December 2011 - Victorian Drama League
Transcription
December 2011 - Victorian Drama League
theatrecraft THE VICTORIAN DRAMA LEAGUE INC. ISSN 0311-7138 webpage: www.theatrecraft.org.au ,;8G;.<6GBE<4AE4@4$84:H8 J4E7F&<:;G email:[email protected] December 2011 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Office Notes 5 2011 VDL Award list 9 Maxwell Hastings Obituary 13 What’s On 14 One Act Festivals 14 Auditions 15 Tech Corner 16 Membership and Contact Details 28 REVIEWS THE TANK 6 Sunshine Community Theatre CAFFIENE 7 Kew Court House TWO COMEDIES: THE RACK & THE GREAT FLOOD 7 Swan Hill Theatre Group DEATH BY FATAL MURDER 8 Torquay Theatre Troupe CARAVAN 9 Peridot Theatre RETURN TO EARTH 10 Melbourne Theatre Company CROSSING DELANCY 10 The 1812 Theatre THE MOUSETRAP 11 Southern Peninsula Players Above: Award winners from Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company. Left: MC Peter Newling demonstrates how to mount the stage. Right: President Richard Burman welcomes everyone. Below: A large turnout for the night. EBENEZER — A ROCK MUSICAL 12 MOaRTZ CASH ON DELIVERY 13 Frankston Theatre Group SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD 17 Dandenong Theatre Company JIGSAWS 17 The Basin Theatre Group HAPPY BIRTHDAY 18 Sherbrooke Theatre Company JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT 19 Mornington CEF Players THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG 20 Malvern Theatre Company KIMBERLY AKIMBO 20 Brighton Theatre Company BLOOD BROTHERS 21 Gemco Players BEYOND A JOKE 21 Essendon Theatre Company THE CEMETERY CLUB 22 Encore Theatre ‘ALLO ‘ALLO 23 Lilydale Athenaeum EDUCATING RITA 24 Strathmore Theatre Arts Group FAWLTY TOWERS 24 Beaumaris Theatre OVER THE MOON 25 Geelong Repertory Theatre MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS 25 The Mount Players Library Christmas Hours Library closed from Monday, December 19, 2011 Re-opening Monday, January 16, 2012 UNDER MILK WOOD Heidelberg Theatre Company 26 Nicholas Ryan for Graham McGuffie (Gold Best Set, Gold Best Lighting) and Andrew McMillan Andrea Cole (Gold Best Sound) and Andrew McMillan ADJUDICATORS’ AWARDS NOMINATIONS FOR TECHNICAL AWARDS JANINE CHUGG 1. BEST SET DESIGNER FOR A COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION Jeff Saliba, Not About Heroes by Stephen MacDonald, Williamstown Little Theatre The nominations are: Kasper Sussman, Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Sherbrooke Theatre Company To Alex Lance for taking on a role when an actor became unavailable for Strathmore Theatre Arts Group’s production of Hysteria by Terry Johnson To Malvern Theatre Company for the choreography of the scene changes in the production of The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin COLIN ROCHFORD To Mick Poor of Eltham Theatre Company’s for the foyer display of We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs To Nicola Baker for the program design of The Basin Theatre Group’s production, Natural Causes by Eric Chappell Doug Bennett, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Bob Bramble, Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Sherbrooke Theatre Company Geoff Davey, Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Graham McGuffie, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company John Shelbourn, Not About Heroes by Stephen Macdonald, Williamstown Little Theatre Alan Thompson, ‘Allo!’ Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company DAVID SMALL Silver Award: John Shelbourn To The Hartwell Players for the great use of space without a set for their production of The Voysey Inheritance by Harley GranvilleBarker. Gold Award: Graham McGuffie ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD The nominations are: To Nick Dellicastelli who came into his first ever “serious role” of Barry several weeks into rehearsals of Wangarratta Players’ production, Face to Face by David Williamson 2. BEST LIGHTING DESIGNER FOR A COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION Paul Haywood, The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt, The Mount Players Neil Williamson, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Silver Award: Neil Williamson Gold Award: Andrea Cole 4. BEST COSTUME DESIGNER FOR A COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Sylvia Carr, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Wendy Drowley, Lois Connor & Dianne Brennan, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Kristina Doucouliagos and Emma Sproule, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Janine Kerwood, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Maureen McInerney, Anne Rendall, Bronwyn King, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Deryk Hartwick, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Paula Morgan, ‘Allo! ‘Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company Deryk Hartwick,The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Shane Ryan, Not About Heroes by Stephen Macdonald, Williamstown Little Theatre Scott Hasse, The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt, The