Hallelujah, rejoice and praise be to DOS
For some, the signal for the end of summer, the start of
Autumn and, dare I say, the run up to Christmas, comes with changing the
clocks, golden leaves and the first strains of Slade; but for me it
is always the opening night of Darlington Operatic Society's Autumn
show. This year, the uber-talented gang bring their take on the
ecclesiastical smash hit, Sister Act, and oh how the choir sings loud.
The story remains true to the hit film which starred Whoopie
Goldberg as aspiring Vegas club singer Deloris Van Cartier (as in the diamonds)
who is unwillingly forced to take refuge in a convent church after witnessing a
gangland murder by her part time boyfriend and manager Curtis. The
underlying plot could be straight from a Disney movie, outsider refuses to bend
to the ways of the establishment, finds she has some redeeming qualities
to share and ultimately both sides learn more about tolerance and acceptance
while the bad guys get their just desserts.
Having been to see the original show on tour, fresh from
the West End, I was a little concerned - the production we had sat through at
Sunderland Empire felt rushed and contrived to simply give the leads every
chance to " belt out a few" to the detriment of the story or
supporting cast. I wasn't sure if I had seen a poor show or just a
poorly directed one but I had no reason at all to be fearful. Under the expert
directorship of Joanne Hand, this version is wonderfully paced, gives the
audience ample time to recognise the multiple strands of story and yet still finds
every opportunity to showcase what must be the best amateur cast in the
country. No stranger to tackling challenging shows (Jo brought the award
winning Strictly Musicals to the stage this time last year) Ms Hand once again
proves that she has the vision, the skills and the confidence in her performers
to aim for the very top and then go one better.
Playing Deloris, which is a truly demanding role both
physically and emotionally, is to be shared by Claire Wilmer (who took
the opening night) and Rhiannon Walker; the girls will alternate so I hope to
go to another show later in the run and report back on Rhiannon's
performance. On speaking to Joanne Hand after last nights opener, she
confirmed that it is difficult to tell the two apart; both have an amazing
vocal range, both bring their own style of sexy and sassy, and both made
the decision to cast only one impossible, hence the shared role.
Of course, the show is not just about Deloris and
where would DOS be without a stellar supporting cast, each of whom would
undoubtedly enhance any production company in the UK. Perennial favourite
Sam Morrison as Mother Superior brings a degree of calm contemplation in her
struggles with God's choice to allow Deloris sanctuary. As always, every
note, every phrase and every emotion is right on the nail. Beth Stobbart,
Darlington's very own Good Witch, plays Sister Mary Robert, the innocent and
wide eyed novice who sees in Deloris excitement, danger and opportunity - it is
amazing to think that Beth is still very young (won't give away her actual age)
and yet has played a huge part in the DOS family for many years.
The rest of the Sister-hood are all given their parts to play
too, cameo characters without whom the show would simply become a soapbox for
the lead and who ensure that there is an underlying comedic quality which
brought many belly laughs from the audience. I particularly liked
Sisters Mary Patrick (played by little Miss Dynamite Lisa
Forster), Mary Lazarus (new girl Lynne Kerr) and Mary Martin of Tours (the
irrepressible Megan Robson) but as with all choirs, it's the sum of its parts
which provides the true force.
It's not just the girls who shine and have fun in this show,
DOS boys do us proud yet again with some stand out performances from the North
East's leading men. Julian Cound, as gang boss Curtis, calls on all
his acting ability to be menacing and threatening (not easy when you're such a
genuinely nice guy in real life), Michael Hirst, star of previous shows as
Danny Zucco in Grease and a lobster in Strictly, plays love-struck cop 'Sweaty'
Eddie while Curtis's 3 stooges, Joey, TJ and Pablo, ensure that there is always
some slapstick comedy sitting just under the surface. To be fair, Ben
Connor, Andrew Hamilton and Leighton Taylor are much more than just 3 patsies
for Julian to play against, they are all brilliant singers, great actors and
have such confidence on stage that they could easily form a breakaway show of
their own.
The soundtrack for the stage show doesn't have the well known
songs of the original movie, these songs have been specifically written but
what that means is there is more of a consistent feel and theme throughout all
the numbers; the band, led as always by impresario Michael Trotter, get right
into the 70's groove with great funk, soul and disco acting as a juxtaposition
to the nuns choral harmonies. The stage, set & costumes too belie any
suggestion that this is an amateur production and just goes to show that DOS
is, from top to bottom, front to back, professional in all but name.
That's why, when some major tours are struggling to put bums on seats, DOS can
pack 'em in and then get 'em on their feet dancing and singing.
I could go on naming more and more of the cast and bestowing
due praise on them all but rather than take my word for it, why not get some
tickets and go and see what is undoubtedly the 'Must See' show of 2014.
