Adapted from the Oscar winning movie musical, CALAMITY JANE is set in Dakota Territory, USA, in the time of the American Old West. The show tells the story of the small western mining town of Deadwood City which is about to undergo a calamity. The Golden Garter Saloon, owned by Henry Miller and his niece Susan, is preparing for the visit of a lovely New York entertainer, Frances Fryer. Due to a mix-up, Frances Fryer turns out be a man, Francis Fryer. Henry finds himself on the horns of a dilemma. In an attempt to save face, he forces Francis to do the show dressed as a woman. But all hell breaks loose when the audience realise they’ve been hoodwinked.
Calamity Jane comes to the rescue. She takes the reins of The Deadwood Stagecoach and rides off to Chicago to bring back the most popular music hall performer of the time, Adelaide Adams.
However, Calamity is tricked into thinking that Adelaide’s maid and dresser, Katie Brown, is the star, and brings her back to Deadwood. When Katie’s deception is discovered during her performance, the townsfolk turn on Calamity, and are ready to riot.
With the help of her two trusty six-shooters, Calamity ‘encourages’ the crowd to give Katie another chance to prove herself. Katie puts on a great show and convinces the crowd that she really is a star. Just when all seems well, Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Calamity’s secret love), falls in love with Katie. Calamity is infuriated and runs Katie out of town. But then Calamity realises that her real true love is her old friend, Bill Hickok. How all this ends you’ll have to see the show to find out.
Director, Glen Stelzer, Assistant Director, Kate Berger and the company have obviously had a lot of fun putting this show together. The exuberance of the entire cast projects over the footlights, and takes the audience on a joyous ride.
With catchy tunes like The Deadwood Stage, The Black Hills of Dakota and Secret Love, (Winner of the Oscar for best song in a movie for Doris Day in 1953) the show moves along to a whip-cracking pace.
The wealth of experience and training behind the four main performers stood them all in good stead to carry out the huge task of turning what is essentially an old-fashioned show into something bright and modern.
Carolyn Burke (Calamity), completed NIDA’S Diploma of Musical Theatre program last year, and her singing and acting talent were outstanding in equal measure. She met the challenge of the very difficult Secret Love competently.
James Jonathon (Wild Bill Hickok) with his strong resonant baritone voice executed his musical numbers with great control. He commanded the stage during his solos, all of which were met with rapturous applause from a delighted audience.
Nicole Butler (Katie Brown) who brought authenticity to a very difficult role as the hapless maid, wowed the audience with her rendition of Keep It Under Your Hat and her duet with Calamity, A Woman’s Touch.
David Berry was convincing in his part, that of Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, with his strong voice and acting ability. His duet with Katy Brown, Love You Dearly, was a standout moment in the show.
The alto and bass section of the chorus belted out good strong harmonies, which made them a joy to listen to. Add the inventive choreography by Keely Soulsby, competently executed by the dancing and singing from a very energetic ensemble, and you have a show with nary a slow spot to be found. Worthy of special note was featured male dancer, Joseph Nalty (Charlie). His part in the can can dance segment, which saw him ending with the ‘splits’, literally stopped the show.
Melissa Stewart looked and acted the part of Adelaide Adams with great conviction, and although only a small part, shone in her song, It’s Harry I’m Planning to Marry.
Lesser, though just as important, players were Paul Adderley as Henry Miller, owner of the Golden Garter Saloon; Mia Pimentel as Henry’s Niece, Susan, and James Musumeci as Francis Fryer.
The ensemble is worth mentioning once again. Each one sang, danced and acted with equal ability, and complemented the main players with their energy and enthusiasm.
Without a great orchestra, any show, no matter how good, can fail. Not so with this one. James Court wielded his baton forcefully, and brought the players together to form a tight and exhilarating sound.
Full credit for the wonderful sets and costume designs go to Ashley Darby and James Worner respectively. Both were well highlighted by lighting designer Rodney Bertram. Sound Design and Operation were expertly organised by Drew Bisset and Erin Hambly.
All in all, a night of good old-fashioned clean entertainment. Hop aboard the Deadwood Stage and enjoy a great ride.
Rockdale Musical Society’s production of CALAMITY JANE is playing the Rockdale Town Hall until Sunday 13th March. Remaining performances are this Friday 11 March at 8pm, Saturday 12 March at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday 13 March at 2pm. BOOKINGS- Phone – 0423 566 393. Online – rockdalems.iwannaticket.com.au/. At the door (Card sales will incur an additional $2 surcharge per ticket).
Footnote:
It is not widely known that “Calamity Jane” was a real person. Christened Martha Jane Canary , she was better known as “Calamity Jane”, an American frontierswoman and professional scout, known for her claim of being an acquaintance of Wild Bill Hickok, and for fighting against Native Americans. Late in her life, she appeared in a Wild West Show run by the famous Buffalo Bill. She is said to have always exhibited kindness and compassion to others, especially to the sick and needy. This facet of her character, contrasted with her daredevil ways, helped make her a noted frontier figure. She was also known for her habit of wearing men’s attire.