NODA Review of ‘A Tale of Two Cities’

Joyce Eyre  WM rep. Region 6

 

Director - Andrew Johnson

Assistant Director -Amy Price

Musical Director -Chris Davis

 

Based on the beloved Charles Dickens novel this premier performance was attended by the Play-write and also author of the music and Lyrics Jill Santoreillo herself, and what an amazing experience for the production team and cast members to be able to meet her.

The action takes place during the French Revolution in the eighteenth century, whilst  the main story line being a love triangle interspersed with many other complex threads running throughout.

This well directed yet challenging production saw Andrew Johnson and the well rehearsed cast dealing with many compromising poignant issues, false imprisonment, oppression, inheritance, murder and revenge, escape, redemption, crimes against the people to name but a few.

 

Congratulations must go to Chris Davis as the balance of sound was exceptional, the positioning of the orchestra up high at the back of stage was really effective as at no point did the audience get the impression it was all about being as loud as  can happen on some occasions.

 

The principals were extremely convincing without exception, their strength, emotion and in some instances despair bought the musical numbers to life. Dr Alexandre Manette ( Jonathan Busk ) is discovered alive in the Bastille after 17 years, much to the joy of his Daughter Lucie played beautifully by Chloe Rawson who was perfect and one of the best roles I have seen her play to date .She is in love with a young French aristocrat Charles Darnay (Matt Branson ) who was well suited to this part.

Other convincing characters, Peter Hayden ( Marquis St Evremonde ) John Castle  ( Ernest Defarge ) Sarah Jurkowski ( Madame Defarge ) Steve Hayes ( John Barsad ) But it was Ian Page who played the English drunkard cynic Sydney Carton who was also in love with Lucie who stole the show for me, brilliant acting and outstanding singing from his first foot upon the stage to his ultimate death by Madame guillotine.

 

Entertaining large chorus numbers again showing the excellent balance and harmony achieved through many hours of rehearsal and showed imaginative characterisation and individual styling.

 

There were some lovely period costumes throughout and many very well dressed wigs unfortunately showing up the few wigs that were not so good.

With effective use of very simple yet large scenery, consisting of three interchangeable towers, props and a few items of furniture the audience were seamlessly transported to various locations in both France and England.

 

I personally think this is a musical that would ultimately grow on you , on first hearing it is more than slightly reminiscent in style musically to some elements of "Les Mis" I really enjoyed  "You'll Never Be Alone" , "I Can't Recall" and "If Dreams Came True" although I needed to look them up to recall the melodies.

A Tale of Two Cities was a very professional, high standard, enjoyable premier performance that received well deserved positive audience feedback, full marks to all involved.