Post by ilovegrayshaw on Sept 26, 2009 11:15:23 GMT -5
To me, Stepping Out is the best play in the world.
I love all the characters and the journeys they go on. I love the added element of the dancing and the wonderful blend of comedy and drama. There is not a single dull moment in the script.
I had previously seen the show at Audley Theatre a few years ago and had always wanted to see it again. Extracts from the show were included in the 40 year celebration of Audley Theatre but really the play is better when seen from beginning to end. You get to really root for the members of the tap dance class and you share the experience with them.
For those unfamiliar with the show, it takes place in a village hall – which makes it ideal for theatres that can’t afford lavish sets. The audience takes the role of ‘the mirror’ into which the tappers are dancing and the audience during their final on-stage performance.
One of the reasons I booked this show was to see West End legend Rosemary Ashe as Mrs Frazer. To be honest I think she belongs in the world of musical theatre where she can really show off her singing voice. The musical numbers she did have were very short in Stepping Out. She isn’t the best of actresses in terms of really connecting with the audience but she does create an original and unique character for each role she has played. She never ever plays a role as herself – and that is something which I deeply admire (Jonatahn Wilkes - take note). Her best moments for me include her drunken scene, the moments she got to chance to sing and during the finale when she got trapped in front of the curtain – carrying a tray full of tea. Her facial expressions and movement are unbeatable and she was really throwing herself into the role.
I managed to get a picture with her at the stage door after the show (which is amazing for me since I loved her on the cast recordings of Mary Poppins, The Witches of Eastwick and, of course, The Phantom of the Opera) and she was lovely to talk to. She had read my fan etter and memorised almost every word of what I had written to her. She also signed my programme before rushing off to her waiting taxi.
The cast did their best to give strong performances – considering the auditorium was only half full. Special mentions must go to Susie Fenwick, who is many scenes was the focus of my attention, as Vera. Her ‘posh’ voice was so perfect – even though it did get a little monotonous after a while. Her dancing was absolutely hilarious especially when she was prancing around the stage in a tight silver costume.
Johanne Murdock was scarily angry and dramatic as Andy. I thought she was going to explode. I have never seen any actress capable of sustaining anger for as long as Johanne did. She was shouting the roof off. She was incredibly loud and mastered the part with ease. I thought she was really amazing. She made me laugh quite a few times - because I love people who really give their all to a performance.
My favourite would have to be Karen Trayner as Dorothy. Her dotty voice was the best thing I have ever heard in my life - it was so perfect for role. She remained in character throughout, did the funniest dancing out of everyone (with her high kicks) and one could tell she is a mega performer. I was blown away by this woman. I would LOVE to see her as Kate Monster in Avenue Q.
Lucy Williamson was every inch the teacher, Mavis. I will always have fond memories of Wendy Brough in this role since it was Wendy who taught me how to dance but Lucy was a mega performer. All those years in top West End musicals like We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia and Les Miserables have made her a very confident and natural actress. She kept in character throughout - although she could have been a bit more dramatic during the pregnancy scene -, had great projection and was absolutely adorable. It was a flawless performance really. I loved the fact that she was also the Dance Captain for the show. So, she teaches the cast onstage and in rehearsals.
Jessie Wallace was really good as Sylvia but can’t compare to Mary-Ellen Grimes. Mez was a thousand times funnier in the role - and 100% perfect during the scene where Sylvia mocks Dorothy (Jessie really couldn't compare). I think Mary-Ellen will always be Sylvia to me. She gave the role that little bit extra and put so much more of herself into it. Jessie kept in character throughout and did have some great moments though. She also had the brightest costumes out of the cast.
Brian Capron was hilarious as Geoffrey. Completely different to Martin Thomas’ take on the role but nevertheless he was still brilliant. He seemed very frail at times. Because Brian is famous he really had the crowd rooting for him from the outset. He got the best reaction from the crowd. He was amazing but I did prefer some of the women in the smaller roles to the main characters. Since he’s the only man he does get a lot of attention from the audience and it was good to see him making loads of funny mistakes in the dancing. He played the role really naturally. The part where he falls over and has to turn out with his legs crossed was one of the funniest parts of the play. He just looked so scared.
A lot of roles in Stepping Out tend to be really theatrical but Geoffrey is one of the more natural characters and that really helps to give realism to the show.
Wendy Mae Brown was good as Rose but Lesley Grimes was far funnier and dramatic in the role. We had an understudy in the role of Lynne, the smallest part in the show, and she was alright in a role that I don’t particularly connect with. Carrie Ellis was good as Maxine and had some really amazing moments but was not the best actress on stage.
