A Dolly dazzler of a show to leave real world behind
Published at 15:43, Wednesday, 29 April 2009
A GLITTERING performance of Hello Dolly is bringing Whitehaven’s Civic Hall’s stage alive this week.
The Whitehaven Theatre Group show is full of energy, colour, fun and most importantly – song.
Vanessa Cowley hit those very high notes – and there was a lot of them – with ease in leading role of flamboyant Dolly.
She sashayed around the set, complete with feather boa, and was a pleasure to watch and listen to in what was a totally believable performance.
As always, veteran Dale Corless, as Horace Vandergelder, was strong both in acting ability and song, you always know you’re in safe hands there.
It was good to see many younger performers coming through and taking leading roles.
One of those is Aron Armstrong who has grown in confidence over a number of shows.
As Cornelius Hackl he gave a relaxed performance and fully engaged with the audience. His singing voice was very strong – a local star in the making.
Shaun Donald’s facial expressions always make me laugh out loud. He is very natural in comic roles and as Barnaby Tucker this was no exception. Every show should have Shaun in for comedy value!
Kayleigh Cullen, as Minnie Fay, and Jacqui Quinn, as Irene Molloy, were also a joy to watch as were the energetic dancers and colourful chorus.
On Monday’s opening night, which was a very respectable three quarters full, there wasn’t a missed line – very impressive. Oh, and the American accents, they were spot on.
A feisty woman, a scarlet glittery backdrop and spangly dresses – leave the real world behind and enjoy a taste of Broadway.
Directed by Cuth Murphy, Hello Dolly runs nightly until Saturday at 7.15pm.
CAST: Dolly, Vanessa Cowley; Ernestina, Alison Phillips; Ambrose Kemper, Daniel England; Horace Vandergelder, Dale Corless; Ermengarde, Rachel Denwood; Cornelius Hackl, Aron Armstrong; Barnaby Tucker, Shaun Donald; Minnie Fay, Kayleigh Cullen; Irene Molloy, Jacqui Quinn; Mrs Rose, Debbie Atkinson; Rudolph, Gavin Dodd; Judge, Tony Parker.
Dancers: Lynsey Benson, Carol Corless, Becky Dixon, Susan Houghton, Charlotte McGarry, Jayne Vincent, Victoria Vincent.
Chorus: Katrina Donald, Margaret Henderson, Jackie McGarry, Katrina Halcrow, Martin Pattinson, Jennifer Todhunter, John Walker, Mike Quinn, Emily Vincent.
Booth Singers: Diane Lofthouse, Gillian Rothery.
Director, Cuth Murphy. Choreographer, Carol Corless, musical director, Joan Morris.
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Published by http://www.whitehaven-news.co.uk
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