This is one show I always look forward to seeing because of the music and lyrics of Frank Loesser and the many elements within the show which give amateur societies plenty of scope.
Over the years I have seen many good performances both collectively and individually and, in this case, non better than than the superb performance of Adrienne Wormald as Miss Adelaide. She had the stage presence, was vocally excellent, good accent and a personality that made you sympathise with her predicament as the longest serving fiancee in the world.
The remaining cast members had their work cut out not to be completely overshadowed and, in varying degrees, most did quite well. Lindsay Farnworth captured the facets of the Sarah Brown character, sang quite well, and is a young lady of considerable promise for the future.
The trio of Nicely-Nicely (Paul Brennan), Benny (Don Howcroft) and Rusty (Jeff Christie) had contrasting characters whilst working well together with Paul coming into his own with an excellent "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" number. Norman Bowers was a convincing Big Jule, both in voice and presence, whilst Ernest Dawson as Arvide Abernathy sang "More I Cannot Wish You" with much sincerity. John Holloway made a believable Lt Brannigan as he tried to nail down the elusive crap game.
Two other good performances came from Michael Ball as the debonair high roller Sky Masterson whilst Michael Taylor never overplayed his hand as the all time loser Nathan Detroit. Both delivered the dialogue well, looked comfortable with their parts with Sky making the most of "Luck Be A Lady" and Nathan particularly good in the "Sue Me" duet with Adelaide.
The small orchestra under the director Daniel Robins seemed a little unbalanced at times and some of the numbers were sorely lacking in pace. This affected the dancers in the Hot Box numbers which appeared a little staid and the "Crapshooters Ballet" which was less than athletic.
I have reported previously about the quality of the scenery at this society and this show was no exception. Whilst one of the scene changes was a little laboured the stage was bedecked with a multitude of neon signs, a well designed box set arrangement at the rear of the stage transformed itself from outside the mission to inside the mission to the Hot Box club whilst the sewer scene had the sound of dripping water and a slight echo when the characters spoke. Full marks to the backstage team. An enjoyable show with which the society, and the director Roy E. Iddon, can be justifiably pleased.
