HIGH SOCIETY at The Mill at Sonning
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โAn elegant production. A swell party indeed. What a swellegant, elegant party this is!โ
Thereโs a bit of a bluesy, Southern vibe about the Mill at Sonningโs โHigh Societyโ; as though weโre on the banks of the Mississippi rather than Long Islandโs North Shore. Yet at the same time thereโs a feel-good fifties swing that flits between the New York plaza suites and a high school prom reunion. For the senses this is an intoxicating mix that makes you feel as lightheaded as the bubbles in the constantly flowing champagne onstage. It takes a little while, however, for it to find its flavour.
The musical draws from the 1939 play โA Philadelphia Storyโ and the 1956 musical film โHigh Societyโ. The original Cole Porter songs are all there, with others from his catalogue thrown into the mix for the stage version, slotting into the narrative with varying degrees of success. A narrative that is, on the surface, flimsy, flirtatious and fun. There is some underlying social commentary about class, but overall, it is a backdrop to the music, and it relies on the delivery and the snappy dialogue. Joe Pitcherโs revival focuses on the razzmatazz with glitzy performances from the lead players, ensemble and musicians alike.
It is the summer of 1958, an evening aglow with a warm setting sun. Preparations are underway for the wedding of society-divorcee Tracy Lord (Victoria Serra) and George Kitteridge (Will Richardson). Tracyโs first husband, Dexter Haven (Matt Blaker), gate-crashes events with predictable results as he tries to win back the affections of his first wife. Meanwhile a tabloid newspaper possesses embarrassing information about Tracyโs wayward father and has coerced the family into allowing reporter Mike Conner (Matthew Jeans) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Laura Tyrer) to cover the nuptials. Thus begins a tangled web of romances and revelations.
โthe gorgeous splashes of colour from Natalie Titchenerโs sumptuous costumes wash across the stage in time to Jaye Elsterโs dazzling choreographyโ
Pitcherโs immersive staging allows the audience to feel like they are guests at the party, the auditorium being an extension to the sumptuous drawing room where most of the action takes place. Chris Whybrowโs sound design evokes the festivities spilling outside; to the gardens, the pool and down to the moonlit beach where Dexterโs yacht is moored. The band wander into and out of view, while the gorgeous splashes of colour from Natalie Titchenerโs sumptuous costumes wash across the stage in time to Jaye Elsterโs dazzling choreography. But when the music pauses, for the most part the dialogue lacks the quick-fire lightness of touch that Arthur Kopitโs book requires, leaving the lines to be dragged back by an earnestness that dims the twinkle in these charactersโ eyes. There are exceptions. Victoria Serra is quite a force to be reckoned with as Tracy Lord; sometimes angry, often drunk and always playful. Katlo, in her professional debut, is a pure bundle of joy as Lordโs little sister Dinah, and a name to watch out for. When the tabloid hacks waft in to ruffle a few feathers, we get a real sense of the fifties filmโs original showmanship and delivery. Jeansโ smooth-talking, all-knowing journalist melts hearts left right and centre while, despite his dubious occupation, his own heart nobly aims Cupidโs arrow away from himself to let โtrue loveโ blossom in the correct place.
In fact, none of the performers fail to melt our hearts during the musical numbers. The ensemble harmonies are exquisite, while the solo moments scorch as they weave seamlessly between the smouldering ballads and the flaming Latin passion that fires Cole Porterโs songs, courtesy of Jerome Van Den Bergheโs arrangements. A brave approach, but fans of Cole Porter will not be disappointed. as each cast member take their turn to lend their beautiful vocals.
โHigh Societyโ, although not particularly festive, is a Christmas treat that you canโt afford to miss. An elegant production. A swell party indeed. What a swellegant, elegant party this is!
HIGH SOCIETY at The Mill at Sonning
Reviewed on 9th December 2023
by Jonathan Evans
Photography by Andreas Lambis
Previously reviewed at this venue:
Itโs Her Turn Now | โ โ โ | October 2023
Gypsy | โ โ โ โ โ | June 2023
Top Hat | โ โ โ โ | November 2022
Barefoot in the Park | โ โ โ โ | July 2022
High Society
High Society
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