Wiltshire Times FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 1989 Spirited musical’s warm reception GUYS AND DOLLS, CAST aside all preconceived thoughts inspired by the 1955 film and enjoy an honest local production worthy of a larger stage. It could not wish for a larger audience, for the Civic Hall was packed despite the counter-attraction of a balmy summer night. Right form the start leader Michael Oliver swung his proficient musicians into a piece which must have called for above-average skills and adaptability in the area of cueing when it came to vocals. Of the vocals it must be said that clarity was at times sacrificed to volume. The size of the hall, with few seats left unoccupied, did not allow the resonance afforded by bathroom walls and thus greater effort was needed on the part of the singers. The state of their larynxes at the end of the run could give cause for concern. On the whole the combined voices of the mail singers were very robust and very well rehearsed, as were their groupings and choreography. Not that there was much male dancing as such, except in the Havana scenes, but the various groups had to be co-ordinated from time to time and that must have taken a great deal of arrangement and rehearsal. The necessity for volume at the cost of clarity must take the blame for a certain raucous quality not usually associated with women’s voices. Allison Lomax as Sarah had to shoulder quite a lot of the action and the metallic timbre of her voice in the upper register betrayed the fact. The welcome absence of microphones should not be to the detriment of vocal chords. The appreciative audience applauded each vocal number enthusiastically which may explain why the finale did not come until an hour after the time similar performances end. What could not have been foreseen at dress rehearsal was a recalcitrant backcloth, whose obstinate refusal to be drawn when occasion demanded must have caused some concern to the busy scene-shifters. These gentlemen did yeoman work in almost total darkness (in all there were seventeen scenes). Had they all worn dark clothing their work would have been all the more professional. Keith Lawley’s control of his orchestra was firm but not quite enough to modify the exuberance of the timpani and their strident accomplices in the brass section. By contrast one had to listen hard for the strings. Judging by its vociferous applause, however, the sweltering audience was well pleased with the offering. But while declaring an interest on the ticket, the Trowbridge Amateur Operatic Society itself seemed to prefer anonymity in the programme, where its name did not appear once. Concerts by the Trowbridge Orchestra are mooted for November and March next, and if they are as well received as tonight’s offering success is assured. Quality and hard work will have been rewarded. FEB |