Last night I went with friends to see a local AmDram production of the much loved musical, 42nd Street. A work colleague is a member of the chorus so we were showing support. I'd gone for two reasons - I loved the professional production I saw a few years back in the capital and this local Am Dram company enjoys a good reputation.
Now I haven't seen any previous productions but unfortunately this one was memorable for all the wrong reasons. Quite apart from problems with the poorly managed sound system, the casting was either ironic or misjudged.
The chap playing the wolfish Billy Lawler was as camp as a row of tents.
The Two Hoods and their Victim struggled with US accents. They were less New York, more New Kelty. Think Broadway via Ballingry.
Three of the principal dancers looked as if they had eaten the choreographer and half the orchestra [including the instruments]. Having said that, they flung their legs about gamely although their dancing skills were almost overshadowed by the very large, unfettered bosoms careering about in their leotards.
It was all very enthusiastically delivered. The ensemble pieces were great and the performances of the two female leads were super. I might be tempted to go again. It's like savouring a huge piece of cheese without the calorific cost.
Maybe I should mention that to the dancers...
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