The last performance of "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" was tonight.
It was truly amazing how much the kids had improved since the show opened last Saturday. Then, they were playing it as rehearsed for the past six months. Tonight was a labour of love.
Katie Cowan, as Jean, made me cry. A slight shake to her voice; a tilt to her head, and the "post prime" Jean Brodie was all of a sudden a broken-but-noble figure, to whom everyone (well, myself, at least) could relate.
And Eric! My God! The kid rocks! His character's own inner sadness and self-loathing came through today.
Brendan's Lowther had a sense of relief, when he finally released the tiger he had by the tail (heh), and told Jean that he does not want to be her lover, but her husband. The choice he made was not as clear-cut last week.
Something I never really understood on Saturday is that Sister Helena is Sandy. Brendan had to point that out to me, so tonight, I was looking for it, and saw it in the similar clipped delivery of lines, as well as the book. I shall have to read the book.
There was a general reshufflement of girls tonight, and it was good to see what different actresses do with different rôles.
Hope's Sandy was more intense, and Rachel's Mary MacGregor had more strength. Sister Helena and the reporter worked their scenes with more authority, too.
And the schoolgirls' hair was much better confined.
Good job, kids! You've all done very well!
How does Brendan feel...is he glad it's over?
ReplyDeleteIt must be such a joy being able to watch so many shows.
When I arrived in the UK I lived with a girlfriend's mother who was very upper-class and snooty....could get West End Theatre tickets at the drop of a hat.
We saw Phantom of the Opera, Oliver and Swan Lake (I paid my own way, it's a pride thing). My favourite was Oliver. Barry Humphries was Fagan and all I could see was Dame Edna. I had to stifle a few giggles.
Brendan is very glad it's over. It seems like a bit of a cheat, though--six months of rehearsal for three performances...
ReplyDeleteMeant to say that I've seen very little professional theater. I saw an Alan Aykbourn play in London in '89, and a mime version of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." When I was a kid I saw a couple of Gilbert and Sullivan, and the London Rep's travelling Christmas show several years running.
ReplyDeleteHere I see mostly Community Theater and school shows.
Hope you have a good weekend, Ronni. I'll catch up on Monday. Ciao!
ReplyDelete