NODA Review : 13th December 2003

There were many "firsts" about this Production! This was the UK Premier of a musical written by John Reeger and Julie Shannon set in Michigan in the 1880's and tells the story of a brave sea captain who decides to face the wintery ice and snow to take Christmas tress to homesick German families in Chicago. It was also the directing debut of Geraldine Gregory who rose to the challenge and gave us a production of professional standards. And finally this was the first production of a brand new group. Although new, Theatreworx contains some of the most talented Performers that Bristol has to offer and this was evident throughout. Every member of the Cast (principals and chorus) was accustomed to taking on lead roles and so it is difficult to single anyone out for praise, as the whole production was excellent. And so should this group be considered for the first division? ? No, they start at the top of the premier division! In there mission statement TheatreWorx "strive to bring to theatregoers fresh challenging productions" this they certainly achieved and we await with anticipation future developments.

Kathy Paige (NODA Regional Representative SW Area 2A)

General Comments

TheatreWorx set themselves a challenge when they decided to stage a play not yet seen in the UK and the challenge paid off. It was certainly a pleasure for me to see something new and I applaud you all for this production and indeed your mission statement and so your future looks very bright indeed?
The whole Production was well balanced with believable characters, good singing and a set that worked well. The audience felt they were there! This was certainly assisted by the smell of the "Stew" and the gorgeous smell of the pines.
The QEH stage is not the easiest to use and yet this did not present any problems for you at all, entrances and exits were unobtrusive and always on time.
The scene between Gustav and Alma after the death of Peter was extremely good, with both actors giving thoughtful and compassionate performances.
For a first production, the standard you have set yourself is indeed high. Whilst I was aware that the whole cast was made up of some of the highest pedigree Bristol has to offer you worked well as a team and both cast and crew should be congratulated.

Technical

The set was strong, and worked well. The deck of the ship was very high and this added to the effect. Props were handled well. Maybe more could have been made of the first storm with more effects from both departments, other than this both lighting and sound achieved a high standard.

Music

Mark Collins should be congratulated for the high standard achieved from the cast and for his accompaniment on stage.

Choreography

Whilst there was not a vast number of dancing in this show, choreography was effective and your cast were able to cope admirably. All movement complimented the QEH stage. A special mention to the excellent dance with the Pine Trees this was powerful and fun and very well received.

Individual Casting

Karl Stossel (aged 9) - This was a truly remarkable perfomance for one so young, well done.

Gustav Stossel - The older father, who provided some humour and pathos. Impressed with great presence. An accomplished performance.

Alma Stossel - After a somewhat "cold" start warmed into the role of wife and mother giving a sensitive performance.

Peter Stossel - A supremely confident and reliable performance impressing us with excellent singing and acting. Very well done.

Karl Stossel (aged 15) It is not easy to appear in a production half way through and take over from someone who has given such a good performance - you however managed this giving a confident and believable perfomance taking on the role with conviction. Very well done.

Martha - This was a confident and reliable performance. Well done.

Steve, Rudy, Hans & 0skar Much of the change in atmosphere for this production came from these excellent performances and as such each of you should be congratulated for your contribution. All of you gave good reliable performances. Well done.

Storytellers etc Congratulations to you as, as a group you all contributed in no small way to this excellent production. Singing was excellent as was body language and facial expressions. This was a chorus of the highest standard.