NOW Productions school holiday offering of “This Summer” was produced by Joe Russell and devised, written, choreographed and directed by Maisy Jo. Together with a new TASA colleague, I saw the first of just two performances on the expansive playing space of the Riverbanks College campus theatre. We both agreed it was an impressive piece of youth musical theatre particularly given its very short rehearsal time and because of its originality. The production team had put the package together in just the previous week. Most, if not all of the twenty or so cast members had some previous youth theatre experience to bring to this party, even the youngest of the company. That certainly helped the production team I’m sure. That experience was reflected in the levels of concentration on stage and the obvious commitment to teamwork shared amongst them all. It was very much an ensemble effort and provided the framework for some solid performances from those playing principal roles.
The setting, “Camp Jackie”, was a ubiquitous USA summer campsite of the type that has become the venue for a generational rite of passage for many North American pre-teens and teenagers. The stage accommodated a dormitory (cabin) setting at each of the generous playing area extremities. Well directed lighting enabled a quick switch from one side to the other, from boys’ cabin interior to girls’ cabin and back again. It was an effective device that enabled the narrative to be easily constructed and plot and sub-plots to develop. That left an expanse of centre stage free for all campers to gather for announcements or to take a more leisurely seat around the campfire. Stage settings as such were both minimal and portable and were smoothly handled between scenes. This aided and abetted the continuity and pace of the performance and it was a responsibility well handled by SM Jesse Rouse.
MD Cameron Walker coaxed some pretty good vocal work from the company especially given such a short rehearsal time. Both individual vocals and chorus participation were well delivered and modulated throughout. The infectious and pounding rhythm of “Shut up and Dance” was a highlight as was the whimsical and joyous “I’m Walkin’ on Sunshine”. Choreography, by Maisy Jo, was designed with both prevailing mood and the beat in mind. It was evident that a number of individuals were quite au fait with dance and as a consequence, movement on and across the stage was easy on the eye. Everybody on stage seemed to have a very good knowledge as to just where they were on and what they needed to do. A lot of productive listening must have happened at rehearsals! Levels on the sound grid were spot on too and technician Bryce Young can feel pleased that all went well. With so many of a young cast fitted with microphones, levels can be easily thrown off balance’ but the sound system held up well and was of benefit rather than being the annoying distraction it can sometimes present in less capable hands. Music both derivative and that freshly written was well suited to themes of group identity, the need to belong, interacting with others and learning to deal with developing emotions. It was most relevant to the age group of the participants and that came across clearly. I was impressed with the relaxed manner projected by all on stage. They conveyed the feeling they were all involved in something that fitted them well; like a favourite pullover!
For characters like Poppy (Bethany Swift) and Olivia (Abigail Carr) it is their first time in camp. They both revealed a mature stage presence far beyond their years and worked together as if they had rehearsed for weeks. In the “Twilight Cabin” Rose (Belle Coulson) is none too happy about the budding romance developing between Sarah and Ben. Coulson moves so easily on stage and her vocal contribution was excellent. Liana Porter as Sarah and Owen Fagan as Ben portray the key romantic interest of the play. They make for a believable duo and worked off one another with notable ease. Porter injected the right level of control into Sarah whilst Fagan delivered a nicely painted portrait of a young man pretty cocksure of himself. It was a smooth and well modulated performance. Both actors contributed nicely in their vocal performances, both individually and as a duo. Dylan (ably and astutely realised by Flick Barry) is up to his neck in the planned hijinks and campfire story telling. Barry’s stage experience defines and enhances the character.
Camp Leader James (Jordan Pitt) is a “by the book” sort of a guy projecting a no nonsense, responsible and sensible leadership persona. Pitt’s performance mirrored all these personality traits. He doesn’t quite cotton onto the depths of affection that his co-leader Jess (Lucy Oster) has for him. Oster delivered a confident performance as Jess and her stagecraft together with a consistently true vocal contribution was a significant part of this production. I have been frugal in numbers of players I have commented on and I can only say that all of you in the cast who played minor or cameo roles dove-tailed into the proceedings most effectively. As I have already said, it was so much an ensemble piece, and a most successful one at that!
As a rule youth theatre groups inevitably choose to perform the now common “Jr” versions of an ever growing range of stage and film musical theatre. It was refreshing to see a company weigh the value of attempting an original script against the behemoth of the commercial franchised template. I thought it worked very well, it has great performance value and I am sure I will see another production of “This Summer” somewhere in the future. Maisy Jo has made a significant innovation to an already innovative NOW productions company. Excellent stuff!
