I just blew in from the windy city.
The windy city is mighty pretty
but they ain’t got what we got, no sirree.
First time seeing Calamity Jane for me and first time watching Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society (CHAOS).
Somewhere, in the black mining hills of Dakota, there lies a town called Deadwood – home to Calamity Jane. A whip-cracking, sharp shooting and tall-story telling stage driver who runs the route between Deadwood and Chicago. Also in town lives Wild Bill Hickock, Lt. Danny Gilmartin and failing saloon owner, Henry Miller. When Miller books the wrong singer in male, Francis Fryer, Calamity goes to Chicago to find star singer, Adelaide Adams. However, she is duped into bringing novice, Katie Brown instead. All works out, despite the complications of love. It’s a lively, funny show with a book from Ronald Hammer and Phil Park, plus music and lyrics by Sammy Frain and Paul Francis Webster. Yes, some of the lines are dated, especially those relating to sexual equality, but otherwise the script holds up well in 2023.
Starring as Calamity we had Liz Compton whose self-inflicted attack on the throat must have earned her shares in Vocalzones. An outstanding performance and equally so from Richard Probert as Wild Bill Hickock. And that level of excellence went all through the entire company. Top notch singing and fine character acting. Supporting well were Emma Newton (Katie Brown), Thomas Lloyd-Price (Lt. Gilmartin), Adam Partridge (Francis Fryer), Bek Millward (Susan) and Salli Gage (Adelaide Adams). Then, I loved J. Paul Murdoch in the comic role of Henry Miller with a characterisation reminiscent of silent actor, James Finlayson.
I’m never a huge fan of musicals in Town Halls like Stourbridge as I find the sound gets lost in these cavernous venues. Fortunately, I was on the front row and heard everything perfectly.
There are several instantly recognisable tunes in Calamity Jane. Most notably The Deadwood Stage, Windy City, The Black Hills of Dakota, and Secret Love. All were delivered with excellence, as was Love You Dearly and It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry, all under the musical direction of Edd Caine.
An impressive set worked well with slick movement between scenes and the direction of Steve Humpherson always had the cast busy with facial expressions and interactions. And there was a high quality of dance as well, choreographed by Emma Newton making this an all-round excellent production. One thing I did notice was CHAOS do not appear to have many younger members, but this did not reflect negatively on the performance. Overall, the entire team of Calamity Jane were up there with the professionals, and I look forward to their next production.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt
* Photos blatantly taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 