Rock Around the Clock
Thu, 7 July 2005, 06:48 pmWalter Plinge1 post in thread
Rock Around the Clock
Thu, 7 July 2005, 06:48 pmBefore I begin this review I must confess that I have a strong connection to the Marloo. However, after seeing the production last night and after reading unnecessary and immature comments on the "Musicals" forum, I decided to post a review anyway. With this in mind, a review is only an opinion and how many are ever 100% objective? (this is simply a rhetorical question - no need to post a response!! :) )
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK
Darlington Theatre Players, Marloo Theatre
Written and Directed by LaVerne Kirton
Opening Night - Wed 6th July
Anyone who has ever been to a winter season at the Marloo Theatre knows to rug up. This was no exception last night. However, the plummeting temperature did nothing to effect the energy and entertainment of Marloo's latest offering, Rock Around the Clock. The audience seemed to forget about the weather as they were transported back to the 50s for a night of rock and roll.
Rock Around the Clock is a simple, entertaining story that takes place "somewhere" in London in the late 50s / early 60s. It is primarily based around the owners of four local "businesses" in the London town square. Lil the hairdresser (Rosheen Markich), Millie the florist (Jacqui Warner), Fred the owner of the cafe (Stuart Fellows) and Charlie the bookie (Richard Milner). There is a "crim" on the loose, helping himself to their takings and this sets up the overall premise of the show.
In a show such as this, the script tends to be a vehicle for the music. Although the story really ties the songs togther, I still found myself interested in the characters and would have liked to have seen a little more.
Rosheen Markich was wonderful in her role of Lil. Her characterisation and comic timing were strong and well received by the audience (“Where’s my fags?”). Jacqui Warner was delightful as the sweet (and little naive) Millie. A very natural performance with gorgeous moments - particularly in the dance with Rosheen, "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" (nearly a show stealer). Rosheen and Jacqui worked well together and the contrast in characters was good to watch. Richard Milner (as Charlie) and Stuart Fellows (as Fred) both did a terrific job. Stuart's stint in embarrassing his daughter, Angela (Ineke Neeson) was a great moment as was Richard's dramatic entrance in Act 2. Well done all!!!
Marloo has gained a strong reputation for its youth theatre program (due to LaVerne Kirton's work in this area) and they really shine in this production. Ashleigh Warner as little-miss attitude Rose just about steals the show. She lights up the stage with her brilliant facial expressions and energy. Ashleigh needs to slow down a little in places so the audience doesn’t miss some of the best lines in the show. However, she has developed a very good accent. Rose's "gang", Pam (played by Hannah Fellows, the youngest cast member with a whole lot of talent) and Pauline (a good performance by Emma Peacock) provide some great moments. Luke Taafe (Tony) and Ineke Neeson (Angela) take on the often-overlooked role as the soppy, lovesick teens. They do a good job with these roles and create a nice on-stage relationship. Luke is very strong vocally and creates some nice comic moments. I think he could make his character a little stronger in places but understand how difficult this can be as the “love–interest”. Ineke’s non-verbal performance is good to watch, however she needs to develop her vocal technique for the stage. Other youth performers who work well in this production include Beth Parkinson and Steven Nicholas.
Another near show stealer is Michael Hayes as the “con-man” Tosh. Fantastic characterisation and a great costume!
My only slight criticism would be in the lack of good posture for many of the women and girls in the show. The cast needs to remember they are in the 1950s not the 2000s and stand / walk appropriately. There were a couple of technical issues but I am sure these will smooth over soon enough.
The ensemble work in this production really comes to the fore with the wonderful musical numbers. The choreography (courtesy of Pam Sistrunk, Alex Lamberto and Lena Wiggerman) is wonderful. It is great to see the Marloo stage being used to its full potential. The colour and energy of these numbers was a joy to watch. The singing was equally strong (musical director Iain Martin) with some great harmonies and solos. Most of the audience would sing and hum along and there were a lot of toes tapping! I still have “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” in my head!!! Congratulations to the bright, energetic and talented chorus. You looked, moved, sang and danced beautifully.
