Operatic society going west for 2019 musical
A long-running Stirling district musical theatre society is heading back out west next year with a new production of Calamity Jane.
Stirling and Bridge of Allan Operatic Society last performed the hit musical in 1983, some 35 years ago, and two of the original cast, Jan Higgins and Gay Burt, are set to join them on stage next spring. After digging through the company’s archives, which go back over 100 years, Gay and Jan were delighted to discover the original programme and cast photos.
Return to classic musical
Including pictures of themselves dressed in their saloon girl costumes.
The original stage set presented some challenges, as Jan recalls: “I remember when taking clients upstairs that the stairs in the bar were ok, but then when we went through the door at top there was a straight ladder to descend down. The guys had to help us negotiate it!”
And the cast had their own unique way of keeping each night’s performance fresh.
Gay explained: “There was a guest book on the bar, on stage, and you wouldn’t believe the things that were written each night...sending us into fits of laughter which probably helped the general atmosphere! I remember what fun we had and can’t believe that it was 35 years ago!”
The society hope the show will draw fans of the hit 1953 movie of the same name starring Doris Day.
President Carolyn Johnston said: “Doris fans love this enduring classic and fondly remember her iconic performance with toe tapping tunes like The Deadwood Stage and the Windy City, right through to the more melodic Black Hills of Dakota and Secret Love.
“Even by today’s standards Calamity Jane was an adventurous woman who embarked upon an extraordinary journey and whose life in the Wild West still captivates audiences today, especially those who appreciate a good love story. We can’t wait to revive the show.”
Tickets for the show – which runs from March 26 to 30 at the Macrobert, are now on sale priced £17.50/£13.50.
Family and group discounts are available.