Mount Players Silver Award: Shane Ryan Graham McGuffie, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Andrew Oldroyd, Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Silver Award: Deryk Hartwick (Life After George) Gold Award: Graham McGuffie 3. BEST SOUND DESIGNER FOR A COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Page 2 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Rob Ellis, Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Gordon Boyd, Not About Heroes by Stephen Macdonald, Williamstown Little Theatre Robin LeBlond, Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Sherbrooke Theatre Company Kristina Doucouliagos (Best Lead Actress Comedy) and Edna Bartlett Kristina Doucouliagos and Emma Sproule (Gold Best Costume) Andrea Cole, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Gold Award: Kristina Doucouliagos and Emma Sproule NOMINATIONS FOR BEST ACTING AWARDS 1. BEST ACTOR IN A MINOR ROLE FOR COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Peter Emery as Lane and Merriman, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Bruce Carter as Minster/Bert/Keith (voice), We Gail Bradley (Best Lead Actress Drama) and Alan Dilnot Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Brian Farrell as Timms, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Colin Donald as Peacey, The Voysey Inheritance by Harley Granville-Barker, The Hartwell Players Lachlan Haul as Young Philo Farnsworth, Trader #6 and others, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company David Crothers as Leclerk, ‘Allo!’ Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company Warwick Loveless as Henry, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Che Timmins as Zac, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Awarded to: Peter Emery James Antonas (Best Lead Actor Comedy) and Edna Bartlett Barry O’Neill (Best Lead Actor Drama) and Alan Dilnot 3. BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR A COMEDY PRODUCTION Dean Gunera as Salvador Dali, Hysteria by Terry Johnson, Strathmore Theatre Arts Group The nominations are: Dexter Bourke as Earnest Withers, Natural Causes by Eric Chappell, The Basin Theatre Group Samuel Chappel as Scripps, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Jeff Saliba as George Everson, Waiter, James, Howard, Banker #1, Judge and others, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company David Dodd as Rev. Canon Chasuble, D.D., The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Chris Shaw as Roat, Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Sherbrooke Theatre Company Tim Driver as Posner, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Aaron Holeman as James Davis, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business by Elizabeth Coleman, Sunshine Community Theatre Daniel O’Kane as Doug, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre 2. BEST ACTRESS IN A MINOR ROLE FOR COMEDY OR DRAMA PRODUCTION Xavier Ryan as Tom, Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn, Essendon Theatre Company The nominations are: Awarded to: Daniel O’Kane Cassi Clingan-Borst as Girl, Surgical Student, Prostitute, Maid & Edward Hyde, Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde by Jeffery Hatcher, Geelong Repertory Theatre Company 4. BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR A COMEDY PRODUCTION Rose Jowett Smith as Young David Sarnoff and others, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company The nominations are: Susan Carty as Celia Bryce, Natural Causes by Eric Chappell, The Basin Theatre Group Caitlin Farrelly as Yvette, ‘Allo!’ Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company Jennifer Gilchrist as Lady Bracknell, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Brooke Hampton as Ms. Forsythe, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Kathryn Moloney as Annie, Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn, Essendon Theatre Company Aishling Sharkey as Leonie, Away by Michael Gow, Purely Pensive Productions Nina McLean as Emily, The Voysey Inheritance by Harley Granville-Barker, The Hartwell Players Alison Knight as Honor Voysey, The Voysey Inheritance by Harley Granville-Barker, The Hartwell Players Jackie Fraser as Ruth, Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn, Essendon Theatre Company Salina Henderson as Lucy, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Awarded to: Rose Jowett Smith Keith Hutton as Leslie Gorrell, Walter Gifford, Vladimir Zworykin, Banker#3 and others, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company Awarded to: Joe Dias 6. BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR A DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Melissa Karakaltsas as Charlotte Peters, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Jane Menze as Helen Irving, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Lauren O’Callaghan as Elizabeth Jelkes, Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde by Jeffery Hatcher, Geelong Repertory Theatre Company Llaaneath Poor as Rosalind Roberts, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Continued