‘Calamity Jane’ to open at Hayes Theatre Co

Neglected Musicals will present the musical classic Calamity Jane at Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney from Wednesday, August 3. Directed by Richard Carroll, the Doris Day movie musical with legendary songs like Secret Love, The Black Hills of Dakota and The Deadwood Stage will star Virginia Gay as Calamity. It will feature choreography by Cameron Mitchell, who’s been running the teaching program at Brent Street for over 10 years.

Neglected Musicals produces musical theatre that has never or rarely been seen in Australia. Shows are presented with scripts in hand and with piano accompaniment after only a day’s rehearsal.

“Directing Virginia Gay as Calamity Jane is one of the most exciting opportunities I can imagine,” said Director Richard Carroll. “And to be able to surround her with such a superb cast sends that excitement through the roof! Every one of these actors is charismatic and quick-witted, making them perfect for the unique experience of a Neglected Musicals presentation. Whip crack away!”

Based on the 1953 film of the same name, the premiere run of Calamity Jane opened in Fort Worth, Texas on May 27, 1961. Warner Bros considered mounting a Broadway production at the time, and many others have since then, however Calamity Jane has never made it to Broadway.

This musical Western is adapted from the celebrated stage-play and film. “Calam”, as she’s called, dresses like a man, totes a gun and drives the Deadwood City stagecoach. Well-meaning but disaster-prone, she tries to help the local saloon proprietor out of a jam by promising to fetch a music-hall star from Chicago. A hilarious comedy, it nevertheless has many tender moments and some very famous numbers. 

In addition to Virginia Gay as “Calam”, Calamity Jane will star Hilary Cole as Katie Brown, Sheridan Harbridge as Adelaide Adams, Tamlyn Henderson as Wild Bill Hickok, Sam Moran as Lieutenant Dan, Rob Johnson as Francis Fryer and Laurence Coy as Henry Miller with Michael Hart, Lachlan Martin and Romy Watson.

The musical runs through August 7, with a total of seven performances scheduled. For more information, visit www.neglectedmusicals.com.au or www.hayestheatre.com.au.

Headshots of cast members courtesy of Neglected Musicals.