By: Cathryn Macey
You know you’re in for a good show when you rock up to the theatre and are greeted by a sea of cowboy hats! Calamity Jane may be based on a film released over seventy years ago, but tonight’s reception for this popular musical theatre reboot is nothing short of electric.
In fact, scanning the audience prior to Act 1, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was peak panto season as the musical seems to have pulled in a multi-generational crowd. Presumably parents and grandparents are keen to pass their fondness for the classic musical movie down to their children and grandchildren.
Admiration for the film’s main star, Doris Day, has most likely fuelled this desire to ensure Calamity Jane’s legacy lasts and so the question on everyone’s puckered lips is – can Carrie Hope Fletcher play the lead role as well as Doris did back in 1953?
These are undoubtedly huge boots to fill but Carrie as Calamity is an absolute triumph. Her superpower in this role is her versatility. Carrie’s sense of comic timing, hilarious facial expressions and easy rapport with the audience mean she is well suited to the comedic aspects of the production which include elements of slap stick and the inventive use of physical theatre.
This is a fast paced, high-energy role which sees Calamity Jane constantly on the go as she travels between Deadwood and Chicago in search of a star to keep the regulars happy at the local watering hole. A seasoned performer like Carrie fulfills the demands of this energetic role with ease but rather than emulate Doris’s performance, Carrie makes the role her own. She’s feisty, fearless but possesses a softer side which she expresses most powerfully during the song Secret Love.
Immensely likeable as Calamity, you can tell Carrie is relishing the role when she grabs Bill’s (Vinny Coyle) tie and playfully winks at the audience; we’re all in awe of Carrie’s version of Calamity Jane.
But as bright as Carrie’s star is, it doesn’t eclipse the rest of the cast’s stellar performances. An ensemble cast shine bright throughout both acts as they somehow juggle playing a range of instruments live (including a saxophone, flute, guitars, violins and even a mandolin) with lively choreographed dances and rebel rousing group vocal renditions of songs the show is famous for, such as Black Hills of Dakota and Just Blew In from the Windy City.
The ensemble cast’s performance is integral to the fun, upbeat atmosphere of the production and they encourage us to sing along with them during key moments of the show. They’re ever present! Most notable is the way the actors/musicians perform brief musical interludes at the end of most scenes. These frequent instrumentals help the show to flow seamlessly from one scene to the next….
Feisty female characters like Adelaid Adams (Molly Grace Cutler) and Katie Brown (Seren Sandham Davies) also make the musical an absolute joy to watch and their humorous performances are enhanced considerably by Bristol Costume Services’ careful choice of costume and Jamie Owen’s selection of props. Corsets, whips and pretty petticoats transport us to the Wild West, as does Diego Pitarch’s set which is a realistic mock up of a traditional saloon bar.
Tonight’s stand out song is “Higher Than A Hawk.” Performed by Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle) on vocals and rhythm guitar (backed by a musician playing classical guitar) this song is hopelessly romantic and seals the show’s feel-good factor. More Elvis than Howard Keel (Bill in the 1953 film version), Coyle’s voice is tender and laced with genuine emotion. Lucky Jane!
This simple story about love, mistaken identity and friendship is good for the soul and it is easy to see why people of all ages are still so invested in this classic musical. A must see for fans of old school musicals and anyone who enjoys romantic comedies.