Rock Around the Clock is a wonderful nightÂ’s entertainment. Sure, it wonÂ’t win a Tony but it does not set itself up to be a Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. This is a show for entertainment, fun and a couple of hours away from the real world. If you love rock and roll donÂ’t miss this production.
Congratulations to LaVerne and all the cast and crew. A very enjoyable night out!
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK
Darlington Theatre Players, Marloo Theatre
Written and Directed by LaVerne Kirton
Opening Night - Wed 6th July
Anyone who has ever been to a winter season at the Marloo Theatre knows to rug up. This was no exception last night. However, the plummeting temperature did nothing to effect the energy and entertainment of Marloo's latest offering, Rock Around the Clock. The audience seemed to forget about the weather as they were transported back to the 50s for a night of rock and roll.
Rock Around the Clock is a simple, entertaining story that takes place "somewhere" in London in the late 50s / early 60s. It is primarily based around the owners of four local "businesses" in the London town square. Lil the hairdresser (Rosheen Markich), Millie the florist (Jacqui Warner), Fred the owner of the cafe (Stuart Fellows) and Charlie the bookie (Richard Milner). There is a "crim" on the loose, helping himself to their takings and this sets up the overall premise of the show.
In a show such as this, the script tends to be a vehicle for the music. Although the story really ties the songs togther, I still found myself interested in the characters and would have liked to have seen a little more.
Rosheen Markich was wonderful in her role of Lil. Her characterisation and comic timing were strong and well received by the audience (“Where’s my fags?”). Jacqui Warner was delightful as the sweet (and little naive) Millie. A very natural performance with gorgeous moments - particularly in the dance with Rosheen, "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" (nearly a show stealer). Rosheen and Jacqui worked well together and the contrast in characters was good to watch. Richard Milner (as Charlie) and Stuart Fellows (as Fred) both did a terrific job. Stuart's stint in embarrassing his daughter, Angela (Ineke Neeson) was a great moment as was Richard's dramatic entrance in Act 2. Well done all!!!
Marloo has gained a strong reputation for its youth theatre program (due to LaVerne Kirton's work in this area) and they really shine in this production. Ashleigh Warner as little-miss attitude Rose just about steals the show. She lights up the stage with her brilliant facial expressions and energy. Ashleigh needs to slow down a little in places so the audience doesn’t miss some of the best lines in the show. However, she has developed a very good accent. Rose's "gang", Pam (played by Hannah Fellows, the youngest cast member with a whole lot of talent) and Pauline (a good performance by Emma Peacock) provide some great moments. Luke Taafe (Tony) and Ineke Neeson (Angela) take on the often-overlooked role as the soppy, lovesick teens. They do a good job with these roles and create a nice on-stage relationship. Luke is very strong vocally and creates some nice comic moments. I think he could make his character a little stronger in places but understand how difficult this can be as the “love–interest”. Ineke’s non-verbal performance is good to watch, however she needs to develop her vocal technique for the stage. Other youth performers who work well in this production include Beth Parkinson and Steven Nicholas.
Another near show stealer is Michael Hayes as the “con-man” Tosh. Fantastic characterisation and a great costume!
My only slight criticism would be in the lack of good posture for many of the women and girls in the show. The cast needs to remember they are in the 1950s not the 2000s and stand / walk appropriately. There were a couple of technical issues but I am sure these will smooth over soon enough.
The ensemble work in this production really comes to the fore with the wonderful musical numbers. The choreography (courtesy of Pam Sistrunk, Alex Lamberto and Lena Wiggerman) is wonderful. It is great to see the Marloo stage being used to its full potential. The colour and energy of these numbers was a joy to watch. The singing was equally strong (musical director Iain Martin) with some great harmonies and solos. Most of the audience would sing and hum along and there were a lot of toes tapping! I still have “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” in my head!!! Congratulations to the bright, energetic and talented chorus. You looked, moved, sang and danced beautifully.
Rock Around the Clock is a wonderful nightÂ’s entertainment. Sure, it wonÂ’t win a Tony but it does not set itself up to be a Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. This is a show for entertainment, fun and a couple of hours away from the real world. If you love rock and roll donÂ’t miss this production.
Congratulations to LaVerne and all the cast and crew. A very enjoyable night out!
