West Side Story

"NY Romeo & Juliet needs more cooking time"
Messenger News Review 22 March 2000
Rod LEWIS

GO west, young man . . . at least for another week.

The usually reliable talents of director Fran Edwards, choreographer Sue Pole and musical director Matthew Barrowman are let down by cast and crew in Northern Light Theatre Company's under-rehearsed West Side Story.

Arthur Laurents' musical adaptation of Shakespeare's greatest love story sees Romeo and Juliet replaced by Tony and Maria in 1950s New York, with the Montagues and Capulets becoming two rival street gangs in a time of racial hostility and discrimination.

Kerri Seager excellent in every aspect as Maria; she gives a heart-warming characterisation and has a delightful, clear singing voice.

James Spargo, on the other hand, is a two-dimensional Tony, only manages to prove his worth in a couple of stunning duets with Seager, including One Hand One Heart.

Badja Dan, in his first major role, excels in the acting stakes as Puerto Rican gang leader Bernardo, but is less reliable with his singing, fluctuating from spot-on to off key.

Of the remaining 30-plus cast, Karen Sheldon as tomboy Anybodys, Ceri Hutton-Horner as Anita, and Rodney Hutton as Riff are impressive.

Chorus members often forget their dance steps and Sondheim's lyrics, particularly those playing The Jets.

Scene changes are clumsy, Damon Hill's set design is unimaginative and cumbersome, and he is miscast as Action.

The 15-piece orchestra struggles with Leonard Bernstein's score, particularly the brass section.

And while Edwards' direction is energetic and exciting, Pole's choreography is entertaining, if not a little stilted.

If the performers, crew and band get their act together then this show could be great entertainment.

Irena Moore(Graziella), Ceri Horner(Anita), Kerri Hutton(Maria) And Karen Sheldon (Anybodys) 

All the Cast at the Shedley

The Jets VS The Sharks
From Left: Mark Horner, Michael Papps, Damon Hill, Ceri Horner, And Irena Scott

If you have any photos, reviews or posters please contact Ceri on 82833885. Thankyou.

Almost Anything Goers

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Review

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Godspell

"Godspell still something to sing about"

Messenger Leader 25 October 2000
Matt BYRNE

STEPHEN Schwartz's God rock musical 'Godspell' is easily one of the most popular and performed musicals in the world. And the guarantee with this rock musical parable based on the Gospel According to St Matthew and conceived by John-Michael Tebelak is that no two productions are alike.

It is up to the imagination of the production team and the cast, and Northern Light Theatre Company's version is a lively, entertaining, uneven and occasionally quite moving show. The great danger with 'Godspell' is that it can quickly become Playschool meets Sunday School if the show lacks focus and the pace lags.

Director Megan Hendy has some good ideas, and has assembled a capable cast who live or die by their ability to improvise and accept the challenge of literally creating a show out of nothing.

Musical director Mike Pitman has put the strong voices in the cast to good use and Rosalie Jarman's inventive choreography builds the ensemble feel.

Paul Standingford gives the central role of Jesus a dignity and quiet power that keeps the show on track and his Save the People and particularly Alas for You are highlights.

Damien Day has his moments in the crucial role of John the Baptist/Judas but songs like 'Prepare Ye' need more power and impact (and he should lose the 'Godspell' T-shirt!).

Leslie Main's beautiful rendition of Day by Day is a standout, as is Stacey Hendy's lively Bless the Lord and Ben Po'ona's sweet tenor voice is ideal for the glowing ballad All Good Gifts.

Betty Samis turns it on in the raunchy torch number Turn Back O Man, Darren Slann doesn't spare the tonsils in We Beseech Thee and Charissa McCluskey and Allison Scarlett sing great harmony in the compelling By My Side.

Overall the music is very good, but the improvisation and almost vaudeville style required to make the parables come to life needs more work and is best handled by Mark Gulliford, Main and Slann.

The production deserves a bigger audience than on the night I attended, as the 'Godspell' magic is very infectious and the songs as fresh and relevant as the ideals that inspired them.

'Godspell' plays Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, with a 2pm matinee on Saturday, October 28. Bookings: BASS or 8255 2948.

If you have any photos reviews or any posters please contact Ceri on 82833885. Thankyou.