on Page 4 Kate McManus as Cherry, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Janie-Lee Zwagerman as Reba Harper, A Bad Year For Tomatoes by John Patrick, MOaRTZ Awarded to: Jennifer Gilchrist 5. BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE FOR A DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Zoran Babic as Happy, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Joe Dias as Biff, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Kevin Trask (Best Director Drama, accepted for Best Drama) and Richard Burman Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 3 Emma Sproule (Best Director Comedy, accepted for Best Comedy) and Richard Burman Continued from Page 3 Kim Ryan as Lizette Sarnoff, Mary Pickford, Mina Edison and others, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company Eleanor Duckworth and Edna Bartlett select winners of the door prizes. Brad Lowry as Philo T. Farnsworth, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company Nick Martin as Mr. Green, Visiting Mr. Green by Jeff Baron, The 1812 Theatre Katie Timms as Gloria, Wait Until Dark by Frederick Knott, Sherbrooke Theatre Company William Mulholland as Professor Peter George, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Awarded to: Melissa Karakaltsis & Jane Menze Barry O’Neill as Willy Loman, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company 7. BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE FOR A COMEDY PRODUCTION The nominations are: James Antonas as Norman, Living Together by Alan Ayckbourn, Essendon Theatre Company Nicholas Barker-Pendree as Algernon Moncrieff, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Bruce Grainger as Henri, Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Richard Green as Roy, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Tim Maloney as Rene, ‘Allo!’ Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company Awarded to: James Antonas 8. BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE FOR A COMEDY PRODUCTION The nominations are: Kristina Doucouliagos as Cecily Cardew, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Sharon King as Myra Marlowe/Sis Sadie, A Bad Year For Tomatoes by John Patrick, MOaRTZ Teddy Neave as Meg Bacon, Secret Bridesmaids’ Business by Elizabeth Coleman, Sunshine Community Theatre Stephen Shinkfield as David Sarnoff, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company Awarded to: Barry O’Neill 10. BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE FOR A DRAMA PRODUCTION The nominations are: Kellie Brae as Beatrix George, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Gail Bradley as Professor Lindsay Graham, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Dana Kronental as Jessica, Hysteria by Terry Johnson, Strathmore Theatre Arts Group Genevieve Ryan as Hetty Oaks, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre 2. BEST DIRECTOR OF A COMEDY PRODUCTION Bruce Akers, The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company Sharon Maine, Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre Andrew Olroyd, Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Emma Sproule, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Awarded to: Emma Sproule NOMINATIONS FOR BEST PRODUCTIONS 1. BEST PRODUCTION OF A DRAMA The nominations are: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell, Dandenong Theatre Company Awarded to: Death of a Salesman Carol Shelbourn as Sheila, The Shoe-Horn Sonata by John Misto, Brighton Theatre Company 2. BEST PRODUCTION OF A COMEDY Awarded to: Gail Bradley ‘Allo!’ Allo! by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Werribee Theatre Company The nominations are: NOMINATIONS FOR BEST DIRECTORS Così by Louis Nowra, Gemco Players Community Theatre 1. BEST DIRECTOR OF A DRAMA PRODUCTION The History Boys by Alan Bennett, Heidelberg Theatre Company The nominations are: The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Laell Raiteri as Vincent, Natural Causes by Eric Chappell, The Basin Theatre Group Doug Bennett, Life After George by Hannie Rayson, Encore Theatre Annabelle Tudor as Hon. Gwendolen Fairfax, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, Beaumaris Theatre Gayle Poor, We Happy Few by Imogen Stubbs, Eltham Little Theatre Awarded to: Kristina Doucouliagos Shane Ryan, The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin, Malvern Theatre Company 9. BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE FOR A DRAMA PRODUCTION Kevin Trask, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company The nominations are: Awarded to: Kevin Trask Page 4 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Jill Edwards (VDL Life Membership) and Richard Burman Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, FAMDA Awarded to: The Importance of Being Earnest More Awards Night photos will be published in the February 2012 issue of Theatrecraft. office President’s Notes Well, here we are again, the December Theatrecraft, at the end of another calendar year — and what a chequered year it has been. Looking generally at our group members and their