I had no need
to be worried with the production that blew into the windy city of Milton Keynes this week.
My friend
Cathy (who doesn’t know the musical at all and came with to experience it with
me) and I had front row seats. I love
the front row as you can really see the expressions on the actor’s faces.
This version
of Calamity had many changes from the film including many songs I was
unfamiliar with. But they were great songs and executed really well.
Two things
separated this show from others I have seen. Firstly there was one scene for the entire
show. The set never changed. This was challenging, but I thoroughly enjoyed
the ‘lets make a stagecoach out of some chairs and jog on it as if we are being
pulled by horses’. It was the sort of
stuff you did in your living room as a child. I loved it as it made it accessible for anyone
to go away and give it a go. Who needs
expensive props?
The other
unusual difference was most of the actors and dancers in the show were also the
orchestra. I have never been to a show where all the instruments are played by
those acting in it. I personally didn’t like
this. I feel it is a way of the show
saving money of a traditional orchestra. However it did work in this particular
production (as it felt intimate and fitted with the set idea) and I have
nothing but a huge admiration for the cast. To act and dance and remember your lines is
challenging enough, but to play instruments (and I am talking pianos, double
bass, violins etc) just goes to show how very very talented the cast are.
I also have
to mention a couple of names in the show. Tom Lister played Wild Bill Hickok. I do not watch soaps so had no idea he was in
Emmerdale. But he could sing and dance
and his acting skills were fantastic. I
really enjoyed his performance, and so did my friend Cathy, especially when he
blew her a kiss. She turned into a giggly schoolgirl.
Jodie Prenger
played Calamity Jane. She did the part
justice and when it came to ‘Secret Love’ (my favourite song from the show, she
took my breath away.
I have to
mention Paul Kissaun who played Rattlesnake.
I had to look up his name as I could have sworn it was Alan Davies with
a wig on! (funnily enough the last thing
I saw in Milton Keynes Theatre was Alan Davies stand up comedy show).
All I can say
about Calamity Jane is there is no Calamities in it. It is a well-executed production with an
excellent cast.
And it is
funny. Go and enjoy it while you can!
