| Ely Amateur Theatre Listings |
Reviews |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Review Viva Youth Theatre: “Calamity Jane”
9th February 2008
Viva Youth Theatre goes from strength to strength. The production of “Calamity Jane” was
an amazing experience that left members of the audience humming appreciatively as they
left Soham Village College knowing that they had seen one of the best productions in the
district.
A large cast of highly talented performers lit up the stage in a series of delightful, natural
and joyous choruses. Identifiable characters swept engagingly through enthralling scenes
and beautiful dancers graced the action with exquisite movements – what more could one
want?. Most noticeable of all was the skill of producers Dan Schumann and Angela Bocking
in presenting a wonderfully cohesive show. Expansive characterisation, first rate singing with
warm and full-bodied harmony and a seamless flow of splendidly devised choreography left
members of the audience feeling a glow of satisfaction.
Rootin’, tootin’, shootin’ Calamity Jane (played by Shellie Baigent) led a fine list of
characters. Her generous lithe moments, her larger-than –life story telling and her fine
singing made her gradual transformation into a ‘real woman’ captivating. Her patient and
understanding friend Wild Bill Hickock (James Melior) touched the heart with his moving
singing. Other key characters included the beautiful Miss Katie Brown (Hetti Wood), the
proud, handsome Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Lee Sherwood), the much-troubled manager
and father Henry Miller (Mickey Kowalcyk), the charming Susan Millar (Hannah Schunmann)
with her infectious giggle, her beloved Michael Crawford look-a-like Frances Fryer (Daniel
Bell). the buxom, alluring Adelaide Adams (Jessica Clegg), the bearded Rattlesnake
(Danieil White), the very elderly Doc. Pierce (Ollie Ellerton), Joe (Craig Carpenter), Colonel
Scully (Ashley Gilmour) and Pete (Liam Walls).
The splendid singing was supported by a superb band. With the pianist revelling in the
schmaltzy flamboyance of memorable popular songs that packed the show, the band helped
create the spirit of uninhibited joy that permeated this marvellous musical. The band
members were: Stephen Kenna (leader and pianist), Melody Bell (keys), Alan Grayer
(Bass), Kathy Faebler (violin), Tessa Shepherd and Mark Bell (woodwind), Jamie Clay
(trumpet), Simon Thompson (trombone), Ant Fox and Mark Ellis (drums).
Costumes, scenery and props (including a rather amazing stage coach) were excellent and
the fine production team made this show an amazingly successful and highly entertaining
experience which was summed up beautifully by the two young lads who added an
impromptu “Yi ha!” as they left the stage at the end of this joyous performance.
Further contact: Martha (01353) 722228 vivayouth@hotmail.co.uk
Rosemary Westwell
Dr. R.J.Westwell (PhD, MA TESOL, MA Ed, B Mus, BA Hons)
9th February 2008
Viva Youth Theatre goes from strength to strength. The production of “Calamity Jane” was
an amazing experience that left members of the audience humming appreciatively as they
left Soham Village College knowing that they had seen one of the best productions in the
district.
A large cast of highly talented performers lit up the stage in a series of delightful, natural
and joyous choruses. Identifiable characters swept engagingly through enthralling scenes
and beautiful dancers graced the action with exquisite movements – what more could one
want?. Most noticeable of all was the skill of producers Dan Schumann and Angela Bocking
in presenting a wonderfully cohesive show. Expansive characterisation, first rate singing with
warm and full-bodied harmony and a seamless flow of splendidly devised choreography left
members of the audience feeling a glow of satisfaction.
Rootin’, tootin’, shootin’ Calamity Jane (played by Shellie Baigent) led a fine list of
characters. Her generous lithe moments, her larger-than –life story telling and her fine
singing made her gradual transformation into a ‘real woman’ captivating. Her patient and
understanding friend Wild Bill Hickock (James Melior) touched the heart with his moving
singing. Other key characters included the beautiful Miss Katie Brown (Hetti Wood), the
proud, handsome Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Lee Sherwood), the much-troubled manager
and father Henry Miller (Mickey Kowalcyk), the charming Susan Millar (Hannah Schunmann)
with her infectious giggle, her beloved Michael Crawford look-a-like Frances Fryer (Daniel
Bell). the buxom, alluring Adelaide Adams (Jessica Clegg), the bearded Rattlesnake
(Danieil White), the very elderly Doc. Pierce (Ollie Ellerton), Joe (Craig Carpenter), Colonel
Scully (Ashley Gilmour) and Pete (Liam Walls).
The splendid singing was supported by a superb band. With the pianist revelling in the
schmaltzy flamboyance of memorable popular songs that packed the show, the band helped
create the spirit of uninhibited joy that permeated this marvellous musical. The band
members were: Stephen Kenna (leader and pianist), Melody Bell (keys), Alan Grayer
(Bass), Kathy Faebler (violin), Tessa Shepherd and Mark Bell (woodwind), Jamie Clay
(trumpet), Simon Thompson (trombone), Ant Fox and Mark Ellis (drums).
Costumes, scenery and props (including a rather amazing stage coach) were excellent and
the fine production team made this show an amazingly successful and highly entertaining
experience which was summed up beautifully by the two young lads who added an
impromptu “Yi ha!” as they left the stage at the end of this joyous performance.
Further contact: Martha (01353) 722228 vivayouth@hotmail.co.uk
Rosemary Westwell
Dr. R.J.Westwell (PhD, MA TESOL, MA Ed, B Mus, BA Hons)