Walter PlingeThu, 7 July 2005, 06:48 pm
Before I begin this review I must confess that I have a strong connection to the Marloo. However, after seeing the production last night and after reading unnecessary and immature comments on the "Musicals" forum, I decided to post a review anyway. With this in mind, a review is only an opinion and how many are ever 100% objective? (this is simply a rhetorical question - no need to post a response!! :) )
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK
Darlington Theatre Players, Marloo Theatre
Written and Directed by LaVerne Kirton
Opening Night - Wed 6th July
Anyone who has ever been to a winter season at the Marloo Theatre knows to rug up. This was no exception last night. However, the plummeting temperature did nothing to effect the energy and entertainment of Marloo's latest offering, Rock Around the Clock. The audience seemed to forget about the weather as they were transported back to the 50s for a night of rock and roll.
Rock Around the Clock is a simple, entertaining story that takes place "somewhere" in London in the late 50s / early 60s. It is primarily based around the owners of four local "businesses" in the London town square. Lil the hairdresser (Rosheen Markich), Millie the florist (Jacqui Warner), Fred the owner of the cafe (Stuart Fellows) and Charlie the bookie (Richard Milner). There is a "crim" on the loose, helping himself to their takings and this sets up the overall premise of the show.
In a show such as this, the script tends to be a vehicle for the music. Although the story really ties the songs togther, I still found myself interested in the characters and would have liked to have seen a little more.
Rosheen Markich was wonderful in her role of Lil. Her characterisation and comic timing were strong and well received by the audience (“Where’s my fags?”). Jacqui Warner was delightful as the sweet (and little naive) Millie. A very natural performance with gorgeous moments - particularly in the dance with Rosheen, "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" (nearly a show stealer). Rosheen and Jacqui worked well together and the contrast in characters was good to watch. Richard Milner (as Charlie) and Stuart Fellows (as Fred) both did a terrific job. Stuart's stint in embarrassing his daughter, Angela (Ineke Neeson) was a great moment as was Richard's dramatic entrance in Act 2. Well done all!!!
Marloo has gained a strong reputation for its youth theatre program (due to LaVerne Kirton's work in this area) and they really shine in this production. Ashleigh Warner as little-miss attitude Rose just about steals the show. She lights up the stage with her brilliant facial expressions and energy. Ashleigh needs to slow down a little in places so the audience doesn’t miss some of the best lines in the show. However, she has developed a very good accent. Rose's "gang", Pam (played by Hannah Fellows, the youngest cast member with a whole lot of talent) and Pauline (a good performance by Emma Peacock) provide some great moments. Luke Taafe (Tony) and Ineke Neeson (Angela) take on the often-overlooked role as the soppy, lovesick teens. They do a good job with these roles and create a nice on-stage relationship. Luke is very strong vocally and creates some nice comic moments. I think he could make his character a little stronger in places but understand how difficult this can be as the “love–interest”. Ineke’s non-verbal performance is good to watch, however she needs to develop her vocal technique for the stage. Other youth performers who work well in this production include Beth Parkinson and Steven Nicholas.
Another near show stealer is Michael Hayes as the “con-man” Tosh. Fantastic characterisation and a great costume!
My only slight criticism would be in the lack of good posture for many of the women and girls in the show. The cast needs to remember they are in the 1950s not the 2000s and stand / walk appropriately. There were a couple of technical issues but I am sure these will smooth over soon enough.
The ensemble work in this production really comes to the fore with the wonderful musical numbers. The choreography (courtesy of Pam Sistrunk, Alex Lamberto and Lena Wiggerman) is wonderful. It is great to see the Marloo stage being used to its full potential. The colour and energy of these numbers was a joy to watch. The singing was equally strong (musical director Iain Martin) with some great harmonies and solos. Most of the audience would sing and hum along and there were a lot of toes tapping! I still have “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” in my head!!! Congratulations to the bright, energetic and talented chorus. You looked, moved, sang and danced beautifully.
Rock Around the Clock is a wonderful nightÂ’s entertainment. Sure, it wonÂ’t win a Tony but it does not set itself up to be a Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. This is a show for entertainment, fun and a couple of hours away from the real world. If you love rock and roll donÂ’t miss this production.
