|
|
|
|
|
Vinny Coyle as Wild Bill Hickok and Carrie Hope Fletcher as Calamity Jane. Picture: Mark Senior Calamity Jane Wolverhampton Grand ***** Jamie Wilson’s fresh and charming revival of one of Musical Theatre’s much loved staples rolled into a packed Grand Theatre last night, proving that sometimes the old ones can still be among the best. The stage musical Calamity Jane is an adaption of the 1953 film classic, starring the iconic Doris Day and includes six new songs not heard in the movie. Time has given the tunes a nostalgic familiarity and it continues to appeal both at home and worldwide. Plot wise, it’s all pretty gentle stuff. The residents of Deadwood in Dakota are shocked to find out that the singer that was hired to entertain them is not the of the gender they expected. To try and right things, the town’s rootin’ tootin’ tomboy, Calamity Jane (Carrie Hope Fletcher) sets off to Chicago to secure the services of the nation’s singing sweetheart, Adelaide Adams. She succeeds (or least she thinks she has) and Adelaide is duly booked to sing back in Deadwood. Not all, of course, it what it seems and nothing in Musical Theatre Land is quite that simple! Simplicity though, is the key here. Whilst the plot provides the narrative, it’s the music that provides the joy. Songs like Deadwood Stage, Just Blew in From The Windy City, Black Hills of Dakota and the sublime Secret love come thick and fast like a bullet from a Colt 45. It’s all very cosy and warm, a million miles away from the turmoil and pace of modern life which only serves to add to its appeal as the audience is transported back to simpler times. Actors playing instruments onstage as part of their character to either supplement or replace the orchestra is a used more and more now and is something producer Jamie Wilson seems to favour. It works well here and serves to avoid any distance between actors and unseen musicians. Nick Winston’s choreography from tender partner routines to foot stomping hoedowns keeps the flow moving seamlessly on Matthew Wright’s authentic set which combines a stage within a stage. Exterior sequences such as the ingenious coach journeys are also cleverly woven into the action. Performances are slick and well-paced throughout but there is no denying this is major vehicle for Carrie Hope Fletcher who takes on Calamity Jane with huge gusto and relentless vigour. It's a big part requiring several layers of intention and Fletcher delivers perfectly. This is no attempt to copy the iconic performance of Doris Day, it’s an inspired and very individual take with her own set of character choices. At times, a masterclass. Sheen Sandham – Davies wins over the crowd beautifully as Katie Brown and Vinny Coyle is controlled and likeable as Wild Bill Hickok Samuel Holmes adds some lovely comedic moments as Francis Fryer and Luke Wilson provides a tender love interest. The show is very much a company piece of theatre, combining acting with playing instruments onstage - triple threat delivery throughout of the highest order. With a central performance as strong as this and timeless score of songs that are instantly recognisable, this is classic musical theatre at its sweetest and best. Tom Roberts 09-09-25 |
|
|
|
