Blackpool’s Grand Theatre celebrates 125 years this year and the seaside town and Fylde’s Light Opera Company also marks its 70th anniversary so what better way to showcase the wonders of everything that happens behind the scenes of a show than to present the mammoth that is 42nd Street, set just 16 years prior to the company’s formation.
A show about a show, this concept and story is often difficult for those who have never seen the show film to comprehend but the cast and crew pulled it off, with only a few technical issues (microphones - or the lack of them - and lighting). With a few modern elements that could have done to have been omitted (Pat’s shoes, a 70s-esque outfit in ‘Dames’ and the ‘shinbusters’ constructed from materials of the local tool store), the show was highly impressive.
The best performer was, for me, the writer of Pretty Lady, Maggie Jones (Helen O’Neill) as her male equal, sadly, the least convincing, with little sense of rhythm. Leading ladies Dorothy Brock (well, in Pretty Lady - the show that the overall show is about), played by Lynne Nolan, and her younger aspirant Peggy Sawyer (Nikita Coulon), were very well performed, against Jack Price’s “juvenile lead”. Leading man Julian March (Derek Winward) is to be admired for his constant presence on stage for the majority and great memory bank of lines. Miss Brock’s sugar-daddy Abner Dillon, in the form of Chris Cooper, was excellent also, with wit and charisma, whilst smaller parts Mac (Mike Donnellon) and dance director Andy Lee (Joff Keelan) built their parts entertainingly.
Howard Haw’s direction is clever and well-followed, coupled with Danielle Woodhouse’s iconic choreography and the brilliant band, under the baton of Dave Thomas.
It is always a delight to see cast members gaining experience in the ‘grassroots of the industry’ and the variety of roles that they play in a plethora of productions. As well as a great social hobby, this art-form is also highly empowering.
With great musical numbers and highly amusing quips from Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble’s book, with lyrics by Al Dubin and Johnny Mercer, this show is a triumph and should be commended.
Reviewer - John Kristof
on - 29/5/19
Who is Julian March???
ReplyDeleteWho is Howard Haw???
If you are going to critique a show, you could at least get character and directors names right!