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| Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society |
(Reviewed for the Basingstoke Gazette)
BASINGSTOKE Amateur Operatic Society transported us to 1920s New York in their production of Thoroughly Modern Millie in The Haymarket.
Its gorgeous
costumes swung along to the sparkling choreography from Helen Buick,
and Simon Eastwood's musical direction was masterful. The band were
sensational and immersed us in Jeanine Tesori's score.
The
choreography in BAOS' production had real
panache and fitted smartly within the innovative staging and set design. There
are many occasions where the set was used to real comic effect allowing for
lovely moments of storytelling, particularly as we watched Tom McReavy's sweet
portrayal of the plucky Jimmy Smith crawl along a windowsill to tap on Millie's
office window.
Special
mention must go to Dawn Stephens as Millie. Her approach to the character was
charming, loveable and evoked a real will for her to succeed, right from the
beginning.
After
hearing her sing and watching her dance, it was no surprise at all to learn
that she had played the role before, such was her affability, and her ability
to communicate Millie's zest and zeal.
The show was
layered with lovely solo numbers and of particular note was Siobhan Branch's
velvety performance of Muzzy Van Hossmere's Only in New York, easing us
effortlessly into the 1920s nightlife.
Throughout
the show, the harmonies in the duets were crisp, and Hayley Cheesworth’s (as
Miss Dorothy Brown, Millie's best friend) voice resounded like a nightingale.
For such a
lively, colourful show, the cast did well to maintain the pace and energy, with
only occasional dips in conviction.
Scenes moved
seamlessly from one to another, and the production ended on a high.
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