BWW Reviews: CALAMITY JANE Rides The Blackwood Stage Again

Reviewed Thursday 29th May 2014

The Marie Clark Musical Theatre Company is presenting that perennial favourite wild west musical, Calamity Jane, a good, old fashioned piece of family entertainment. More importantly, this is an excellent production, with a great cast, and strong leadership from the production team: director, Ben Stefanoff, musical director, Kristin Stefanoff, and choreographer, Rachel Dow. Ben Stefanoff has drawn some great characterisations from his cast and set a good pace, while Kristin Stefanoff has assembled a very capable orchestra and worked well to bring out the vocal harmonies, and Rachel Dow has neatly put together dance routines that take into account the various levels of ability in the chorus.

Henry Miller, the local saloon operator, is in hot water when the 'actress' whom he has been advertising, Frances Fryer, turns out to be Francis. 'Millie' is saved by the intervention of 'Calam' who convinces the patrons that it was a genuine mistake, and that the next artist booked is a big name. They assume that it is Adelaide Adams, and Calam heads off to talk the big star into coming to Deadwood. Unfortunately, she mistakes Adelaide's dresser, Katie Brown, for Adelaide, and Millie appears to be in trouble again.

The second act is really a separate story, with Katie having moved in with Calam and redecorated her cabin, as well as getting her to wear a dress. Wild Bill Hickock and Lieutenant Daniel Gilmartin have both fallen for Katie. Calam has always loved Danny herself and has taken it for granted the he must love her in return, in spite of his obvious distaste for the idea. Danny, though, is equally loved by Katie, leaving Bill sad, and Calam furious, with nothing left, it seems, but to console one another.

It is not just the humorous tale of these larger than life characters that appeals. This fun show has many memorable tunes that set toes tapping, and that send you out into the night whistling. Several of the songs are strong enough to stand alone, with pop singer, Kathy Kirby, having her biggest hit back in 1963 with Secret Love.

Tegan Gully injects huge amounts of energy into the role of the buckskin clad Calamity Jane, appropriately named as she stumbles from one disaster to another while telling tall tales of her exploits, the exaggerations and imaginative inventions worthy of Walter Mitty. Gully's Calam is brash, pushy, and trying far too hard to be the best 'man' in a man's world, then realises that she is in fact being treated as just one of the boys, and that is no way to win over a man. Gully handles with great skill the transition from the Calam that everybody in town knows, and treats as a bit of a joke, to the attractive young woman they had no idea was hidden inside the buckskins. She gradually changes her demeanour, her body language, and softens her voice, which then makes the ending believable.

Andrew Crispe looks imposing and very stylish as Wild Bill Hickock and gives a superb characterisation, but then he opens his mouth and that rich, powerful singing voice pours out and that, as they say, is that. He is the Wild Bill that any future performances are going to be judged by. The gambling sharpshooter is right there in Crispe's committed performance and, like any good gunslinger, he can draw, spin his six guns, and drop them smoothly back into the holsters with a high level of skill, as can Gully. This adds quite a bit to the authenticity.

Damien Quick is perfect casting as the clean cut US Cavalry Lieutenant, Danny Gilmartin, presenting a convincingly romantic character, and Leah Potter is delightful as Katie Brown, the ingénue with stars in her eyes who crumbles when she tries to emulate Adelaide Adams, and then captivates the whole town when she performs her own way. The two establish a strong bond, sparking off each other and presenting a pair of young lovers.

There are plenty more good performances in the smaller roles, and a very strong chorus who not only sing up a storm but are well drilled in the dance routines. The set and lighting are fairly basic, but the costumes fit very well and are remarkably colourful. All in all this was a production that the company, and all those involved can feel proud to have presented.

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