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Review from Encore April 1998

If you missed Rodgers and Hammerstein's CAROUSEL in March then you missed one of Northern Light Theatre Company's most visually stunning shows. Directed by Sue Pole and Ceri Hutton, the show's real stars were the elaborate sets that it flaunted, designed by Damon Hill.

Second only to the sets were the multitalented cast, in particular, Stacey and Megan Hendy, Mandy Hill and Richard Trengove in the lead roles. Mark Gulliford would have been just as delightful in the male lead except for some major throat problems that gave his voice the pitch variations of a pubescent teenage boy. It was also nice to see an unmiked musical where the band didn't drown out the singing, although the chorus work could have been a little louder throughout the show.

CAROUSEL has some wonderful ballads in it, including YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE, which Megan Hendy sang beautifully, even putting a tear in my eye.

Well done Northern Light, on making such an impressive attempt at such a long and difficult show.

CAL-ousel!

The King and I

“Go on, have a cry with the 'King and I'”
Messanger News Review 28 October 1998
Matt BYRNE

THE GREAT musicals never age and Oscar and Hammerstein's The King and I will always pull a crowd and a heartstring.

Northern Light Theatre Company has taken on this epic and come up trumps with a charming, eye-catching production that shows musical theatre is still alive and kicking in the north.

Director Fran Edwards has assembled a talented production team and cast whose commitment to retelling this classic tale of love across the east-west cultural barrier maintains your interest from go to "woe".

Musical director David Keen does a tremendous job with the tricky score just needing to get the balance right when there's dialogue and choreographer Kerreane Wilkinson captures the oriental flavour and ceremony of old Siam.

The cast is led by rising talent Paul Standingford who gives an outstanding performance as The King.

He exhibits the poise, puzzlement and presence that make it such a memorable role.

Anne Williams also scores as the English school ma'am, Anna Leonowens.

Her diction is flawless in numbers like Hello Young Lovers and Whistle a Happy Tune, and she negotiates her stunning gowns around obstacles that stop other women in a man's world.

Their delightful duet, Shall We Dance, highlights the chemistry between the two that's crucial to the show's success.

In the young lovers' roles, Stacey Hendy and James Spargo, sing beautifully as Tuptim and Lun Tha, with We Kiss in a Shadow being their finest moment.

Lorelei Hill provides tremendous support as the Lady Thiang with her ballad Something Wonderful, and there's strong character work from Ric Williams as the crusty Kralahome and Kim Taylor as the ebullient Sir Edward Ramsey.

Congratulations to the large chorus for their discipline and the teamwork between the older and the very new to the stage.

The dancers do a great job and the Uncle Tom scene is very well executed.

The other real star of the show is the stunning set design from Damon Hill and the endless parade of elegant costumes from Ann Humphries and her team.

The attention to detail makes this a show not to miss, a chance to hear some of the best musical tunes ever penned, and for lovers of all ages to have a good old-fashioned cry.