Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
|
Date |
9th March 2024 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Torch Theatre Milford Haven |
|
Director |
Sarah Hirst |
|
Musical Director |
Mark Jones |
Reviewed by: Dr. Catherine Jones and Ms. Karen Davies
The Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society blew winter away with a joyful and vibrant production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Each night has had a standing ovation and it is easy to see why.
The production quality was extremely high, particularly the use of the theatre space, with very effective visuals to transport us around the story, wonderful costumes (with particular thanks to Fairfield House, St David’s) and great props.
The Narrators (Karen Barker and Rhiannon Thomas) drew us into the story of Joseph and his brothers and with their excellent voices and stage presence took us on a musical journey that played to the strengths of this very talented company. The company was joined by children from Milford Haven School, the Jen Biddle Children’s Theatre Company and Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, and the audience saw the production through their eyes as they engaged with the story and sang beautifully – future members of the operatic society we hope.
This is a show for audiences of all ages and had a cast of all ages. It was brilliantly inclusive. The show has a range of musical styles and moods and the company embraced them all, from Joseph’s (Dan Bower and Ross Austin) despair at being alone in ‘Close Every Door’, surrounded by the children with candles, to the exuberant glitter ball-centered Go Go Go Joseph which ended the first half and had the audience wanting more.
The momentum was kept up in the second half when Elvis was in the building and the gold-clad Pharaoh (Nathan Davies) wowed both the audience and the cast with his rock and roll rock star manner.
Joseph’s brothers were fantastic throughout the show. They were comic, engaging and demonstrated an ability to do a range of musical styles from Country to Calyspo to a French café serenade. It’s hard to believe that, for some of them, this was their first show.
The Director, Sarah Hirst, should be very proud of what she has achieved with her excellent cast and superb production quality. It was imaginative, enchanting, and just brilliant fun.
The Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society is about to enter its 75th year and this production demonstrated the importance of the arts for both audience and participants.
It was a wonderful and joyous production showcasing the talent that they have. Long may it continue.
Go, Go, Go Milford Operatic Society!
Jekyll and Hyde
|
Date |
11th March 2023 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Milford Haven |
|
Director |
Geraint Sayers |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harries B.E.M |
|
Accompanist |
Mark Jones |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Matthew Heaton (NODA South-west Regional Editor) for NODA Wales & Ireland District 5
It is always a pleasure to see Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society perform and this one was particularly special as it was the very last time that long-serving Musical Director Marian Harris B.E.M would be in-charge of proceedings from the pit. It was also their first production since 2019 after an extended COVID break.
Suffice to say, the music throughout this production was incredible and a real highlight of the performance. The three main leads all sang with great power and control. The excellent orchestra were well-balanced and never over-powered the soloists or the chorus, who provided great vocal support in the big group numbers of ‘Façade’ and ‘Murder, Murder’.
The set was minimalist and deliberately imposing, with a very high back platform. This gave some tremendous height, though the stairs design did mean I feared a little for the safety of the cast when on them at times! The staging integrated really well with the lighting design, which was fitted through and under it. It generated some excellent horror effects and colours to greatly enhance the dark story and the grimness of Victorian London. There was some very sophisticated projection used and it looked effective on the draped curtain at the back. At times some of it did distract from the acting, which is perhaps something to bear in mind for the future. Set movements were generally well managed by the crew. Overall, the ambitious set worked well and enhanced the production. The gauze at the start with your Jekyll and Hyde ‘eyes’ use for the publicity material was a nice touch.
Sound was well-cued and managed and could be heard for the principal parts, though did not extend to some of the smaller parts. Sound effects used were excellent in quality and timing.
The costumes were excellent and a real feature of the production. They were of the late 19th Century London period required and were suitable for each cast member. Properties where used were very good – perhaps a little more equipment would have enhanced Henry Jekyll’s lab further?
In reviewing the principal performances:
Henry Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Grant Thomas). This was a great performance from Grant in the title role/s. Grant had a terrific singing voice, making the very most of his numbers, including the iconic ‘This is the Moment’. Really good characterisation as Hyde too made the swapping in “Confrontation “ really impressive.
Emma Carew (Eleri Edwards). Eleri characterised this role really well, combining the sweet but confident and determined character of Emma. A terrific singing voice too – “In His Eyes” (the duet with Lucy) was a real show highlight. Very well done.
Lucy Harris (Rhiannon Stephens). Completing the set of very strong leads, Rhiannon had the sass and vulnerability of Lucy nailed on. Vocally out-standing too – “A New Life” a particular favourite.
John Utterson (Wes Davies) Wes really made the very best of this part as Jekyll’s friend and had some great takes on the role that I’ve not seen done before. Well done.
