Calamity Jane at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre review: High-quality comfort entertainment
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
★★★☆☆
The Deadwood Stage has trundled into town, bringing with it a coachful of feelgood nostalgia, driven by Calamity Jane (Carrie Hope Fletcher), the most fearless female in the whole of Dakota. Based on the classic film from 1953 starring Doris Day, which took its inspiration from the life of a real Wild West sharpshooter, the theatrical version offers a musical repertoire enriched by Sammy Fain and Paul Francis Webster.
But, as catchy as toe-tapping, thigh-slapping tunes such as Men and Careless with the Truth are, they can't compete with the original songlist, in which The Black Hills of Dakota and Secret Love encapsulate the romantic essence of Calamity's tale, which is a love story, of course, but, perhaps more importantly, offers an idealised version of the past, where a community will support even the oddest misfits, as they disrupt both established gender roles and the town's general harmony.
With several plush proscenium frames, director Nikolai Foster embraces the metatheatricality of the storyline, most of which unfolds in the Golden Garter saloon, where cowboys and hustlers gather nightly, hoping to see their favourite actress.
Despite Calamity's well-intentioned meddling, they get Francis Fryer (Samuel Holmes) and Katie Brown (Seren Sandham-Davies) instead. The performed femininity of both actors becomes a challenge and an inspiration to Calamity, who tries her best to don a dress and act the lady.
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She has her eyes on the handsome Lieutenant Danny (Luke Wilson), but she just can't stop shooting her mouth (or her gun) off. As it transpires, Calamity is actually in love with the 'frilled-up, flirtin', man-rustlin' petticoat' Wild Bill Hickok (Vinny Coyle), who thankfully realises he loves her too. A rushed triple wedding in the final scene ensures the most ridiculous of happily-ever-afters.
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Pea Dinneen: 'Raising Her Voice was born out of frustration at seeing myself reflected nowhere in the Irish theatrical canon'
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Should you have any questions about the problematic gender politics that permeate the old-fashioned romance plot, just leave them at the door. Instead, indulge the singalong pleasures of the old familiar songs like the rest of the packed audience: a phenomenon that is not just expected by the cast but encouraged, too. Clap along with the hip-swinging hoedowns choreographed by Nick Winston. Chuckle at the way Foster uses the talented onstage musicians to stage the wagon journeys in and out of Deadwood.
This is high-quality comfort entertainment, and let none of you toothless old buffaloes say otherwise.
Calamity Jane is at the
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
, Dublin, until Saturday, August 23rd
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