Yeee...haw!

Mark Gale thinks Calamity Jane is just dandy.

When it comes to those two female musical comedy varmints Calamity Jane and Annie Oakley it has to be said that the gal from the Black Hills of Dakota is out-gunned. Yes siree! Irving Berlin's ornary critter appears in a better book and Berlin provided her with more penetrating musical bullets to fire. All the more credit then to Bill Kirwan for ensuring that Burgess Hill Operatic Society's revival of Calamity Jane did ample justice to Sammy Faith's score and was as smart as a farmer's newly painted fence.

We were transported back to a gingham world of Doris Day but the direction and playing of the title role by Jenifer Goodsell had a depth that made me wonder just how innocent it all really was. Jane, a sort of pistol packin' Shrew, had so much trouble coming to terms with her sexuality that even her big number My Secret Love took on a different connotation.

With it's narrow thrust stage, which for some scenes took the action away from the main acting area, the action had a sustained intimacy which thanks to a very committed and harmonious chorus engendered a party mood that prevailed throughout.

The problem of what to do with the orchestra was solved by having them seated at the back of the stage behind screens lit so they could be seen during their two overtures and invisible during the action. For the most part the musicians were first rate with Peter Gacsall conducting from the piano ensuring a big band sound and spanking tempi.

Goodsell was a fiesty gal in buckskin and pants no cowboy would mess with. Without ever quite commanding her numbers she acted well with her voice and trod with alacrity the narrow dividing line between butch and tomboy. Duncan Taylor used a good presence well as Wild Bill Hickock. He produced some rich bass-baritone tone and a promising voice will be all the better if he can develop the top register. Higher than a Hawk was bravely sung and the couple's best moment was a spirited account of Men!

Helen Mullany and Derek Taylor had warmth as the second romantic leads and Dawn Holland represented the chocolate box glamour that was taking the Windy City by storm. Barry Goodsell's precious actor was the life and soul of the party who falls for Susan Miller (Carrie Ried) much to the chagrin of her dad, Henry Miller (Pete Jones) who runs the Golden Garter. Here was a natural comedian in top form.

"Calamity Jane" Home | Tickets | Publicity Photos | Poster | Rehearsal Schedule