Sir Danvers Carew (Steve Butler). Steve too made the most of the part of Emma’s father and Jekyll’s supporter, acting and singing well.
Lady Beaconsfield (Karen Barker), Sir Simon Stride (Gary Crane), General Glossop (Will Oliver), Bishop of Basingstoke (Nathan Davies), Lord Savage (Shane Morgan), Sir Archibald Proops (Eurian Davies). All six of you took the pomposity, arrogance and hypocrisy of these roles as Victorian London’s elite and belittlers of Dr Jekyll. You acted, sang and even died well at the hands of Edward Hyde. Well done!
The supporting cast worked really hard in both singing and performing to support the story-telling. Though not a show needing high levels of choreography, movement used was relatively simple and generally well executed, though there was probably room for more variation of ideas at times.
In summary, this was a great evening’s entertainment from MHAOS. All cast and crew are to be congratulated. It was great to see the society back on-stage after four years and with a most fitting production to end on for Musical Director Marian Harris B.E.M.
My Fair Lady
|
Date |
8th March 2019 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Milford Haven |
|
Director |
Terri Harrison |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harries |
|
Choreographer |
Julie Condon |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Allison Butler
My Fair Lady is not a musical you see performed too often these days, with many Societies opting for modern shows. However, Lerner and Loewe’s stage adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is in my opinion, a classic which deserves its place alongside more contemporary pieces of musical theatre. The audience at MHAOS’s production certainly seemed to agree, judging by their audible delight as each of the instantly recognisable songs began in the safe hands of Musical Director Marian Harries and orchestra.
Director Terri Harrison did a fine job with the large cast. The enthusiastic chorus were extremely confident and well-rehearsed with lovely choreography from Julie Condon. Costumes from Claire Conroy and Sue Thomas were spot on and the ball scene was stunning. Lighting and sound worked well and the stage crew worked very hard with so many scene changes to and from the Library set. There were a couple of sightline issues where cast could be seen getting into position for entrances from the upper level of the set and the door to 27a Wimpole Street, but on the whole the set worked well and there were some lovely touches that brought Professor Higgins’ home to life.
Naomi Hicks gave a first-class performance as Eliza Doolittle. Always a treat to watch on stage, Naomi dealt with the transition between cocky cockney flower seller to lady with ease. Her comic timing was spot on and voice pitch perfect. Charles Owen took on the daunting role of Professor Henry Higgins and did a fine job too, taking the character’s wordy songs in his stride, with some very subtle but effective touches in his performance. Another great character from Steve Butler as Colonel Pickering. As always, Steve’s timing, facial expressions and confidence on stage drew the eye. A fabulous performance from Ian John as Eliza’s father, Alfred P. Doolittle, ably supported by Rhys Morris and Shaun Pollard as Jamie and Harry. Great movement and vocals and a joy to watch. As was Aled Davies as Freddy Eynsford – Hill, whose voice never disappoints. All the other named characters were well cast worked very well. I especially enjoyed Karen Barker’s Mrs Higgins.
MHAOS seemed to thrive under Terri Harrison’s direction. Everyone’s hard work produced a very enjoyable show, so bravo all!
Annie Get Your Gun
|
Date |
10th March 2018 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Milford Haven |
|
Director |
Julie Condon |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Allison Butler
MHAOS did a fine job in bringing to life the story of sharpshooter Annie Oakley in their production of Annie Get Your Gun. A love story set in a touring Wild West show, this show is choc full of some of Irving Berlin’s most well-known songs, such as There’s No Business Like Show Business and Anything You Can Do.
Karen Barker played a good Annie, especially in the more tender moments with Frank. Barely off the stage, Karen did a fine job at keeping the energy up throughout. Daniel Bower played Frank with confidence and charisma. Karen and Daniel were obviously at ease with each other on stage. I especially enjoyed the ballroom scene when Annie, even after being reunited with her love, couldn’t contain her competitiveness as she removed her coat to reveal her collection of medals, much bigger than Franks! Both impressive as always, were Terri Harrison and Steve Butler as Dolly Tate and Charlie Davenport, great supporting characters. Well done also to Nathan Davies who gave a committed performance as Buffalo Bill and Shaun Pollard as Sitting Bull. I was impressed with Aled Davies, who showed versatility playing both Foster Wilson and Pawnee Bill with aplomb. Lovely supporting roles for James Marjoram and Kate Smith as Winnie Tate and her suitor Tommy, who’s voices worked very well together. And a big bravo to Hanna Lord, Lucy Lewis and Ethan John for lovely performances as Annie’s younger siblings Jessie, Nellie and Little Jake; definitely brought the ahh factor!
