Looking at theatre and the arts across North East England, the North East Theatre Guide continues to celebrate culture in our region.
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23/11/2017
REVIEW: Paint Your Wagon at Newcastle Tyne Theatre
Paint Your Wagon is a classic American musical with libretto and lyrics by Alan J. Lerner
and music by Frederick Loewe. First performed on Broadway in 1951, it seems to
be a rare production and it is the 1969 film starring Lee Marvin, Jean Seberg
and Clint Eastwood that has kept songs such as Wanderin’ Star in the public eye. This week the show arrives in Newcastle and is a charming evening out.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
Photo: Signature Times Photography
The show
opens with the discovery somewhere in California of gold as Ben Rumson (Alan
Davison) is burying a friend. He claims the land and sets up a new town of
Rumson with his daughter Jennifer (Hannah Elliott). The story then follows the
progress of a town full of gold prospectors. The issues of living in a male
dominated society and the lack of a formal education are addressed in the
story. There is also a sub-plot involving polygamy and religious tolerance. Bearing
in mind the script is from 1951, some of the ways in which the female
characters are addressed by the men is probably more in keeping with the 1853
setting rather than 2017 sensibilities.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
The book is
full of humour and this leads to a light-hearted story about some pretty tough
times. There was a sterling effort from the cast which features some really
strong singing voices. Hannah Elliott had an early chance to shine with What’s Going On Here. Michael Skoyles,
likewise came across confidently with Carino
Mio.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
Alan
Davison has a real rich quality to his voice which first came to the fore in
the lament I Still See Elisa. However
it was during Wandrin’ Star that you
had a chance to really appreciate the fabulous tone as he owned the classic
hit.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
Photo: Carliol Photography
Director
Jonathan Cash has made intelligent decisions to get the most out of the source
material and allow the cast to shine.
Choreographer Jenn Rouse has created some intricate dance routines, in
particular in the final scene of the first act. The dancers pulled off these
with aplomb. The costumes from Lorraine Skeen and her team looked the part and
help set the scene.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
Photo: Signature Times Photography
High
quality live musical bands are often a feature at this theatre as they take
full advantage of the natural acoustics. The live band filled the Opera House
with a fine sound and Musical Director Andrew Soulsby kept the music in sync
with the action on stage.
Photo: Signature Times Photography
Paint Your
Wagon is a good evening’s entertainment with some great singing and dancing
from a talented ensemble.
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