High Society

For their Season 3, 2017, Lilydale Athenaeum has chosen the ambitious Cole Porter musical High Society. Based on the play The Philadelphia Story and MGM musical of the same name, this was certainly an undertaking by an amateur theatre company, even one as well established as the Athenaeum.

Set in Philadelphia in 1938,High Society tells the tale of Tracy Lord, a rich woman (by family wealth), ecstatic about her impending marriage to George Kittredge, a successful, yet boring,industrialistmanager.

Her mother, Mrs. Margaret Lord, and busy-body younger sister, Dinah, are at the family mansion supervising last minute wedding preparations. Unannounced, Tracy’s ex-husband, Dexter, arrives to inform the family that Sydney Kidd, editor of “Spy” Magazine is determined to get the inside story on the wedding and has arrange for two journalists, Liz Imbrie and Mike Connor, to pose as guests to obtain an exclusive story. Unless Tracy agrees, they will print a story about her estranged father, who is carrying on an affair with an exotic dancer.

Director Alan Burrows had a challenge on his hands with this musical script, purely for the very small stage and numerous scene changes needed to carry out this production. It was achieved simply, without grandeur, with small moving platforms to introduce scenery for the set. At the back of the stage there was the clever use of three open windows that actors could use for entrances and exits.

The cast was highly experienced in musical theatre, some coming from professional 

backgrounds. This showed with the talents of Catherine Bolzonello (Tracy), Quinn Cameron (Dinah) Emma Harris and Rachel Findley (Ensemble). These women stood out on stage with their vocal talents.

The clear overall standout performer was Maree Barnett, who played reporter Liz Imbrie. Her performance was polished; she acted into the part and was the most accomplished dancer in the cast. Her song with Tim Murphy (Mike) 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' was the highlight and most choreographically tight of the show.

Andrew Wild, was completely charming and suave as Dexter. His cheeky persona enveloped the audience and it was hard not to smile when he was on stage. His duet with Bolzonello to end Act 1 was beautifully sung in harmony and with pure emotion.

Unfortunately most of the choreography fell flat - especially in the opening number. Burrows should have utilised the use of someone professionally experienced to work the stage with more pizazz.

I know that the Athenaeum probably doesn't have the capacity for it, but there really is something to be said for live instruments, rather than a backing track. The pre-recorded sound was a bit 'tinny' and at times was too loud.

Overall, a classically well sung and stripped down High Society for a well-established community theatre.

Penelope Thomas