Congratulations to LaVerne and all the cast and crew. A very enjoyable night out!
ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK
Darlington Theatre Players, Marloo Theatre
Written and Directed by LaVerne Kirton
Opening Night - Wed 6th July
Anyone who has ever been to a winter season at the Marloo Theatre knows to rug up. This was no exception last night. However, the plummeting temperature did nothing to effect the energy and entertainment of Marloo's latest offering, Rock Around the Clock. The audience seemed to forget about the weather as they were transported back to the 50s for a night of rock and roll.
Rock Around the Clock is a simple, entertaining story that takes place "somewhere" in London in the late 50s / early 60s. It is primarily based around the owners of four local "businesses" in the London town square. Lil the hairdresser (Rosheen Markich), Millie the florist (Jacqui Warner), Fred the owner of the cafe (Stuart Fellows) and Charlie the bookie (Richard Milner). There is a "crim" on the loose, helping himself to their takings and this sets up the overall premise of the show.
In a show such as this, the script tends to be a vehicle for the music. Although the story really ties the songs togther, I still found myself interested in the characters and would have liked to have seen a little more.
Rosheen Markich was wonderful in her role of Lil. Her characterisation and comic timing were strong and well received by the audience (“Where’s my fags?”). Jacqui Warner was delightful as the sweet (and little naive) Millie. A very natural performance with gorgeous moments - particularly in the dance with Rosheen, "The Naughty Lady of Shady Lane" (nearly a show stealer). Rosheen and Jacqui worked well together and the contrast in characters was good to watch. Richard Milner (as Charlie) and Stuart Fellows (as Fred) both did a terrific job. Stuart's stint in embarrassing his daughter, Angela (Ineke Neeson) was a great moment as was Richard's dramatic entrance in Act 2. Well done all!!!
Marloo has gained a strong reputation for its youth theatre program (due to LaVerne Kirton's work in this area) and they really shine in this production. Ashleigh Warner as little-miss attitude Rose just about steals the show. She lights up the stage with her brilliant facial expressions and energy. Ashleigh needs to slow down a little in places so the audience doesn’t miss some of the best lines in the show. However, she has developed a very good accent. Rose's "gang", Pam (played by Hannah Fellows, the youngest cast member with a whole lot of talent) and Pauline (a good performance by Emma Peacock) provide some great moments. Luke Taafe (Tony) and Ineke Neeson (Angela) take on the often-overlooked role as the soppy, lovesick teens. They do a good job with these roles and create a nice on-stage relationship. Luke is very strong vocally and creates some nice comic moments. I think he could make his character a little stronger in places but understand how difficult this can be as the “love–interest”. Ineke’s non-verbal performance is good to watch, however she needs to develop her vocal technique for the stage. Other youth performers who work well in this production include Beth Parkinson and Steven Nicholas.
Another near show stealer is Michael Hayes as the “con-man” Tosh. Fantastic characterisation and a great costume!
My only slight criticism would be in the lack of good posture for many of the women and girls in the show. The cast needs to remember they are in the 1950s not the 2000s and stand / walk appropriately. There were a couple of technical issues but I am sure these will smooth over soon enough.
The ensemble work in this production really comes to the fore with the wonderful musical numbers. The choreography (courtesy of Pam Sistrunk, Alex Lamberto and Lena Wiggerman) is wonderful. It is great to see the Marloo stage being used to its full potential. The colour and energy of these numbers was a joy to watch. The singing was equally strong (musical director Iain Martin) with some great harmonies and solos. Most of the audience would sing and hum along and there were a lot of toes tapping! I still have “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” in my head!!! Congratulations to the bright, energetic and talented chorus. You looked, moved, sang and danced beautifully.
Rock Around the Clock is a wonderful nightÂ’s entertainment. Sure, it wonÂ’t win a Tony but it does not set itself up to be a Sondheim or Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. This is a show for entertainment, fun and a couple of hours away from the real world. If you love rock and roll donÂ’t miss this production.
Congratulations to LaVerne and all the cast and crew. A very enjoyable night out!