Bonnie and Clyde

Report

Author: Roger D. Buist

Bravo to this Society for taking the courage to perform this new show in Dundee’s refurbished Whitehall Theatre! Bravo to the five singing principals! Bravo to the two main players who played Bonnie and Clyde! And bravo to the theatre-going public who turned up to support the Society in the local premiere of this show! That said, it was a great pleasure to see something “new” on stage in this NODA district. The first half of the show showed how a young Bonnie and Clyde met as children and of their hopes and dreams they had for the future . . . leading to the beginning of their life of crime. Playing the young child leads were Georgina Middleton and Jake Kane, who impressed with their all-too-short appearances. In the adult roles, with truly spectacular and outstanding performances, were Mia Oudeh (Bonnie) and Chris O’Mara (Clyde) who were both rarely off the stage. This young duo were an absolute joy to watch in their dramatic scenes and, because of the show’s musical demands, their vocal abilities were tested to the extreme limit because both had “big sings” throughout the performance. Sharing the same spotlight and, equally turning in exceptional performances, were Raymond Wood as Clyde’s partner-in-crime brother, Buck, and Ellen Ryder as his well-meaning wife, Blanche. They, too, had the flair and capability to play out their dramatic roles and their difficult singing requirements. Representing the Law, Thomas Richmond made the most of his contribution in the role of Ted, the police officer. The show’s second half saw B&C set off on their robbing and killing spree that, eventually led to the police finding them and ending with their deaths. The only downside to this show was the lack of big ensemble work, but the chorus proved their worth in the boisterous “God’s Arms Are Always Open” number led by the fervent Preacher (Craig Rose). There were some clever special effects; and an ingenious stage set in this thought provoking show which proved to be both interesting and entertaining . . . and all there’s left to say is . . . Bravo!