activities, this has been a pretty successful year, with a large number of productions and, on the whole, of a pretty high standard. It has been my privilege and pleasure to see many of them, not only as a reviewer for Theatrecraft or as an occasional adjudicator for the awards in an emergency but as an ordinary audience member attending for the pleasure of it. And what a great variety of plays you have presented this year. Congratulations! Our small number of play-reading group members still operate successfully and our individual membership numbers are holding steady. ORiGiN to represent Samuel French from January 1, 2012. ORiGiN Theatrical will be the Australian representatives of Samuel French from January 1, 2012. There will be further details in the February Theatrecraft. See Stage Whispers online information at http://www. stagewhispers.com.au/node/8017 I k c c [ h IY^eebi ;nj[dZ oekhi[b\ Judging by the plays for next year which have been notified in subscriber, membership, promotional and advertising material 2012 promises to be an exciting year for you too. It has been more of a difficult year here at the League as you know. The reduced opening hours and staff numbers and the resulting changes to the administration from these are just coming into operation as I write. The next twelve to twenty-four months are going to be a critical and testing time for the League and the patience, co-operation and support of all of you, our members, will be vital to ensure the continued life of the League. Do not forget that the League is a body listed on the Cultural Register and any donations that you are able to make will be taxdeductible to you. By the time you read these notes, the Awards Night will have been held and I enjoyed meeting many of you there, as did the other members of your committee. Coming up smartly in January are the Summer Schools. A special note of thanks before we close this calendar year must be given to Damian Vuleta, who has done such a sterling job editing our newsletter and making sure we get a bright, informative and as up-to-date a magazine as he can. We do appreciate your work for us, Damian. On behalf of your committee and myself I wish you all a very happy and relaxing Festive Season and holiday time — we will need it before we plunge back into the extraordinary and exciting world of the theatre of 2012. With all best wishes, Richard Burman President PLEASE NOTE: The VDL accepts Credit Card payments (Visa & Mastercard), and we also have EFTPOS facilities. Also Direct Bank Deposits can be made to our Westpac Bank account. BSB: 033009 A/C: 440329 Please reference the account number or your name. Kick off 2012 with a challenge to your skills and knowledge! As an umbrella organisation to support amateur theatre we are proud to kick off 2012 with two performing arts-focussed Summer School programs: ≠ Youth Performing Arts Summer School (Y.PASS) for 2012’s Year 7–12 ≠ Adult Program which has two streams: Directing and Acting. The Youth Program tutors include Dee Whittington, Michaela Smith, Glenda May and Emily Fraser, all of whom have a wealth of experience in working with young people in plays, musicals and workshop settings. It’s on Monday 16–Friday 20 January, with the Wednesday being a tour day of a range of Melbourne theatres. The program concludes with an informal workshop showing, dinner and attendance of a performance in a local Black Box theatre. The fee of $275 includes all meals, transport and access to the theatre tours. The Summer School will be held in air-conditioned comfort at BDC Dance in Ashwood (near Ashburton). Limited low-cost billeting is available at $75 for the week (Sunday night to Thursday night). For more about the Youth Summer School contact Joanne Watt on 9888 0198, or email [email protected] or see www. theatrecraft.org.au The Adult Program (18+) again welcomes tutors Julian Oldfield (Directing) and Geoff Wallis (Acting) who have previously led the Summer School with great responses to their approach and tailored guidance. It’s on Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 January (Australia Day weekend), 10:00 am–5:00 pm at St Mary’s College, Carlton, and there are residential ($330) and live out options ($250). Payment due December 31. For more about the Adult summer school contact Liz Lipski on 9509 9992 or llmelb@ yahoo.com or see www.theatrecraft.org.au Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 5 reviews (l–r) Trish Dickinson, Gerard Dickinson and Xavier Ryan in Sunshine Community Theatre’s The Tank. Photo by Stephen Andrews. THE TANK By Steve Thomas Original music by Mick Thomas Sunshine Community Theatre Directed by Craig Ryan Reviewed by Ewen Crockett – November 4, 2011 A lot of things were wrong with this production, but I loved it. For some strange quirky reason it worked. From the moment of arrival we were introduced to ‘Country Australia’ with a comprehensive foyer display, and on entering the auditorium the open set enhanced the feeling. A kitchen (I’ve never before seen a wood burning stove made of wood), a lounge room, with the principle piece of furniture being the