Cast & Production Team | Photos - Dress Rehearsal Act 1 | Dress Rehearsal Act 2 | Review
Throwing up many familiar songs, this ever-popular western musical remains one of the best-known titles in musical theatre.
However, many new faces on stage in this production may not be so familiar, as director Siobhán Mullin, in her directorial debut with the company, has fielded many young performers here, with some making their principal debuts.
It must be said that because of sound problems, popssible first-night nerves and some average performances, the start of this opening show was, at times, as shaky as the old Deadwood Stage itself.
While a more experienced cast may have been quicker to steer it back on the road, credit is due to all concerned for pulling things back and presenting a show that was up to this award-winning company's usual standards.
With William Cairns in charge of the musical direction and Angela Harding looking after the choreography, Mullin was in good company on the production team, as the ensemble worked wonders on songs such as the rousing Windy City.
Likewise, with a 40-strong stage ensemble plus a mature orchestra chorus, The Black Hills of Dakota provided the perfect vehicle for the company's trademark choral work, which was an undoubted highlight.
Ably supported by Tori Mercer (Katie Brown) and Donall Henderson (Danny Gilmartin), the stars of this show were John Hinchey (Wild Bilol Hickok) and Fiona Keegan as the ultimate tomboy in the title role.
While Hinchey's version of Adelaide was terrific, for me, he excelled in Higher than a Hawk, as this was the best I have ever heard this song performed.
Unusually, the soaring version of the Secret Love duet between Hickok and Calamity was replaced here by a more tender and believable one to provide the production's showstopper.
Indeed, the seemingly natural chemistry that developed between Keegan and Hinchey was a key element in this show's success.