Brisbane review - Calamity Jane: musical theatre at its absolute best.
By David Wilson
Calamity Jane
Adapted by Ronald Hammer and Phil Park
From the stage play by Charles K Freeman after the Warner Bros. film
Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster
Music by Sammy Fain
Directed by Richard Carroll
Musical Director Nigel Ubrihien
Choreographer Cameron Mitchell
Brought to you by Queensland Theatre
Season runs to 17 April 2025
Tickets start at $35
Queensland Theatre’s production of Calamity Jane is unconventional, unpredictable and undeniable - The creative team of Richard Carroll, Nigel Ubrihien and Cameron Mitchell have brilliantly re-imagined the much loved story of Calamity Jane. The audience on opening night was absolutely immersed in the amazing staging of the Golden Garter Saloon, Deadwood Dakota, and its unruly and unpredictable occupants. This production is clever, full of heart, and hilarious throughout (with a healthy dose of contemporary references), totally deserving of the rowdy standing ovation received. Amongst many high points, it is perhaps the production’s ability to maintain the audience’s full engagement throughout that sets it apart. Wonderfully entertaining.
Naomi Price was brilliant - perfectly cast as the eponymous Calamity Jane, chock-full of bluster, bravado and swagger, and with more than a little heart. Price’s larger than life portrayal was perfectly suited to the role, providing the perfect vehicle for her immense talent. Price’s stage presence is undeniable, and the ease with which she can simultaneously command attention while sharing the spotlight with the rest of the cast is the sign of a confident performer at the peak of her powers. Outstanding.
While Naomi Price’s performance alone is reason enough to see the show, the rest of the cast are amazing. The always excellent duo of Andrew Buchanan (Henry Miller) and Anthony Gooley (Wild Bill Hickok) were both wonderful. Buchanan’s stage mastery was obvious throughout, and his comedic timing is something to behold (“She’s my niece!!”). Gooley’s depth of experience was on full show with his role demanding some lovely tender moments, and an opportunity to showcase his wonderfully warm vocals in “Higher Than A Hawk”.
The very talented Laura Bunting was wonderful as Katie Brown. Her strong characterisation was on show throughout, particularly during her Adelaide Adams/Katie Brown charade, and her vocals were absolutely sublime.
Darcy Brown’s amazing physicality was outrageously on point in his full-throttle performance as audience favourite Francis Fryer. I can’t remember hearing an audience laugh so loudly!
And making their Queensland Theatre debuts, both Sean Sinclair and Juliette Coates were outstanding. Sinclair’s Lieutenant Danny was perfectly pitched, and his smooth vocals wonderfully showcased throughout. Coates is a force to be reckoned with, delivering a wonderfully versatile performance throughout, highlighted by her performance as Adelaide Adams of “Tis Harry I’m Plannin’ To Marry”. Wonderful.
Musical Director Nigel Ubrihien was excellent, performing the role of Rattlesnake, spending almost the entire show on stage playing the upright piano, which in many ways provided the heartbeat of the musical. The classic songs throughout were all done beautifully, with “The Black Hills of Dakota” in particular brilliantly executed.
And special mention must also go to “Joe” - plucked from the audience to deliver some pivotal lines - well done Sir!!
This is musical theatre at its absolute best - I thoroughly recommend Queensland Theatre’s production of Calamity Jane.
Tickets can be purchased now and start from $35. Season runs until 17 April 2025 at Billie Brown Theatre. Enjoy.
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