High Society on George Clooney’s doorstep

High Society, at The Mill at Sonning until January 20

Review by DEREK ANSELL

Famous as two Hollywood films, this play appeared first as The Philadelphia Story, a 1930s movie with Katherine Hepburn. Most famously though, it was produced as High Society, a 1956s film with Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and the Louis Armstrong All Stars.

Director Joe Pitcher’s sparkling production here appears to have taken scenes and dialogue from both films, added extras, and even fleshed out the Cole Porter songs written for the film with a few extra gems from the composer. Everything comes together here in a bright, colourful extravaganza of singing, dancing, and acting.

Leading parts are played with great flair by Matt Blaker as Dexter, Heather Jackson as Mother, Victoria Serra as Tracy Lord and Katlo, a delightful portrayal of Tracy’s annoying younger sister. Mathew Jeans did well as Mike Connor as did Laura Tyrer as Liz, the couple sent from Spy magazine to catch the gossip and scandal going on in ‘High Society.’

This production had so many original touches and a large cast and crew making it impossible to mention everyone in a brief review. However, Jason Denvir must be mentioned for his striking, panoramic set which featured a full widescreen backdrop of the Oyster Bay Long Island setting complete with ships floating past and lights on their sails for night-time scenes.

Many scenes and song routines were adapted for this production, notably putting a fresh slant on Did You Evah? for this show. In the film the song was a special routine for Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, but here it was slotted neatly into this show.

A four-piece band provided the live music for the many songs, including Just One Of Those Things, a Porter favourite that wasn’t in the film.

Maybe the most impressive thing about this production was that although the storyline is familiar, over familiar to many people, this show came across as an all singing, acting, dancing spectacular that actually appeared to be fresh and original.

That was down to the imaginative, creative input by sound and lighting designers, musical director, choreographer, and the performers. And all pulled together and laid out on stage by director Jo Pitcher.

Even right at the end there were innovative touches as Victoria Serra as Tracy went up into the audience to recruit them all as wedding guests.

All that was missing was Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong singing Now You Has Jazz, but you can’t have everything.