Here is the NODA review of 2013 COS production of Sweet Charity
By Ann Platten, NODA East Regional Representative. District 11.
COLCHESTER OPERATIC SOCIETY
SWEET CHARITY
Director Caroline Fritz
Musical Director Neil Summerville
Performed at the Mercury Theatre 31st January 2013
SUPERB! A stunning first class show that just exceeded all expectations in every aspect, from singing, acting, dancing, costumes, great chorus numbers, one could go on with credits for there were so many for Colchester Operatic in this show.
Heading up the cast in a very demanding part of Charity Hope Valentine was Leanne Fincham who gave an outstanding performance in voice dance and with a great feel for the comedy in the part. Leanne’s timing was perfect. To retain this level for around ten performances was a great credit both to Leanne and all the cast who gave their all.
David Rutter as Oscar Lindquist gave an excellent character as Charity’s rather shy boy friend with such an amusing sequence with Charity in the elevator. Great timing also from David, and a total understanding of his character.
Emma Ward as Helene and Jo Daniels as Nickie worked well together and “Baby Dream Your Dreams” so well sung and first class performances throughout the show.
Olly Medlicot as Vittorio Vidal was suave and sophisticated with a very good singing voice and super stage presence.A real smoothie! Ursula his girlfriend played by Joanne Davis looked elegant and very glamorous.
Herman the Proprietor of the Fan-Dango Ballroom shone in “I Love to Cry at Weddings”.I have no idea where his voice range reached towards the end of the number but it was terrific almost past top Soprano range and constant. How Jonathon maintained that pitch is staggering.
Rhythm of Life with Daddy Brubeck played by Richard Bland and a great assortment of very colorful people was a super number and great fun.
The dancers were in top form .I loved” Rich Man’s Frug” in Bob Fosse style which was expertly choreographed.
There were many little touches here and there in the production that gave cameo roles to several of the cast, all made the most of various characters and added a great deal to the performance.
Musically Directed by Neil Summerville with a terrific sounding band driving all the musical numbers in the show with great pace and keeping all the many scene changes covered. Balance of voices and band was very good.
The stage crew had plenty to do with scene changes eight scenes in Act 1 and eleven in Act 2 and did an efficient job.
A great evening with some very exciting shows coming up from both COS and CO2 this season.
Thank you for your hospitality, and once again many Congratulations on the show.