An enthusiastic chorus with simple, but effective choreography from Director Julie Condon helped bring the feeling of the hustle and bustle of a touring company. The costumes were well sourced, very bright and colourful. This show can be a challenge to stage, with gunfire and tricks galore, but they were dealt with well by Geraint Sayers, Andrew Sturley and team. Set changes were well choreographed, mostly within scenes and the minimalist set was effective, especially with the additional use of projections. Sound worked well, not an easy task with so many gunfire sound effects! The large orchestra was led by Musical Director Marion Harris BEM.
After a challenging start due to the inclement weather conditions, MHAOS pulled together a colourful, energetic, feel-good show with some lovely characterisations. Bravo!
Oliver!
|
Date |
6th March 2017 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Director |
Jenny White |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harris |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Jordan Hill
This was a very good production by Milford Haven and something very different to last year’s PAJAMA GAME!
Finlay Ryder was a very charming Oliver and sang wonderfully, he was supported by Ieuan Roberts who played the Artful Dodger along with a strong band of Orpahns and pickpockets. It was encouraging to male and female in multi gender roles promoting equality which is vital in today’s theatre. The adult principles were extremely strong Ed Smith played Mr Bumble played a convincing role with great conviction. Karen Baker and Nathan Davies who played Mr and Mrs Sowerby brought great characters to life with their confidence and working well together on stage. Steve Butler played a very convincing Fagin and sang his famous song with great aplomb. They were supported by Rhiannon Stephens as Nancy, she has a beautiful voice and Daniel Bower was a very good Bill Sykes. A special mention must go to Terri Harrison as Widow Corney a Police Sergeant by day and an outstanding actress by night! Terri has been nominated as Best Performer in District 6 in 2016. She has a beautiful voice and always shows firm confidence when performing.
There was a strong chorus and the “Oompah” number raised the theatres roof. A wonderful set and nice lighting plots all added to the experience form the audience’s perspective. The band played well accompanying the company on stage.
This was a good production and you should all be proud of the outcome. You have been faced with various issues and have excelled in recruiting the young people and putting this show together.
The Pajama Game
|
Date |
12th March 2016 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Torch Theatre |
|
Director |
Julie Condon |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harris |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Jordan Hill
This is the first time for me to review a society perfoming The Pajama Game and it is interesting as I will see this show again next month in District 5. The musical based on the novel ‘7½ Cents’ by Richard Bissell and opened in 1954 on Broadway. The subject, labour difficulties, was of course a hot topic at the time.
The opening number “Racing with Clock” really set the ambiance in the theatre and it was a great opening to the show. It introduced Hines well played by Luke Broughton who set the tone for the union problems and the high profile grievance committee led by an outstanding performance both vocally and dramatically from the leading lady Terri Harrison playing Babe Williams. Plant Superintendent Sid Sorokin (Charles Owen) and Babe soon fall for each other and this came over well in their respective roles. Charles tackled each song head on and he truly enjoyed being on stage performing.
Bringing their individual talents to the show were Nicholas Allen as Prez, Steve Butler as Hasler, Karen Barker as Gladys, Hilary Robinson as Mabel, Joy Church as Mae, Naomi Harrison as Brenda, Jeff McCarthy as Pop, Glesni Edwards as Poopsie, James Marjoram as Charlie, Shaun Pollard as First Helper, Shane Morgan as Joe and Arron Evans as The Salesman. The above cast worked well together bringing characterisation and true enjoyment to the stage
The principle cast was well supported by the “Factory Workers” and Dancers and the backstage crew without whom no show would ever reach the stage. It was nice to see the cast members supporting the backstage crew with moving set on stage.
Each and every one of the cast were an individual on stage with their own characterisations and personalities which came across so well, bringing the musical to life.
Every member wanted to be on stage performing and this showed in their performance, it was very apparent that everyone was enjoying being on stage.
Da Iawn Milford Haven AOS.
