This is our review of Calamity Jane at Liverpool‘s Empire Theatre!
Synopsis Of Calamity Jane
Yee Ha! Come along to the Territory of Dakota in the 1870s, and in particular, Deadwood. After a mix-up for the local saloon owner Henry Miller, Jane steps in to appease the locals. So, she promises that the star of the day, Adelaid Adams, will come to Deadwood. Jane thinks she finds Adelaid, but instead she brings along Adelaid’s maid Katie Brown. Jane often finds herself in moments of confusion, hence the name “Calamity”.
Once the locals discover that Adelaid isn’t actually Adelaid, they threaten to riot. That is, until Katie shows off her talents and wins over the audience. All seems well, then, until Katie starts to fall for Danny, a man who Jane fancies. And in the meantime, Wild Bill Hickok has his own eyes on Jane. So, can Jane avoid damaging her friendship with Katie, and can she find romance with the man she really wants?
Analysis Of Calamity Jane
The show originates from the classic 1953 movie, and is a loose retelling of Jane’s actual life story. And it’s a ton of fun from start to finish. Indeed, there’s always a light-hearted feel to proceedings, so it’s never overly serious. In the meantime, Carrie Hope Fletcher is superb as Jane, with fantastic singing, authentic mannerisms, and believable emotions. Jane has her flaws, but everybody in Deadwood loves her for it, and Carrie conveys that to full effect.
Elsewhere, the Deadwood saloon bar is constructed nicely, bringing us right into the heart of 1870s America. There are also interesting messages on feeling comfortable enough in your own skin, as per the commentary on Jane’s attire. There are a lot of amusing one-liners, with Samuel Holmes eliciting a lot of laughs as Frances Fryer. And of course, there are a plethora of classic songs from the movie. These include The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away!), The Black Hills Of Dakota, and Secret Love.
Summary Of Calamity Jane
I was looking forward to this show for a good while, and the production lived up to my expectations. Sometimes, the best theatre shows are the ones where you can just sit back and smile. And Calamity Jane is a great example of a show that keeps up positive vibes all the way through. Make sure you check out this show as it rides through the Empire Theatre. And don’t forget to Whip-Crack-Away!
