Review: High Society, New Earswick Musical Society, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until November 14 (From York Press)

Review: High Society, New Earswick Musical Society, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until November 14

10:17am Friday 13th November 2009

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Judging by the audience at Wednesday’s opening night, New Earswick Musical Society (NEMS) has plenty of fans.

It didn’t take long to find out why. New Earswick may be only a suburb, but NEMS punches well above its weight. It also knows how to keep the champagne corks popping: old Joe Rowntree, teetotal to the hilt, must be turning in his grave.

For High Society is more or less a continuous party. Originally a play, The Philadelphia Story, it became Cole Porter’s best-known film-musical in 1956, starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. This period-style production by Ann McCreadie, who doubles as choreographer and also plays the role of Margaret Lord, loses none of the charm of the original. Indeed, you can almost feel the camaraderie among the cast, a sure sign of an experienced director.

She may be a newcomer to the company, but Stephanie Crossley in the key role of Tracy Lord – and looking remarkably like tennis star Tracy Austin – is a treasure that NEMS will not want to lose. Her tireless vivacity, stage presence and, above all, charisma make her the perfect pivot for the show.

Right from the title song she looks and sounds American (accents were remarkably well sustained throughout the cast). She bubbles her way through, her fluctuating emotions right on her sleeve.

The pre-wedding celebrations for Tracy’s second marriage, while harmless enough on the surface, are orchestrated by her first husband, Dexter, and her younger sister, Dinah. Steve Tearle’s Dexter is relaxed and charming, resisting the temptation to be oily, while Imogen Fuller’s pert Dinah is a ball of fire. Her French-accented duo with Tracy, I Love Paris, is a classic.

Playing an alcoholic is never easy, but Martin Rowley’s perpetually tipsy Uncle Willie, always on the prowl, provides a comic thread that never palls, a beautifully judged portrait.

Jo Pears and Steve Padfield as society journos Liz and Mike inject terrific brio with Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? You’re Sensational lies a little low for Padfield, but he weathers it well.

Stephen Kenwright plays the prospective bridegroom George to a tee, truly wimpish in a beta-male wig.

Ann McCreadie is a properly matriarchal Margaret, quite reminiscent of Elizabeth Taylor, with Alan Rome as a contrite Seth, her philandering husband.

While some of its dancing could be tightened up, the chorus delivers excellent backing and the orchestra under Don Pears gets tauter as the evening progresses.

NEMS has been off my beat until now. No longer.

High Society, New Earswick Musical Society, Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York, until tomorrow, including Saturday matinee. Box office: 01904 623568.

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