Anything Goes
|
Date |
13th March 2015 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Torch Theatre |
|
Type of Production |
Musical |
|
Director |
Julie Condon |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harris |
|
Choreographer |
Julie Condon |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Brian Slate
The good ship SS America berthed at Milford Marina in March and staged an entertaining and colourful revival of Anything Goes at the town`s Torch Theatre. Director Julie Condon achieved a production with plenty of life and movement in the production numbers, performed by a well drilled company singing their best and with obvious pleasure. Aled Davies was a very good song and dance man in his role as Billy Crocker, the stowaway in pursuit of his love., Hope Harcourt, attractively played and sung by Zara Colley. Their numbers together were a delight. Hope, however, already has a fiance, a blue blood woosterish Lord Evel;yn Oakley, well played by Alex Dukes. Evangelist nightclub singer, Reno Sweeny, was a noteable performance by Naomi Harrison, who had a glamorous presence, a nice style in comedy and the right voice to handle the romantic and fun numbers and lead the company in the big *" Blow Gabriel Blow" and "Anything Goes" numbers. Funny man, hard working Luke Broughton aquitted himself well as Moonface Martin- criminally ambitious Public Enemy number 13, and Terri Harrison deliciously played Erma, the gangsters moll with a penchant for sailors.Karen Barker elegantly fluttered as Evangeline, mother and chaperone of Hope, and Steve Butler had a good character as wealthy businessman, Elisha Whitney. Supporting roles and cameos were well covered as Laura Rogers, Emily Arnold, Leila Thomas and Glesni Edwards as Reno`s "fallen" angels. Jeff McCarthy the Captain and James Marjoram as the ever busy Purser. Musical Director Marian Harris had assembled a fulsome sounding band to bring out the best in Cole Porter and the company.. The production was attractively costumed and the staging worked well and efficiently.
This turned out to be a happy and enjoyable voyage. Thanks for the invite and also for the hospitality.
All 4 One
|
Date |
7th March 2014 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Torch Theatre |
|
Type of Production |
Musical |
|
Director |
Janet Smith |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harris |
|
Choreographer |
Julie Condon |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Brian Slate
As far as I know this is only the second time that this musical has been performed in the principality. Well done for taking the bold steps to bring a lesser known production to the Torch stage.
The classic story of the three musketeers and D`artagnan and to play these famous characters we had the talents of Aaron Price Lewis as D`artagnan, Shane Morgan as Athos, Edward Smith as Porthos, and Charles Owen taking on the the dual role as Aramis/ Bishop of Vannes. All these characters were exceptionally well played supported by a very skilful portrayal of Baisemeaux by Chris Prosser. The demanding dual role of Phillipe/ King LouisX1V was entrusted to the talented and versatile Daniel Bower. Jeff McCarthy gave a strong Monsieur De Treville. Every one played their roles honestly and kept within the narrative. The ladies also excelled, Bethan Davies as Mlle Bonacieux/Mdme D`artagnan,Karen Baker, (Queen Anne,) Lisa Lloyd,( Mdme Coquenard )and Joy Church as the Landlady.
Although the title song was a little repetitive, musically it was excellent and given the very best by MD Marian Harris and her orchestra
Outstanding stage lighting and subtle but very correct costumes supplied by Flame Torbay Ltd.
Congratulations to the Producer Janet Smith , the Choreographer Julie Condon and all the other members of the production and back stage teams in bringing this little known show to fruition.
Thank you all it was a very good night`s entertainment.
Oklahoma
|
Date |
23rd March 2013 |
|
Society |
Milford Haven Amateur Operatic Society |
|
Venue |
Torch Theatre |
|
Type of Production |
Musical |
|
Director |
Sue Williams |
|
Musical Director |
Marian Harris |
|
Choreographer |
Julie Condon |
Report: NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association)
Author: Brian Slate
The happiest and most attractive of revivals at the Torch Theatre in an expert and stylish production of this well known show. This had all the zip, fun and pace of a hoe down. From the opening notes of “oh what a beautiful morning”, Ian Sherwood set many a female heart a flutter as the good-looking romantic cowboy Curly, with an easy style, warm charm and a rich full voice to blend in beautiful duets with his hard to get Laurey, a delightful well sung performance by Terri Harrison. The gullible innocent Will Parker was a well timed comedy performance by Leighton Hicks, extolling the virtues of Kansas City and bungling in his pursuit of his cookie “can’t say no” Ado Annie, in a sparkling performance by Bethan Davies. Letching pedlar men do not come any much funnier than Shaun Pollard as the iterant Ali Hakim in his hilarious wooing of Ado Annie and his eventual comeuppance with the laugh to chill of Gertie, nicely played by Lisa Lloyd. Daniel Bower brought out the dark side in a strong performance as the sinister and unbalanced farm hand Jud Fry. Homely warmth and authority by Meryl Sage as the kindly Aunt Eller, and a rich cameo by Gary Crane as the gun toting Andrew Carnes. Good playing by the rest of the supporting roles gave all round strength to this well directed fast moving production, played by a company just bursting with drive and energy. Marian Harris fronted an orchestra (as smooth as silk) and brought a lively tempo and freshness to the rich tuneful score. Innovative choreography by Julie Condon was particularly well defined.
The set, made in house, looked good and was expertly handled by the stage crew. Colourful costumes added to the richness of the production. Congratulations to the director Sue Williams for bringing this colourful first class production to fruition. Congratulations to all cast members. Well done.
