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Press Comments

DIE FIEDERMAUS(1985)

Macclesfield Express and Advertiser

"Waltzing to Success"

The Majestic Theatre have really waltzed to success with their latest production, Die Federmaus, writes Sue Sealeaf.

The music, in the best traditions of Viennese opera, compelled a link between those on stage and the audience.

The story opens in Gabriel Eisenstein's house in Vienna, around the middle of the 19th Century. Eiesenstein is in trouble with the police and faces a prison sentence of eight days for insulting a Government official. His wife, Rosalilnda is serenaded by Alfredo, an old flame, who proposes to meet with her at suppertime.

Meanwhile Adele, Rosalind's flighty maid, is scheming to join her sister at teh magnificent ball being held that night at Prince Orlofsky's.

Dr. Falke, an old friend of Eisenstein, suggests to him that he first attend the ball before presenting himself to the prison governor. Falke is, however, batching a plot of his own. After the last carnival Eisenstein, dressed as a butterfly, pushed Falke, who was dressed as a bat, into a fountain, much to the amusement of their friends. Falke is planning revenge.

Value

And so the play continues. It is very funny, entertaining and value for money.

A professional performance was given by one and all, but without doubt the start of the show was Adele, alias Pauline Baxendale, who has recently made a comeback to the stage as a soloist.

For all her first night nerves she gave a fantastic performance. The audience approved of her untiring wit and tremendous voice.

Despite his age, (19), Stephen Clayton, who played the part of Prince Orlofsky, executed his part with such conviction and authority. His good looks, and debonair character must soon be recognised. He has all the qualities of a top class actor.

His powerful voice was well suited to the part he played. He was well received by the audience. Maybe this had something to do with the fact 90 percent of the audience was female?

His looks and talent completely dominated the second act.

To have sat and listened to the music, directed by Keith Yearsley only, would have been delightful in itself but this, added to the top-rate performance given by all the cast, made for a fully enjoyable evening.

John Palin, the producer warrants a well deserved pat on the back, for this must be one of the best shows the group have staged. A lot of work obviously went into the making of the costumes and the scenery, which was painted by Diane Houlihan and Phyllis Newton.

From the overture to the final act, the show sustained its vigour, humour, and entertainment. It is a show for all the family and one worth making the time to go and see.

Tickets are available from the ticket office of the Majestic Theatre.

Macclesfield Community News

"Melodious and wll acted"

A most melodious and well acted performance of "Die Federmaus" was given by Macclesfield Majestic Theatre Group last month, with one of the most hilarious and well time drunk scenes I have ever seen.

The beautiful music of Johann Strauss was beautifully interpreted by the whole cast, particularly principals Carol Taylor and Lewis Pritchard, as Rosalinda and Gabriel Eisenstein, Pauline Baxendale making a welcome return t a main role with the group as Adele, the main, and Flyn Taulor as Rosalind's suitor Alfred.

Every move, every gesture, must have been rehearsed hundreds of times, yet the acting was so natural it seemed entirely spontaneous - a tribute indeed to the expertise of these actors, who are long established favourites with Majestic Theatre audiences.

Excellent support was given by Paul Shortt as prison governor, whos comic timing mad for many gales of laughter; Harvey Dickinson as Doctor Falke, Stephen Clayton as Prince Orlofsky, Barbara Dickinson as Ida, Don Riseley as the lawyer, David McGuinees as the Police Sergeant (one of the wonderful drunks) George Brown as Ivan and Deirdre Rogers as Mitzi.

Congratulations to producer John H. Palin, musical director Keith Yearsley, choreographer Jean Patterson, and the creators of the excellent sets.