Oh, the Deadwood stage is a-rollin’ on over the plains.
With the curtains flappin’ and the driver a-slappin’ the reins.
A beautiful sky, a wonderful day.
Whip-crack-away, whip-crack-away, whip-crack-away, whip-crack-away.
Calamity Jane is one of the all-time classics, no doubt. A whip-cracking’ romp from start to finish, full of huge songs (by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster) with a great script from Charles K Freeman, adapted from the original James O’Hanlon screenplay. It is the tale of the Wild West with mistaken identities and love triangles and a huge dose of comedy throughout.
In the lead role we had Carrie Hope Fletcher who is not only one of the top names in UK Musical Theatre, but also a joy to watch on every occasion. It is no surprise then that she totally nailed the part of Calamity with presence, song, and dance, fully deserving top billing. But there were also many other star performances. Vinny Coyle was a great Wild Bill Hickok and as well as being eye candy, excelled throughout the show. Lt. Danny Gilmartin was portrayed well by Luke Wilson as was Katie Brown in Seren Sandham-Davies. Samuel Holmes and Holly Cassar (Francis Fryer and Susan, respectively) worked together in a complementary fashion while Peter Peverley took advantage of some fine, memorable comic moments. Always nice to see shows updated, particularly in areas concerning sensitive topics about race. Therefore, the outdated forfeit of Bill Hickok wearing an outfit of Sweetheart of the Sioux, he now takes on the costume of the Queen of England.
If you had never seen Calamity Jane, you would be surprised how many songs you already knew. Deadwood Stage, Just Blew in From the Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota and the most famous, Secret Love. However, on my viewing, my favourite this time was A Woman’s Touch. Yes, it’s an old-fashioned tale but being set period, still works and does not feel dated at all.
The original director for Calamity Jane was Nikolai Foster with the co-director and choreographer being Nick Winston. Musical supervision and orchestration were in the safe hands of Catherine Jayes and one of the most impressive features was that most music was played by the actors on stage. With that, an excellent set, great sound and lighting were all icing on the cake for this production which was phenomenal in all departments. It concludes its run in Bristol this week. If you can, I would recommend a trip. The Deadwood Stage is waiting for you. Yeeha!
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
*Photos taken from public domain (© Mark Senior) and not from the actual performance reviewed.
Antony N Britt - Author 