Me and My Girl - NODA Review - October 2008
Director: Ken Rotchell
Musical Director: Nikki Molley
Choreographer: Emily Rex
Me and My Girl is one of my favourite shows. As most people know all the tunes, it makes this a very popular show. The leading man, Bill Snibson was played by Neil Alveston who created a likeable character. I felt that some of the very funny lines were thrown away. Sometimes they didn’t get a laugh because of the way they were delivered. Sally, played by Helen Rex, was well cast. Helen had a good delivery, and the change from the cockney to the upper crust accent was nice.
Lady Jacqueline was played by Tracey Moran and was the real high society girl. She looked good and acted superbly. Her opposite male, played by Kevin Nugent, was a good foil for Jacqueline. Well done to you both. Carol Clare, playing the Duchess, was excellent. Her acting, together with a strong singing voice, added to the strength of the production.
The set was good and it changed from the car at the opening, to the outside of the mansion, then to the inside, very smoothly. I felt generally the show lacked pace, a little more speed with the lines would have helped. But this did not spoil a very enjoyable evening.
Producer: Jan Johnson
Musical Director & Chorus Master: Val Hynes
Resident Choreographer:Val Hynes
I have taken part in this show four times, but it is many years since I have seen it from an audience point of view. One realises how brilliant Rogers and Hammerstein are.
Curly (Kevin Nugent) was excellent; beautiful singing voice, convincing acting particularly in the more dramatic scenes.
Laurey (Tracy Moran) has good singing voice and was well matched with Curly. I would have preferred her not to have worn her hair over her forehead (too modern) - a minor criticism. Jud Fry (Pete Phoenix) had good characterisation, acted extremely well and looked the part. His number with Curly was well performed. Ali Hakim (Tony Lacey) was a relaxed performer with a good sense of comedy, but at times he lost his accent. Aunt Eller (Judith Small) was most convincing, but I have a mental picture of this character with grey hair, and her skirt length needed to be longer, a minor criticism mainly for the wardrobe department.
Ado Annie (Paula Hunter) was excellent; her body movements and arm and hand gestures, everything was meaningful.
The chorus gave all the principals very good support and worked hard. All supporting principals were well cast and exceedingly good: Will Parker (Adam Curtis) was absolutely brilliant. What a fantastic dancer he is and he gave the entire production a most professional touch. I feel sure he has a most promising future in professional theatre. His acting and singing complimented his amazing dancing, well done.
The large orchestra was brilliant: extremely lively and never once drowned any of the principals. The choreography was simple but very effective. The wardrobe team was very good apart from the minor criticisms I have made. Stage crew, lighting, sound were most competent. Front of House staff, I thank you for your hospitality: where would societies be without you? I look forward to seeing your next production..
Directors: Pauline Eaton and William Roscoe
Choreographer: Val Hynes
Musical Director: Michael J. Scott
Often a Regional Rep is slightly worried to inflict himself on a Society on their opening night when nerves and getting familiarity with the stage and set can sometimes inhibit performances.
Heswall Operatic Society (and how good to see them producing musicals again after a two year gap) had few such problems from their largely experienced principal line-up.
Steve Riordan, with his immaculate enunciation and suave manner, was totally at ease as Higgins, ably supported by the avuncular Pickering of Alan Williams. Eryl Hughes gave his experienced Doolittle with great attack.
As Eliza Tracey Moran gave a good performance, managing the change from vivacious cockney to spirited lady well.
Kevin Nugent also did well with a nicely judged and sung portrayal of Freddy. Smaller parts were all effective with Tim Currie as Zoltan Carpathy and Rebecca Burke as Mrs. Pearce.
The well-dressed chorus made a strong contribution. So first night nerves did not set in and mar in any way an enjoyable evening at Gladstone.
Director: Pauline Eaton
Choreographer: Val Hynes
Musical Director: Sue Watson
A grey, misty evening but no lack of colour inside the improving Gladstone Theatre with Heswall’s lively if simplified Wizard of Oz. No Toto ( Aah!!) and no preliminary introduction of the Kansas selves of the Wizard and the Wicked Witch but plenty of fun for children and accompanying folks to enjoy.
The Principals were all well cast with a tuneful and appealing Dorothy from Tracey Moran and a splendid cackling Wicked Witch of the West from Marion Russell. The supple Scarecrow of Faridah Brooker, the Tin Man of Rod Brand and the loveable Cowardly Lion of Colin McCarthy made ideal companions for Dorothy on the road to Oz.
Alan Williams came up for air after his King Neptune for Port Sunlight before Christmas to be the Great Oz. Rosie Ross was the Good Witch and Avril Collard Aunt Em.
With a well dressed chorus and the minor parts all playing their bit on a bright set the show went along at a good pace. I found the Orchestra to be a little loud at times but otherwise provided good accompaniment.
Two minor points which are the fault of the script rather than the company – that turning bridge scene does go on and so does the drill at the opening of act two. However such matters certainly didn’t distract from the enjoyment of a good sized audience.