Naomi Price as Calamity Jane in Calamity Jane. Image credit: Morgan Roberts

Gosh a mighty! Calamity Jane has made a whip-cracking return to Queensland Theatre Company’s Bille Brown Theatre for an encore season before embarking on a regional tour across Queensland.

It can be hard to believe that a 1950s musical about singing, dancing cowboys still holds relevance today, particularly given some of the attitudes and language of its time. Yet Queensland Theatre Company’s production of Calamity Jane, adapted by Ronald Hanmer and Phil Park from the stage play by Charles K. Freeman, directed by Richard Carroll, manages to preserve the heart and spirit of the original story while moving away from the film’s repeated use of hateful and derogatory language towards Native Americans.

Mingled with audience interactions both in pre-show and throughout the performance in the intimate set of the Golden Garter saloon, it’s a cabaret-esque formula that works to incredible effect, building an exciting atmosphere amongst the crowd. Within the iconic opening number “The Deadwood Stage”, Calamity sings a line to a man in the saloon called Joe – taking advantage of the on-stage audience, we see a randomly selected audience member cast as Joe, prompted to read lines and take part in dance numbers throughout. This is a delightful addition to the chaos that ensues throughout this joyous romp from start to finish, which works very well in delivery due to Joe’s limited involvement and stage presence, making the moments in which he is involved more impactful when the punchline arrives.

The cast of this production is excellent and, though smaller than one might expect for a musical ensemble, works wonderfully for the space and nature of the performance. The boots of Calamity Jane are certainly difficult ones to fill following Doris Day’s iconic performance in the 1950s classic. However, Naomi Price (Ladies in Black, Rumour Has It) brings her all to this stage adaptation, showcasing beautiful vocals and excellent comedic timing throughout her interactions with both the ensemble and the audience. Price not only maintains the heart of Day’s characterisation of Calamity but truly makes the role her own. Her interactions with crush Lieutenant Danny Gilmartin, played by Sean Sinclair (The Great Gatsby, Hamilton), are hilarious, going so far as to steal chairs from audience members, love truly does make people do the silliest of things.

Joining Price amidst the love-struck chaos of the saloon is Jeremiah Wray (Macbeth, Pride & Prejudice) as love interest Wild Bill Hickock. Wray has featured in an incredible line-up of theatre this year, bringing unique performances to each of the roles he has played, and it is great to see him knocking it out of the park yet again with his performance in Calamity Jane. The role of Bill, originated on film by Howard Keel, is charming, but certainly feels like a more wooden and serious character, with little mind for funny business. Wray, however, expertly introduces a fresh take on the role through subtle comedic micro-expressions whenever Bill finds himself in the presence of his crush, Katie Brown, played by Aurélie Roque (The Last Ship, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). Moments like these truly leave the audience giddy with laughter. Dash Kruck (Brisbane, Little Shop of Horrors) is also a delight to witness as the excitable Francis Fryer, bringing high energy and comedy to the role. Fryer himself finds love with Henry Miller’s ‘niece’, Susan Miller, played by Juliette Coates (Mamma Mia!, Eat, Slay, Zombie), a character who does not appear in the film. The repeated references to Susan being Henry’s ‘niece’ as a joke throughout the show, seemingly implying that this perhaps is not actually the case, unfortunately do not land as intended, with no ultimate payoff by the musical’s conclusion. That said, Coates is an absolute delight as Susan Miller, while also bringing great contrast as the narcissistic Adelaide Adams, the great muse of all the men of Deadwood. It is around Adelaide that the ultimate chaos of the story ensues, all because of a picture in a cigarette packet, or, as Calamity would say, a ‘cigareet’ packet.

Having grown up with a deep love and appreciation for Calamity Jane, it makes hearing the music live a particularly poignant experience. “The Black Hills of Dakota” and “Secret Love” are such beautiful songs, and hearing Price and the ensemble breathe new life into them with such delicious harmonies is a real treat. In fact, what I love about the pacing of this production is that, with the second act typically being shorter than the first, we see these particularly beloved and iconic numbers placed close to one another as the final events of the show unfold, creating a delicious musical sandwich. The production’s frequent high-energy and fast-paced nature makes its moments of stillness all the more effective. We encounter “The Black Hills of Dakota” at precisely such a moment, arguably one of the best songs in the musical, as Calam’ and the gang travel to the ball where heartbreak awaits. As Price begins to sing, banjo in hand, the lighting dims and the audience is drawn into a state of complete focus. One by one, the ensemble joins her on stage, and the staging creates a wonderful opportunity to simply listen, to focus on the lyrics and reflect on the characters’ journey to this point in the story. This production really wants you to feel the music, and it is made evident by this scene alone.

Much like the film, the progression of Calamity’s switch from being in love with Danny to being in love with Bill is practically instantaneous and endearingly hilarious. Price and Wray play this out to perfection. And, like all good happy endings, we conclude with not only a double but a triple wedding. After all, good things come in threes! Inviting the audience to stand as the bridal procession enters adds a wonderful sense of intimacy to the moment. Another clever element of concluding with a wedding is the post-performance jam session in the theatre bar foyer, effectively transforming it into a wedding reception. These pre and post-show interactions with the cast really amplify the audience experience of a beloved musical that has clearly stood the test of time. Though different in presentation, its very essence remains well intact, refreshed and revitalised for a brand-new audience.

Queensland Theatre Company’s Calamity Jane is a delightful night out at the theatre filled with joy, heart and laughter.

Now on tour, you can catch this production at the following locations and venues:

Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton, 30 September 2026
Prosperine Entertainment Centre, Prosperine, 3 October 2026
Townsville Civic Centre, Townsville, 9 & 10 October 2026
The Empire, Toowoomba, 15-17 October 2026
Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg, 22-24 October 2026
The Events Centre, Caloundra, 30 October – 1 November 2026
Redland Performing Arts Centre, Redland, 6-7 November 2026

Find out more and book now at queenslandtheatre.com.au