound breaking down before the start. It just goes to show that you can cope under the pressure and it did not detract for your performance. Thank you for your very kind hospitality - it was much appreciated.
THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE
Bollington Light Opera Group
Produced & Directed by Diane McIntyre and Louise McIntyre
Musical Director: Sheila Kent
Choreography: Diane McIntyre, Louise McIntyre, Angela McIntyre and Stephanie
Evans
I am fast changing my opinion of G & S and that is thanks to the last couple of productions that I have had the pleasure of being invited to see. This company certainly knew what it wanted from this show and gave us an excellent night of entertainment.
It was great to see and hear such a strong chorus, and I must congratulate the MD on the work that obviously went into producing such a high standard of ensemble work. Each member of the chorus was individual, in that they were all characterised in a slightly different way from each other and this carried through all their work.
Two very strong performances came from the charismatic Stephen Clayton as Frederic and Katherine Noble as Mabel. Both these performers were strong and convincing in their roles and they understood their characters totally. Nigel Wells as the Pirate King gave us great humour, strong facial expressions and excellent singing. Denise Holian as Ruth was fascinating to watch; she never missed a trick, especially when it came to using her face and eyes in reaction to what was happening around her, totally believable and with a great sense of humour throughout. Paul Shortt as the Major General was excellently cast for this role. The clarity in his rendition of 'I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major General' was superb and his characterisation - again totally believable. Congratulations must also go to Mike Raymond as Sergeant of Police and his 'troupe'. What a belly laugh they gave us and what a rousing singing group all those men were. All the remaining principals were very good and again so well cast.
The production team must be very pleased with this show, it had great pace, good movement and such humour. With some excellent sound effects, good lighting and authentic props, this was a first rate production. Congratulations to you all and thank so much for your very kind hospitality. I can now say I’m a G & S convert!
THE SORCERER
Woodley Players Theatre Co
Director: Katharine Brown
Musical Director: Roger Pearce
This was the first time that I have seen this show and although I’m not a G & S fan, I am beginning to rethink my views on these shows. They are definitely comical, well written, appear to be timeless in that you can use today’s situations and they always have great choral work. The Sorcerer is one of the lesser known G & S shows, but nevertheless, a good one.
Katharine Brown made her debut as director and what a great start. She managed to get the humour across, had an eye for detail and had good choice in her casting. Roger Pearce had worked well with the company and brought us srong choral work throughout, together with a good orchestra that was well under control as these players did not use mic's! OK, it was a small church hall but with a 14 piece orchestra to sing over, it was lovely that they didn’t drown out the solo singers.
In the title role was Richard Hall. An excellent choice: he used his face and eyes to the full, came across as sinister, but also linked the storyline together well with his gestures. Anthony Noden certainly had stage presence as Sir Marmaduke and played well with his fellow actors. Playing the part of Aline and Alexis were Miranda Nichols and Richard Goodall, both bringing strong singing and acting to their roles. Blanche Brown as Mrs Partlett maintained a strong Devonshire accent throughout. She showed good acting experience working well with all around her. Well done to Cherry Smith, Kate Holt, Philip Sweet and Derek Swain as Lady Sangazure, Constance, Dr. Daly and the Notary. Some good casting here. There were some unnamed parts that I would like to mention: the two maids, who, although were given jobs to do within the show, never came out of character. I always like to keep an eye on those who think they are not being watched and I was pleased to see that each member of the chorus acted their socks off. With an effective set and good use of space, this was a good production.
Congratulations to you all! This was a most enjoyable evening, thank you for your hospitality.
THE UNEXPECTED GUEST
Woodford Community Players
Directed by Julia Standen
Agatha Christie has long been one of my favourite authors and it was a pleasure to be asked to review this play which was presented by the award winning Woodford Community Players. As this play was set in the 1950s, it was a pleasure to start the evening with the audience having to stand for the playing of the National Anthem, which is sadly so seldom heard today. I heard many complimentary comments from the audience, and it certainly added to the 1950s feel of the play. The curtains opened onto a well constructed and very well dressed set, which, with the sound effects and lighting combined to set the tone for this typical Christie plot.
There were two very polished performances from Lindsey Statham as Laura Warwick and David Wilkinson as Michael Starkwedder. Their professionalism stood out in these two demanding roles. They were ably supported by Beryl Horton as Miss Bennett, Philip Griffiths, who gave a good portrayal of the retarded Jan Warwick, and Hazel Dove who was very convincing as the matriarchal Mrs Warwick. I particularly enjoyed Ben Cross, who gave a superb performance as the creepy manservant Henry Angell. It was a lesson in how sinister a character can be without giving an overbearing or loud presentation. I could think of a number of characters in different plays, which I am sure Ben could portray to perfection.