I love all the characters and the journeys they go on. I love the added element of the dancing and the wonderful blend of comedy and drama. There is not a single dull moment in the script.
I had previously seen the show at Audley Theatre a few years ago and had always wanted to see it again. Extracts from the show were included in the 40 year celebration of Audley Theatre but really the play is better when seen from beginning to end. You get to really root for the members of the tap dance class and you share the experience with them.
For those unfamiliar with the show, it takes place in a village hall – which makes it ideal for theatres that can’t afford lavish sets. The audience takes the role of ‘the mirror’ into which the tappers are dancing and the audience during their final on-stage performance.
One of the reasons I booked this show was to see West End legend Rosemary Ashe as Mrs Frazer. To be honest I think she belongs in the world of musical theatre where she can really show off her singing voice. The musical numbers she did have were very short in Stepping Out. She isn’t the best of actresses in terms of really connecting with the audience but she does create an original and unique character for each role she has played. She never ever plays a role as herself – and that is something which I deeply admire (Jonatahn Wilkes - take note). Her best moments for me include her drunken scene, the moments she got to chance to sing and during the finale when she got trapped in front of the curtain – carrying a tray full of tea. Her facial expressions and movement are unbeatable and she was really throwing herself into the role.
I managed to get a picture with her at the stage door after the show (which is amazing for me since I loved her on the cast recordings of Mary Poppins, The Witches of Eastwick and, of course, The Phantom of the Opera) and she was lovely to talk to. She had read my fan etter and memorised almost every word of what I had written to her. She also signed my programme before rushing off to her waiting taxi.
The cast did their best to give strong performances – considering the auditorium was only half full. Special mentions must go to Susie Fenwick, who is many scenes was the focus of my attention, as Vera. Her ‘posh’ voice was so perfect – even though it did get a little monotonous after a while. Her dancing was absolutely hilarious especially when she was prancing around the stage in a tight silver costume.
Johanne Murdock was scarily angry and dramatic as Andy. I thought she was going to explode. I have never seen any actress capable of sustaining anger for as long as Johanne did. She was shouting the roof off. She was incredibly loud and mastered the part with ease. I thought she was really amazing. She made me laugh quite a few times - because I love people who really give their all to a performance.
My favourite would have to be Karen Trayner as Dorothy. Her dotty voice was the best thing I have ever heard in my life - it was so perfect for role. She remained in character throughout, did the funniest dancing out of everyone (with her high kicks) and one could tell she is a mega performer. I was blown away by this woman. I would LOVE to see her as Kate Monster in Avenue Q.
Lucy Williamson was every inch the teacher, Mavis. I will always have fond memories of Wendy Brough in this role since it was Wendy who taught me how to dance but Lucy was a mega performer. All those years in top West End musicals like We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia and Les Miserables have made her a very confident and natural actress. She kept in character throughout - although she could have been a bit more dramatic during the pregnancy scene -, had great projection and was absolutely adorable. It was a flawless performance really. I loved the fact that she was also the Dance Captain for the show. So, she teaches the cast onstage and in rehearsals.
Jessie Wallace was really good as Sylvia but can’t compare to Mary-Ellen Grimes. Mez was a thousand times funnier in the role - and 100% perfect during the scene where Sylvia mocks Dorothy (Jessie really couldn't compare). I think Mary-Ellen will always be Sylvia to me. She gave the role that little bit extra and put so much more of herself into it. Jessie kept in character throughout and did have some great moments though. She also had the brightest costumes out of the cast.
Brian Capron was hilarious as Geoffrey. Completely different to Martin Thomas’ take on the role but nevertheless he was still brilliant. He seemed very frail at times. Because Brian is famous he really had the crowd rooting for him from the outset. He got the best reaction from the crowd. He was amazing but I did prefer some of the women in the smaller roles to the main characters. Since he’s the only man he does get a lot of attention from the audience and it was good to see him making loads of funny mistakes in the dancing. He played the role really naturally. The part where he falls over and has to turn out with his legs crossed was one of the funniest parts of the play. He just looked so scared.
A lot of roles in Stepping Out tend to be really theatrical but Geoffrey is one of the more natural characters and that really helps to give realism to the show.
Wendy Mae Brown was good as Rose but Lesley Grimes was far funnier and dramatic in the role. We had an understudy in the role of Lynne, the smallest part in the show, and she was alright in a role that I don’t particularly connect with. Carrie Ellis was good as Maxine and had some really amazing moments but was not the best actress on stage.
