Inside the making of a musical - How Harrogate's HOPS Musical Theatre Company is bring Calamity Jane to the town's theatre
As audience members, we arrive at the theatre, take our seats, flick through the programme and settle in for a night of escapism. The lights dim. The orchestra begins. For the next few hours everything appears seamless. What we rarely stop to consider is this simple truth. That moment of magic has been years in the making.
Staging a large scale musical is not something that happens overnight. It is a long and carefully planned journey that often begins up to two years before a single performer steps onto the stage.
To understand just how much goes on behind the scenes, we caught up with HOPS Musical Theatre Company as it prepares for the upcoming production of Calamity Jane, which will be performed at Harrogate Theatre later this year.
The journey begins with one of the most important decisions a company can make. Choosing the show. While it may sound straightforward, the reality is anything but.
Only certain shows are available to licence at any given time and many come with a list of restrictions.
Then there are countless practical considerations. Will the show sell? Can it be cast locally? Is the scenery available? What is the vision for the costumes? Is there a professional tour visiting nearby that could affect ticket sales? Every question matters and every decision has consequences.
Once a show is chosen, the planning intensifies. Meetings take place with the creative team, including the firector and musical Director, to establish a shared vision.
A detailed budget is created and scrutinised. Nothing is announced until every element is in place and signed off. Only then does the production move forward and that is when the marketing team swings into action, building excitement and anticipation for what is to come.
HOPs chairman Richard Lill knows how much commitment goes into bringing a show like this to life. “It is a huge amount of work, but it is so exciting,” he said.
“You start with a vision and watch it grow into something very special. Every challenge is solved and because theatre is a true collaboration, it is magical when all those ideas finally come together for the audience.
" By the time the curtain rises, every note, step and smile carries months of dedication, teamwork and passion. That is the magic we want the audience to feel.”
One of the most exciting milestones so far took place this weekend with the official show photoshoot. These images will be used across all publicity and will feature in the production’s 24-page full colour souvenir programme.
It was a huge undertaking. Over the course of a day, more than 70 costumes – the final production will have more than 130 – and 25 wigs were brought together by a team of 10 creatives and technicians, working alongside a cast of 28 performers.
With a carefully planned shot list of more than 90 images, the aim was to capture the heart of the show: its he humour; its relationships and the memorable moments that audiences know and love.
It is a full on day of quick changes, adjustments and constant collaboration. And it is also where the visual world of the production truly comes to life.
The show iwas launched back in October and was followed by audition preparation evenings and dance auditions. Performers were put through their paces to assess not only their skill but their commitment and enthusiasm for the project. It quickly became clear that the standard was exceptionally high.
Casting took place the following week and proved to be one of the toughest challenges for the audition panel. In particular, the title role attracted 13 hopeful Calamity Janes, each bringing their own interpretation and energy to the part.
The role was ultimately awarded to Nina Jackson Logue, a performer with a wealth of experience and the vocal strength, comedic timing and emotional depth required to lead the show.
Completing the central quartet are Richard Hawley as the suave and swaggering Wild Bill Hickok, Louiza Noland as Katie Brown, the quiet maid whose journey to stardom sets the plot in motion, and George Dickson as Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, the handsome soldier who is the focus of Calamity’s affections, even though his heart lies elsewhere.
With the cast confirmed, the next stage of the process began.
Rehearsals, the six-month rehearsal schedule kicked off this January, starting with the music. Returning musical firector Jim Lunt began teaching the score, which is packed with memorable songs made famous by Doris Day in the 1953 film.
From lively ensemble numbers – the Deadwood Stage (Whip crackaway) and Black Hills of Dakota – to heartfelt ballads – Secret Love and Higher Than a Hawk – the music provides the foundation on which the production is built.
From there, rehearsals continue to layer and grow. Scenes are blocked. Choreography is refined. Characters and relationships are explored. Slowly but surely, the production takes shape. Every rehearsal brings the cast and creative team closer to opening night.
So when the curtain rises at Harrogate Theatre and Calamity Jane bursts on to the stage, remember this: what you are watching is the result of months, and in many cases years, of planning, dedication and passion.
It is proof that while theatre may feel like magic, it is created through teamwork, hard work and a shared love of storytelling and needs our support.
Calamity Jane runs at Harrogate Theatre from Tuesday June 9 to Saturday June 13, daily at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm.
Tickets: 01423 502116 and https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/calamity-jane-the-musical/