Another very polished performance came from Jack Gibson as Julian Farrar. He came over very well as the ex-army womaniser, who although he has a very organised and ordered life, still manages to be blackmailed by the sinister Henry Angell. Bill Waters as Sergeant Cadwallader and Tom Dawson as Inspector Thomas gave very good performances as the policemen trying to sort out the twists and turns of the Christie plot, no doubt helped by the fact that Bill is a former police officer!
I have to congratulate Julia Standen, for whom this play was her directorial debut. She had obviously worked very hard and got the most out of the actors and the play. I should here also congratulate her husband David Standen, on whom she must have used her powers of persuasion to play the part of the dead body, Richard Warwick. This must be a dream part for anyone who has trouble remembering lines, but it is not easy to play convincingly, so very well done.
My only criticism is that on the opening night, I counted approximately 10 prompts. This could have been first night nerves, but there is absolutely no substitute for learning the lines thoroughly so that if you do have a memory lapse, you are able to get yourself out of it. Having said that, it was a most enjoyable evening and I must thank all front of house members of the Society for making my friend and me so welcome. I am already looking forward to your next production, as having seen this one, I am sure you will give a very good performance.
Margaret Taylor
A CHORUS LINE
Glossop Operatic & Dramatic Society
Director: Ken Redfern
Choreographer: Mel Bowler
Musical Director: James Mycroft
It was with mixed feelings that I went to review this show, because the last time I had seen it, which I must admit was a professional production several years ago, I really hadn't enjoyed it at all. However, what a difference a few years and, I have to say, an excellent production, can make.
Here we had a very vibrant and enthusiastic society of all ages who admirably met the challenge of putting the show together in only 12 weeks. The story and all the characters were totally believable and the characterisations were so good that the audience was drawn into the lives and emotions of the performers in such a way that we wished they would all succeed.
With such a talented line-up it is difficult to single out any individual performers, but I have to mention Scott Lees as Gregory who brilliantly maintained his 'camp' character throughout the show. I also very much enjoyed the performance and excellent singing voice of Catherine Baddeley as Diana. Jeni Caldwell as Maggie, Andy Gibson as Al and Majella Moriarty as Kristine also gave excellent performances and really brought over the pain and heartache with which all who are involved in theatre can empathise.
I must also pass on my congratulations to Ken Redfern who played Zach, the Audition Director and Mel Bowler who played Lucy, the Dance Captain, because in addition to playing these parts they also respectively directed and choreographed the whole show. Their efforts were well rewarded by a polished performance from all those involved, even the 'other auditionees' who came on stage at the end of the show and were able to demonstrate their ability to take a very credible part in 'A Chorus Line'. Well done to you all.
Last, but not least, I must congratulate the musical director, James Mycroft and his accomplished orchestra for their part in the success of the show.
My thanks to the Secretary David Swanston, for looking after my friend and myself and to you all for your welcome hospitality.
Margaret Taylor
NODA NOMINATIONS/AWARDS – REGION 9
We have just had another successful year in Region 9 for the North West NODA awards. My congratulations, to all the nominees, and especially to the winners in Region 9. Each year you all make life so very difficult and 2005 was by no means an exception. In fact, I had at lease 4 names in the frame for some of the awards and as I can only put one name forward in each category, I really had to do many hours homework.
The nominations for the region were as follows
- Best Support Actor (Musical) - Rodney Cadd - Hyde Mus. Soc
- Best Support Actor (Drama) - Rodney Bracewell - Brookdale Theatre
- Best Support Actress (Musical) - Collette Desborough - MMTG
- Best Staging (Musical) - Seussical - Mossley AODS
- Best Staging (Drama) - When We Are Married - Woodford C.P.
- Best Choreographer - Michael Ward - Mossley AODS
- Best MD - Simon Murray - GODS
- Best Actor (Musical) - Gary Jones - Mossley AODS
- Best Actor (Drama) - John Bloor - Hyde Little Theatre
- Best Actress (Musical) * - Suzanne Mather - Ashton AOS
- Artistic Director (Musical) - Colin Ward - Mossley AODS
- Artistic Direction (Drama) - Ged Murtagh - Woodford C.P.
- Best Pantomime * - A Christmas Carol - GODS
- Best Youth Production - Godspell - Youth Unlimited
- Best Play * - When We Are Married - Woodford C.P.
- Best Musical - Seussical, the Musical - Mossley AODS
And the winner were *
We also got Runner up Basic Programme - Brookdale Youth Theatre
Winner Best Programme Souvenir Class - Ashton AOS
The competition around all the regions was extremely high this year, so well done to all of you who achieved your nominations. I am already pencilling in names for this year’s awards as the standard from Region 9 so far is once again exceptional high. It is also great to see societies' names and players coming through that have not been there in past years. Do keep up the hard work; more and more of our productions are continuing to reach an excellent and professional standard. My sincere thanks to you all for this and of course your very kind hospitality during my visits to you. I look forward to seeing you all again soon and wish you a very successful year ahead.
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