This is now the second show that this reviewer has had the pleasure of seeing from this talented local society, Blackpool Operatic Players. Having seen their production of Shrek at the Grand Theatre last year, I knew this show would be given full justice; book musicals of yesteryear only appeal to a certain percentage of the musical-theatre-going population - but this one is a classic and still much loved by those old enough to remember musicals before the likes of Lloyd-Webber changed the scene completely.
In this story, we find ourselves in Hollywood in the 1920s, and at that momentous and ground-breaking happenstance, the advent of the talking picture. Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are the toast of the silent films, superstars and idols, and then, suddenly, a rival studio produces a "talking picture", namely, 'The Jazz Singer', and their world is turned upside down. Their boss R F Simpson decides that their next big movie should also be a talkie in order to compete with the competition. Comedy arises in their ineptitude and misunderstanding of this new technology, but it is a doomed project right from the start since their female star, Lamont, has the highest pitched, squeakiest voice imaginable and simply does not fit her onscreen image. Fortunately, a deus-ex-machina arrives in the form of Kathy Sheldon, an aspiring young actress with the voice of an angel, and she is coerced into providing the voice of Lamont to help the studio. Don Lockwood falls head-over-heels in love with her, and she with him, and of course this goes against all the onstage chemistry and publicity material that the studio endorse about the two stars' romance. Things don't go according to plan, but don't worry. there are plenty of high-stepping tap routines, catchy tunes, and even onstage rain for the iconic title sequence! There's also a happy ending too, of course!
Jack Price plays a very personable lothario and matinee idol, and is a very easy-to-watch actor. His dancing is skilled and he gives a rounded and entertaining performance. Stephanie Cartell's voice as Lamont is consistent and of course completely irritating! Perhaps she could have played the role a little more dim-witted, thus creating more comedy on her lines, "What do you think I am, dumb or something?", which as they were held no comedy at all, since she clearly was quite intelligent despite her (deliberately) horrendous voice. Sophie Morison made for the perfect love-interest as Cathy Sheldon, hitting the role perfectly, being not too obvious, but never in the background either. The second male lead of Cosmo, Don's life-long friend and erstwhile performing partner, was taken by Andi Lees-Lester, who put much into this energetic and demanding role. Again, an easy-to-watch actor, but I did feel he was struggling a little with the more full-on physical comedic demands of the role.
The set was minimal but apt, and worked nicely. The scene changes however need some work still to make them run more smoothly and convincingly. If there is one thing this particular reviewer does not like to see is cast members, in costume and fully lit, moving sets in and out (unless that is a part of the style of directing, which this was not).
Costuming was very good, as were the sound levels and lighting design. The pace needs to be picked up a little generally from all the cast, but this was opening night and so this will become swifter as the show runs. Some lovely cameo performances, and a solid strong chorus with good harmonies and dancing - I did not expect a second rain storm, and that was nicely done.
However, musically and theatrically secure, this was a strong and most enjoyable production which did full justice to the show's original intents. Full of superb and memorable songs, and lots of tap dancing, it is guaranteed to blow the blues away on these still rather wintry late March days!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 27.3.24
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 27.3.24
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