Calamity Jane Lyrics – All Songs from the Musical

Synopsis: Calamity Jane.

The premiere of the musical took place in 1961, with lead actress Betty O'Neill, and the second female lead played by Allyn Ann McLerie. She then played the same character in the film of 1953, where the main role was given to a bright, young and sparkling personality, Edie Adams.

All of the first staging of this musical were very little in time, no longer than 1 – 2 months, if not a couple of weeks. After appearing of a TV show in 1962 (which was closed in 1963), the main role in it was done by Carol Burnett. Throughout 1963, the screens saw the movie, TV show came up, and there were several representations of the musical in the theaters.

In 2005 it was planned to launch a musical on Broadway, but this plan did not come true and setting the next time came only in 2012 with such actors: J. Carrillo, D. Pessano, T. Cowger, E. Pessano, B. Pecheau, T. Maldonado. In 2015, there were two different productions of the play in the United States.

In 1974, the UK experienced slightly updated presentation of the musical, then in 1979 it was a tour on the UK, which lasted for 12 weeks. 1994, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2015 – these are all the years of new presentations worldwide, mostly in the UK and US. If until 2010, performances were mostly very sugary, starting this year they have become more stringent, mapping the better the reality of those days when Calamity lived (nee Martha Jane Cannary). The nickname Calamity stuck to her when the people saw how rigid and peremptory she was.

A stage coach thunders. Pistols flash. Calamity Jane rides into Deadwood bragging freedom.
She vows to fetch famed singer Adelaid Adams. Chaos follows. Mistaken identity sparks laughs.
Jane rescues timid Katie Brown, conquers Chicago, then confronts jealousy. Secret love blooms.
Beneath the Black Hills of Dakota, Jane finally drops the swagger and claims Wild Bill.

Classic Story Arc.

• Frontier messenger tackles showbusiness hype.
• Gender-bending antics question 1870s norms.
• Romance wins, yet independence lingers.

Production History.

1961, Casa Mañana, Texas. First try-out packed the arena.

St Louis MUNY soon roared with Edie Adams and Allyn Ann McLerie.

2014, Watermill Theatre revived the piece actor-musician style, guitars slung on holsters.

2025 UK and Ireland Tour.

Director Nikolai Foster restages his hit version. Nick Winston co-directs and choreographs.

Carrie Hope Fletcher headlines as Jane, cracking whips and hearts.

• Vinny Coyle – Wild Bill Hickok.
• Luke Wilson – Danny Gilmartin.
• Seren Sandham-Davies – Katie Brown.

Tour opens 14 January 2025, Aylesbury Waterside, then gallops through 30 venues, Dublin included.

West End transfer discussions continue between producers and several theatres.

Creative Team Snapshot.

• Catherine Jayes – orchestrations, musical supervision.
• Matthew Wright – set and costumes echo prairie chic.
• Lighting: Tim Mitchell. Sound: Ben Harrison.

Notable Songs.

• "The Deadwood Stage (Whip-Crack-Away)"
• "Just Blew in from the Windy City"
• "Secret Love" – Oscar winner, still tender.
• "Black Hills of Dakota"

Recent Reviews.

The Times praised thigh-slapping hoedowns yet craved deeper queer subtext. Three stars.

Audience Experience.

Actor-musicians swap banjos mid-scene. Hoops swirl. Kids gasp at the lasso tricks.

Questions and Answers.

Is the 2025 tour family-friendly?

Yes. Minimal language, lively humor, vivid songs suit ages eight and above.

Will Carrie Hope Fletcher record a cast album?

Producers hinted at a live album if ticket demand remains high.

How long is the performance?

Two hours thirty minutes including one brisk interval.

Does the script mention Native nations?

The new revival trims dated references, focusing on Jane’s journey.

Which song brings standing ovations?

"Secret Love" still lifts roofs, every single night.