Your Midlands and Shropshire Am Dram round-up

What an incredible show it is and I was honoured to be asked. Although it might be some time until the adult version of Miss Saigon is available for am dram performance, the junior version is still an option for younger groups. I’d say go ahead and perform it because it’s a wonderful show.

While on my trip around the capital, I couldn’t resist dropping into Dury Lane where the current production of 42nd Street is blazing away. You can almost hear the beat of dancing feet (as the song goes!) as you walk along The Strand. What a show!

A little closer to home there’s another group with tapping feet; Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Company is presenting 42nd Street from June 6-10, at Brierley Hill Civic Hall, with evening performances at 7.15pm and a Saturday matinee too.

“Julian Marsh is putting on a show!” cries one young hoofer, and as the curtain rises the audience is treated to a visual delight as a full stage of tap dancers burst into action.

One of show business’s best-loved musicals, 42nd Street tells the tale of Peggy Sawyer, a talented young performer with stars in her eyes who gets her big break on Broadway. She arrives to New York from her hometown of Allentown, Pennsylvania, armed with just her tap shoes and big dreams. Her talent catches the eye of legendary Broadway director Julian Marsh, who gives her a spot in the chorus of Pretty Lady, his new show. Pretty Lady stars Dorothy Brock, a Broadway diva, who takes an instant dislike to the new girl.

But when Dorothy breaks her ankle, Peggy is called upon to take her part, but can she pull it off in just 48 hours? Of course she can – this is Broadway.

Peggy’s rise from showgirl to star is the stuff showbiz dreams are made of. This show is full of crowd-pleasing tap dances, popular musical theatre standards, and ensemble numbers.

Carl Cook plays the role of Julian, with Fleur Petford as Peggy, Natalie Baggot as Dorothy Brock and Richard Cope as Billy.

The score is excellent and includes the classics, Lullaby of Broadway, Go Into Your Dance, We’re in the Money, You’re Getting to be a Habit With Me, and one of the best lines in musical theatre, “They’re musicians! That’s why they keep them in a pit!” The script is witty and light-hearted, if a little dated, but if you like gentle comedy, wonderful tunes and old-fashioned glamour; this for you.

l For tickets priced at £11 for adults, £10 for children or family tickets at £36 for two adults and two children, call 0300 123 5334 or email boxoffice@qbmts.org.uk

On June 2-3 at the Arena Theatre within the University of Wolverhampton, musical theatre fans will love the concert Show Stoppers, presented by Starcross Youth Theatre.

The group is excited to return to the arena with their annual summer showcase, featuring songs from stage and screen.

l For tickets priced at just £10 each, visit www.wlvticketsolve.com or www.starcrossyouththeatre.wordpress.com

A show which is popular at the moment is 9 to 5 the musical. In November this year, Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society will be performing 9 to 5 and is currently on the lookout for new members to join them. The Black Country-based group is looking in particular for men and dancers.

If you join, you will not only be taking on the wonderful hobby of amateur theatre, but also expanding your social life, as the group regularly hold theatre trips to London, race nights, dinner dances and generally socialise together.

l For more information on auditioning call 01384 293913 or email chaos@chaosoperatics.co.uk or chaos1908@outlook.com

The Pajama Game is a show is not performed very often. It could be that Made in Dagenham, which has similar themes, has taken it over. The Pajama Game however, is full of loveable characters and catchy tunes.

The film version starred Doris Day and the original Broadway production won three Tony Awards.

Bournville Musical Theatre Company will present the show at The Crescent Theatre in Sheepcote Street, Birmingham, from June 6-10.

As you would expect, the action takes place in a pajama factory. Handsome new Superintendent Sid Sorokin falls hard for feisty Union rep ‘Babe’ Williams.

With the added heat of politics making the temperature extra hot, Babe and Sid must figure out how to love each other when the principles they value most are tearing them apart.

The score includes Small Talk, Hey There, There Once Was a Man and the title song.

l It’s fun, frivolous and feisty! For tickets call 07856879589 or visit www.bmtcweb.co.uk

The Crescent Theatre’s resident company is presenting the Lionel Bart classic musical, Oliver! from May 27-June 3.

Bringing Dickens’ timeless characters vividly to life, with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more, this show’s sensational score includes Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick-A-Pocket Or Two, I’d Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah and the heart-wrenching ballad As Long As He Needs Me to name but a few.

Directed by Tiffany Cawthorne, with musical supervision by Gary Spruce and Sheila MacRory, it promises to be a night you’d do anything to see!

l For tickets from £14, call 0121 643 5858 or visit www.crescent-theatre.co.uk