It’s showtime again and Aldridge Musical Comedy Society (AMCS) are taking us back to the 1920s with their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock. Now approaching 50 years as a society, AMCS are known for quality shows and this is one of the best.
Thoroughly Modern Millie is an energetic musical which will have you singing (and tapping) in your seats. The year is 1922 and Millie Dillmount arrives in New York, a place filled with frisky flappers, dashing men and a dragon lady of a villainess the audience is sure to love to hate. Loosely based on the 1967 film of the same name, Thoroughly Modern Millie first opened on Broadway in 2002. Featuring songs such as Gimme Gimme, Forget About the Boy and Not For the Life of Me, the show won six Tony Awards at the time, including Best Musical.
Determined to experience the rip-roaring twenties, Millie sets out to test the modern ideas she’s read about back home in Kansas. The goal is to pursue her dreams of becoming thoroughly modern by marrying for money instead of love. She first meets, and is immediately attracted to, the poor, but fun loving, Jimmy. Despite this, she goes to work for pompous, Trevor Graydon with every intention of marrying him instead. When not typing up a storm at the Sincere Trust Insurance Company, Millie also parties with her fellow residents of the Hotel Priscilla, a house for aspiring actresses which also hides a sinister secret.
Thoroughly Modern Millie is the perfect musical for the whole family, appealing to all ages. It stars Chloe Hancox as Millie, Danny Teigte as Jimmy, Hattie Sketchley-Bates as Miss Dorothy, Mark Nicholls as Trevor Graydon, Kerry Flint as Mrs Meers and Linda Bloxham as Muzzy Van Hossmere. Producing is Andy Poulton with musical direction from Mark Baylis and choreography by Sarah Hemming.
Do come along and share in this magnificent experience. A show filled with charm, comedy and romance, plus a little intrigue. Great acting, fantastic voices, excellent dance and a fifteen piece orchestra. What more could you wish for?
So beat the drums ’cause here comes Thoroughly Modern Millie … Now!
Staged Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 May 2016 (1930 start). Tickets can be obtained from the box office on 01543 578762 or direct from AMCS (01543 480626 and 07932 688485).
£13/Adult, £10/Concessions and £7/Under 16s.
Cheers.
Nick
Antony N Britt - Author 