Directors Review of Quality Street

My experiences as Director of Quality Street have been mixed. Having to take on far more responsibility than I anticipated was both unfortunate and bad planning on my part, but all things came together in the end so I can't complain too much.

As for the cast and the actual performances, well what can I say. Again, there were a few frustrations here and there. People suddenly dropping out without adequate reason, or with substantially good reasons, having to fill in the holes as quickly as I could, and eventually having to take on a minor role myself, yet in the end, I got a solid and fantastic ensemble cast.

A comment was made to me by at least on of the cast members to the effect that there has been little if any 'bitching' in the cast. Everyone that we currently have in the show have worked as a team. From what I can see, they have all enjoyed the experience for better or worse. There is a infectious energy both on-stage and back stage.

Miss Pheobe - Amanda Hurdman - One of the original auditionees - Pheobe is not an easy role as many may suspect. On first reading, the part can be seen as your standard light-headed heroine, yet upon closer inspection, there is a strength and purpose to what Pheobe does. J.M. Barrie rarely wrote his heroines week having himself a self-confessed love affair with all the leading ladies of every play he ever saw. Her 'to be lady-like' speech is rich in movement and emotion. Her portrayal of the alter-ego Miss Livvy as the hard-heart little flirt is quite fun. There are times where we get to see the conflict between these two characters as she struggles with her ever developing 'lie' and feelings for Mr Brown. Mr Brown - Luke Miller - After losing our first Brown when he was offered a well paid job inland, we were fortunate enough to source Luke mid-way through rehearsals. While he initially had a little difficulty with the language, accent and general settings of the play (not uncommon) he gradually developed a character that worked very well with the other cast members. Luke managed to find the journey Brown takes through the play from youthful naivety to war-worn veteran. While he sometimes delivered lines in a very plain and neutral manner, these moments contrasted well with his more expressive moments such as in his argument with Miss Livvy during the Ball scene (act 3.) His portrayal of the scene where he 'takes Livvy Away' is done superbly maintaining absolute seriousness as he performs some very odd actions.

Miss Susan - Olivia Darby - Miss Susan was one of the characters that is very hard to cast. She had to be just right. The older sister to Pheobe, she lives her dream through Pheobe having missed her own chance years before. Reading the script, one could mistake her for being somewhat scatty but in truth, her mind simply is able to think of several things at once, which can cause some confusion from time to time. Yet she is a woman with emotional depth and intelligence, quick witted and devoted to her sister. Olivia came to the part when I was unable to cast in the first place, and thank the lord she did (and thank you Norma). Honestly, I doubt I could have found anyone better to play the part. Miss Susan in many ways represents the yearning for youth that we all feel (from time to time) as we watch the years roll by. Resigned to her years and 'Old Maid' status, she instead does all she can for her sister in the hopes that Pheobe will not become as Susan is. Olivia brings an energy and wonderful sense of humour to Miss Susan, a character that so often is done more melancholy and withdrawn. This Miss Susan is an absolute joy to watch.

Miss Patty - Emma D'orazio - Miss Patty, although a small part, follows very much in the shadows of the Intelligent Butler style character. Their presence is small but when they speak, all listen. Patty rules the household and isn't against a little revelry from time to time. Her hopes are the stereotypical hopes of all women searching for love, that one day, regardless of how old she is or her status in life, he will come. She is a simple house maid, but J.M. Barrie always had a soft spot for the 'common people' and as such Patty has some of the most important things to say, and do. Emma brings the stage presence needed for this character which is considerable when you take into account the strength of many of the other characters. I have already had one audience member comment to me that when Patty is on stage, even for the shortest of moments, you had to watch her. She was in command throughout. Her accent is wonderfully colourful and consistant throughout which just adds that extra bit of texture to the character.