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Crazy For You - and reasons to try amateur productions
If it hadn’t been for my next door neighbour being a member, I probably would never have heard of the amateur production of Crazy For You (an undiscovered musical by George Gershwin). It was produced by the Coleshill Operatic Society (in their centenary year) and shown at the Solihull Arts Complex. This was a cosy little venue with uncomfortable seats, but I found being so close to the stage was a great thing. There were several songs that are very well known, including “Slap that bass” and “Embraceable You”. The story was nice enough – about a young man who wants to sing and dance but is being henpecked by his mother to take an interest in the banking industry. He travels to foreclose on an old theatre in the wild west, but instead falls in love with the owner’s daughter and helps the town’s inhabitants put on a show to raise the mortgage money. To do this however he has to pose as a famous show producer. Then, of course, the real producer shows up…
The real reason I decided to write this was not so much to review the show (though it was very good), but rather to let people who’s never attended an amateur production know that they’re really missing out on something. The amazing thing about this sort of production is that while they’re often more professional than you would expect (especially if you’ve never been to one before), the bits that aren’t quite so professional don’t detract from the experience – in fact, they add to it considerably. The occasional flat note, the struggle to recall the right lines (just happened once in this particular production), the chorus line girls who’re not the age, size or shape you would expect to see in a professional show… they’re all great.
You remember, while sitting there enjoying the show, that you’re not watching some famous thespians who enjoy a wealthy lifestyle or people detached from the real world – these are people who’re doing because of a love of performing, people who will go back to their day jobs the next day as Butchers, Salesmen, Shop Assistants, Cleaners or whatever. The occasional mistakes reinforce this (as does the occasional curtain falling in the wrong place!). The ingenuity of sets obviously created on a shoestring budget are marvellous to see. Oh, and seeing your next door neighbour dancing as if she were a pro is something I’ve never experienced before either! Also it’s nice that many of these amateur dramatics societies donate any profits to charity, as the Coleshill operatic Society do. My neighbour told me that they need to sell 95% of the tickets just to break even though – it’s obviously not easy money whichever way you look at it! I’m pleased to say that the packed full house at Solihull generated a tremendous atmosphere and I think they certainly got over 95% of the seats filled that night at least.
Wherever you live, it’s likely that there are amateur productions in your area or at least relatively close. Going to these shows now only helps these organisations but you’ll have a great time as well – the things that go right are enjoyable, and sometimes the things that go wrong are even more so! So if you see an amateur production but have never been to one before… do yourself a favour and go. Even if you end up not enjoying it, at least you can blame me!
Of course, another thing about these amateur dramatic societies is that you can join in yourself if you want - even if you haven't got the nerve to perform, there is behind the scenes work that can be done. I have thought about it but am really not too sure I have the time to commit (or the nerve to perform!).
I had wanted to put the full cast list up, but we've managed to lose our programme from the show. So I just want to give a shout-out to my neighbour, Krystina Murtagh. This doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to join the COS but I'll certainly be at your next show!!
Coleshill Operatic Society Website: http://www.coleshillos.org/
Related Links - Concert reviews:
Umoja: The Spirit of Togetherness
Ladysmith Black Mombazo
Bryan Adams
Simply Red
Level 42
The real reason I decided to write this was not so much to review the show (though it was very good), but rather to let people who’s never attended an amateur production know that they’re really missing out on something. The amazing thing about this sort of production is that while they’re often more professional than you would expect (especially if you’ve never been to one before), the bits that aren’t quite so professional don’t detract from the experience – in fact, they add to it considerably. The occasional flat note, the struggle to recall the right lines (just happened once in this particular production), the chorus line girls who’re not the age, size or shape you would expect to see in a professional show… they’re all great.
You remember, while sitting there enjoying the show, that you’re not watching some famous thespians who enjoy a wealthy lifestyle or people detached from the real world – these are people who’re doing because of a love of performing, people who will go back to their day jobs the next day as Butchers, Salesmen, Shop Assistants, Cleaners or whatever. The occasional mistakes reinforce this (as does the occasional curtain falling in the wrong place!). The ingenuity of sets obviously created on a shoestring budget are marvellous to see. Oh, and seeing your next door neighbour dancing as if she were a pro is something I’ve never experienced before either! Also it’s nice that many of these amateur dramatics societies donate any profits to charity, as the Coleshill operatic Society do. My neighbour told me that they need to sell 95% of the tickets just to break even though – it’s obviously not easy money whichever way you look at it! I’m pleased to say that the packed full house at Solihull generated a tremendous atmosphere and I think they certainly got over 95% of the seats filled that night at least.
Wherever you live, it’s likely that there are amateur productions in your area or at least relatively close. Going to these shows now only helps these organisations but you’ll have a great time as well – the things that go right are enjoyable, and sometimes the things that go wrong are even more so! So if you see an amateur production but have never been to one before… do yourself a favour and go. Even if you end up not enjoying it, at least you can blame me!
Of course, another thing about these amateur dramatic societies is that you can join in yourself if you want - even if you haven't got the nerve to perform, there is behind the scenes work that can be done. I have thought about it but am really not too sure I have the time to commit (or the nerve to perform!).
I had wanted to put the full cast list up, but we've managed to lose our programme from the show. So I just want to give a shout-out to my neighbour, Krystina Murtagh. This doesn't necessarily mean that I'm going to join the COS but I'll certainly be at your next show!!
Coleshill Operatic Society Website: http://www.coleshillos.org/
Related Links - Concert reviews:
Umoja: The Spirit of Togetherness
Ladysmith Black Mombazo
Bryan Adams
Simply Red
Level 42
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