Calamity Jane
By Sammy Fain
By arrangement with Josef Weinberger Ltd
Season May 1997
Venue Belconnen Theatre
TheStory
In 1876, Henry Miller, proprietor of the Golden Garter Saloon in Deadwood City, is eagerly looking forward to having actress Frances Fryer star in his show. However, when Frances arrives, 'she' is discovered to be a 'he'! The citizens of deadwood are ready to lynch Miller for duping them until Calamity promises to bring Adelaide Adams, a celebrated Vaudeville star, from Chicago. Wild Bill Hickock challenges her ability to get the star to perform in Deadwood and this makes Calamity all the more determined to do so.
In the star's dressing room at the Bijou theatre, Calamity mistakes Adelaide's maid, Katie Brown - a stage struck girl - for the star herself and 'persuades' her to return to Deadwood.
The crowd in the Golden Garter is angry when Katie's deception is discovered but once again Calamity saves the day. Katie is given another chance and this time she performs with an ability of which the crowd thoroughly approves.
Romantic complications develop when both Wild Bill Hickock and Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin succumb to Katie's charms, especially as Calamity fancies herself in love with Danny. On discovering Katie in Danny's arms, she runs the girl out of town at gun point.
However, all is sorted out and Calamity, Katie and Susan, Henry Miller's niece, all find a happy ending as the wedding bells ring out.
ProductionTeam
| Director | Chris Boyldew |
| Musical Director | Lauren Mercovich |
| Choreographer | Natalie Antoine |
| Production Manager | Eileen Boyldew |
| Stage Manager | Peter Harding |
| Assistant Stage Manager | Natalie Long |
| Crew | Mark Wilson, Nathan Patrech, Jack Holden, Beverley Rogers and John Wilson |
| Set Design | Jerry Satrapa |
| Set Construction | Philip Russell and Gerry Satrapa |
| Lighting Design | Annie O'Connor |
| Lighting Assistants | Samantha Jarrett, Matthew Robertson and Amy Munk |
| Wardrobe | Judy Satrapa and Sue Lake Harris |
| Prompt | Nola Russell |
| Graphic Design | Peter Enzerick |
Cast
| Calamity Jane | Erica Bowron |
| Wild Bill Hickock | Peter Smith |
| Danny Gilmartin | Damien Hall |
| Katie Brown | Judy Satrapa |
| Henry Miller | Tim Kilby |
| Susan | Carrie Brown |
| Francis Fryer | David Gilkes |
| Adelaide Adams | Kristen Burch |
| Doc Pearce | John Bennett |
| Josephine | Barbara Sekuless |
| Rattlesnake | "Mad" Mick Bower |
| Hank | Andrew Clucas |
| Pete | Luke Barron |
| Colonel | Peter Harding |
| Female Chorus | Shirley Barrett, Sonja Charles, Anita Davenport, Emma Enzerink, Rebecca Henry, Pam Kelly, Kelda McManus, Pam McManus, Megan Shaw |
| Male Chorus | Bryn Clapp, Paul De Wolfe, Peter Enzerink, Rodwell Faulkner, Rhys Holden, Johnno Quinn, David Tychsen-Smith |
| Golden Garter Can-Can Girls | Renee Denham, Emma Enzerink, Eileen Proctor, Beke Pyne |
Orchestra
| Piano | Lauren Mercovich |
| Bass Guitar | Peter McDonald |
| Drums/Percussion | Barry Pigram |
| Keyboard | Jenny Kingwell |
Awards
Canberra Area Theatre AwardsNominations |
|
| Best Actress in a Musical | Erica Bowron |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Musical | Judy Satrapa |
| Special Award for Achievement for taking over the main role at such short notice |
Erica Bowron |
At the media call, Sue Lake-Harris, Calamity Jane, injured herself and was unable to continue in the role. Erica Bowron stepped up to take over the role for the duration of the performance period.