Calamity Jane 2005

Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, 11th - 18th June 2005

Our 2005 production celebrated our 105th year of entertaining Fylde audiences. What show was more fitting to celebrate this than the old favourite 'Calamity Jane'. Playing to packed audiences for a sunny week in June, the society once again managed to break box office records! Here you will find information on the show... we welcome your comments! Enjoy!

PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY - Peter Taylor

CHOREOGRAPHED BY - Rachel Kirkham

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Peter Weston

The Cast

Reviews

CALAMITY JANE

St Annes on Sea Operatic and Dramatic Society

From the very first scene to the last this show bounced along. An unusual move saw the stage coach entering through the saloon bar but, with clever lighting it didn't detract from Calamity's entrance. The simple but elaborately painted set with two staircases which revolved and rotated to form most of the scenes, worked well. Calamity led the cast from the off with her many years of experience. Wild Bill, although a good deal younger, looked the part and the singing between Calamity and Bill was captivating. Danny and Kate were a good match and both gave a first class performance. Francis Fryer was just right for the part and Adelaide Adams was outstanding in her one scene. The person who amazed me was Henry Miller — he gave 100% from beginning to end in this, his first role. What a find! The dancers did a good job and the principals were well supported by the chorus. Thank you all.

The Story.

Calamity Jane centres around Calamity's effort to save Deadwood's entertainment venue, The Golden Garter, from ruin by bringing the singing star, Adelaide Adams, to perform there. Calamity promises the patrons of the Garter that she will personally bring Miss Adams back from Chicago.

In Chicago, she sees Adelaide Adam's show, from the back of the theatre, but later mistakes Miss Adams' stage struck maid, Katie Brown, for the star. Katie, realising the mistake, seizes the opportunity to make her dreams come true by posing as Adelaide.

After crossing dangerous terrain, with Indians in hot pursuit, the two arrive in Deadwood to tremendous fanfare. The men are delighted that Calamity has kept 'her word' and brought the great Adelaide to perform for them. Especially pleased are Lt. Danny Gillmartin and Wild Bill Hickock, who both immediately take a liking to 'Miss Adams'.

On her opening night, Katie goes onstage and gives a disastrous performance. A disappointed audience boos her after she confesses that she has deceived them. Calamity comes to her rescue, imploring the angry crowd to give Katie a chance. Surprisingly, they agree to let her sing. With renewed confidence, Katie delivers a great show and Deadwood now has it's own 'Adelaide Adams'.

Katie and Calamity become close friends and share Jane's cabin. But when Lt. Gillmartin becomes smitten with Katie, Calamity becomes jealous and orders Katie to get out of town. Katie, not wanting to come between Calamity and 'the man she loves', leaves Deadwood.

Meanwhile, 'Calamity' begins to see Bill in a different way; as the man she has 'secretly' loved all along. Katie has cultivated Calamity's feminine side since her arrival and she is starting to turn heads in the town - including Bill's. It is not long before Calamity and Bill are declaring undying love for each other.

When Calamity discovers that Katie has actually left Deadwood, she vows to bring her back. She catches up with the stagecoach to tell Katie the news that she is getting married, but that she would be 'Mrs. Hickock', not 'Mrs Gilmartin'. A double wedding ensues with Katie marrying the lieutenant and Bill marrying the now more feminine, Calamity Jane.

Pictures

Here are some of the pictures from the show. Click the picture for a larger view!