Calamity Jane: Wild West Musical for Central Coast

When Wyong Musical Society’s production of Calamity Jane hits the stage on the NSW Central Coast on June 1, the calamities faced by the title character of the musical Western, originally starring Doris Day, remain similar to those experienced in real life today, according to leading lady Shayne Leslie. Standing up for what seems right at the time and getting in trouble for shooting first and asking questions later, Shayne says “I enjoy the spirit which the character of Jane imbues. And it is quite a shock to realise spirited women are largely still not tolerated in our 21st century society - although misogyny is.”

Calamity Jane is the hard-bitten, gun-totin' heroine, who behaves like a man but can't help hankering to be loved like a woman. The story follows Calamity as she stumbles through a series of misadventures and pines for the love of Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Nick Chettle), but eventually realises that it is Wild Bill Hickock (Scott Williams) she has loved all along.

Continuing with the theme of art imitating life, Calamity Shayne and Lieutenant Nick recently became engaged.

Calamity Janefeatures a score including “Deadwood Stage”, “Windy City”, “The Black Hills of Dakota” and the Academy Award winning “Secret Love”.

Wyong Musical Theatre Company’s production of Calamity Jane is directed by veteran Margaret Leslie Holdom, with Mary Ellen Gillard wielding the baton as Musical Director and Madeline Stephenson choreographing.

Season: Friday June 1, 8pm; Saturday June 2, 2pm and 8pm; Sunday June 3, 2pm; Wednesday June 6, 8pm Friday June 8, 8pm and Saturday June 9, 2pm and 8pm.

Bookings:www.wmtc.com.au, or 1300 366 470.

Images: Calamity (centre, Shayne Leslie) and Pete (left, Robert Cottam) and Hank (right, Rohan Smith). Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin (Nick Chettle) and Katie Brown (Amanda Daniels).

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