Heart Strings Theatre Co.
in association with Hayes Theatre
21 Jan, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed this production! I’ve seen the musical many times and had high expectations, and despite what I presume are budgetary constraints, I thought the cast did a superb job.
The musical hinges in large part on its leads, Bobby Strong (Joel Horewood) and Hope Cladwell (Petronella Van Tienen). These are highly stylised characters with challenging vocal moments. Norwood and Van Tienen executed these roles flawlessly. They had a beautiful chemistry, and excellent comedic timing, nailing every beat with charm.
I had heard that the production had gender swapped Officer Lockstock, a typically brassy bass type role.
Here, Lockstock was played by veteran Karen Vickery, and by her second scene I was absolutely sold. There were tricky moments where some of Lockstock’s notes were perhaps on the cusp of her impressive range, but it’s absolutely forgivable, given her commitment to the role and delivery of some of the shows best puns.
Truly, the entire ensemble was dynamic and enthusiastic! Miss Pennywise (Deanna Farnell) was a clear standout (Ms. Farnell understood the assignment).
Little Sally had excellent moments oscillating from adorable to vengeful, and executed doll-ography to the audience’s constant delight.
Joe Dinn and Tom Kelly who most obviously swapped between ensemble and major roles were hilarious (particularly Dinn, whose Ma Strong I never knew I needed until now).
The remainder of the ensemble chewed the scenery in the best possible sense (this is a musical that practically demands it), and brought a fantastic energy to the musical numbers. Broadway energy in a much smaller space (and for a cheaper ticket as well).
Musically the show sounds fantastic – given varied styles and some complex vocal parts, this isn’t an easy feat. Hats off to the band!
Where the show could have been better was in some of the directorial choices. There was a bit too much ‘fat’: moments that were funny, sure, but stopped the momentum of the show unnecessarily. And repetition of certain gags – it doesn’t enhance the show.
The talented ensemble were brilliant at chewing scenery, but perhaps needed a little bit of editing – not every scene needed feral and chaotic energy.
I didn’t quite think the costuming did the job – while I imagine there was a limited budget, an odd wig or two would not have gone amiss. There were some characters that weren’t differentiated enough. And I’d like to have seen Cladwell a bit more white collar; I was getting cruise ship concierge.
I’d also say as someone who’s seen the musical, there were some gags that were missing that disappointed me. Costuming (Lil Becky is typically as heavily pregnant), props and choreography (I missed the bunny hop in “Don’t Be the Bunny”).
I’m not sure why some of these changes were made, and it made me a little sad, as I know these are moments that I enjoyed when I’ve previously seen the show.
I’m being picky, because it is one of my favourite shows. This is a fantastic production, which doesn’t do itself any favours with some of the recurring gags (no one needs to say “whaaaaa?”. Ever.).
These interrupt and take you out of what is otherwise a really fun and gorgeous sounding production!
I’d encourage you to see Urinetown (the musical, not the place). Besides being entertaining with a catchy score, it underpins a dialogue we need to be having about sustainability, and progressive vs conservative ideals. Congrats to the fab cast, crew and musicians ❤️