front seat of an FJ Holden, and an outside area beside a corrugated iron water tank completed a very workable set. Some of the interesting items of decor were an ancient wire strainer, a rusted bit of harness, the remains of a hand water pump (the sort we used to put into 44-gallon drums), a 1940/50s-style tin bucket and mop, a butcher’s block and a jack saw (for city folk, that’s almost a cross-cut saw but with only one handle). The whole thing left us with no doubt as to where we were. No set designer is mentioned in the program, but well done whoever you are. Lights and sound were ordinary. A quick look at the lighting board, and noticing some of the fancy stuff on the rig, convinced me that more could have been done to enhance what was happening on stage. I was confused at the beginning of the bushfire scene when the sound seemed like a rain storm, the lights outside appeared to be a lightning display and the stage was washed with solid red… what? Fortunately the dialogue cleared up the confusion. The program states “Original music by © IMPORTANT: REVIEWS COPYRIGHT The reviews of plays published in Theatrecraft are copyright and, if reproduced in your theatre company newsletter, must not be edited but reproduced in their entirety. And please credit that the review of your production is from Theatrecraft published by the Victorian Drama League. Page 6 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Mick Thomas”. I’m not sure what was original; the theme from the old TV series Rawhide (1959–1965) certainly wasn’t, and I recognised some others as well. That aside, the band comprised of three very talented musicians; John Hayes, Brian Hocking and Craig Ryan, all playing multiple instruments, giving an effective country feel to the production… I do so love good banjo picking. The play takes us on a journey through part of the life of a prematurely pregnant young girl living with not her best choice of a life partner in a run-down house beside a dusty highway frequented by trucks presumably trying to dodge weigh stations. Enough said, that’s basically the plot. Oh, and worry about dust in the house and when they can get a new water tank. Sounds dull, but it wasn’t. The actors and actress portrayed their roles with enthusiasm. Trish Dickinson, as Dora, pregnant (and married?) at 15 years and faced with a lifetime of drudge, did justice to the role and she has an excellent singing voice. Her husband Roy, played by Gerard Dickinson, convinced me with his “couldn’t care less, I’m going bush” attitude. Stephen Galea, as Councillor John Deere was less convincing but certainly knew his role. My congratulations to Xavier Ryan as Harold, who took on the challenge of performing the complicated role of Narrator complete with singing publicly for the first time. My understanding is that prior to this his singing has been limited to the daily shower. He has a great voice, if a little lacking in power. Try a full-on musical next, you’ll love it. Throughout the play there were numerous occasions where blocking and masking was a problem. Aimless moves, foot shuffling, mugging to the audience and some uncertainty about their roles were evident. This is a directorial problem. The director, Craig Ryan, says in his notes that he is “pretty sure that this will be his first and last attempt at directing”, I don’t think so! Yes, you got some things wrong, but you also managed to put together a very difficult first production (musicians are a director’s nightmare), and you somehow made it work. Enthusiasm was not lacking here. Pick something simpler for your next production and do your apprenticeship, you have the makings of a good director with an eye for detail. Thank you all for a really enjoyable night. CAFFEINE Written and directed by Joachim Matschoss Kew Court House Arts Association Reviewed by Ken Barnes – November 2, 2011 This was my introduction to KCHAA, a new VDL member whose performances are staged in the friendly and impressively restored Kew Court House. Caffeine also introduced me to an interesting format in which the actors appear as customers in a café surrounded by the audience as other patrons, seated at tables close enough for some limited interaction. The result was a cozy and intimate setup which gave the impression that we were privy to a series of overheard conversations. The action commenced with a rather curt greeting by the feisty waitress who ushered us to our tables. From then on it was all fun and games, with a few touches of pathos, as the four actors spun a tangled web of intrigue and romantic shenanigans, much of which was conducted on mobile phones in the modern style, and all to the amusement of the audience. The experienced and talented Nathan Bosckey played the male role with admirable restraint and total believability. His character (Daniel) delights in a chat over a cuppa and is adept at attracting the interest of young female members of the coffee set. Despite some pyrotechnics among the girls when his double-dealing is revealed, Daniel remained cool and composed throughout the performance. Nice work, Nathan; you were an inspiration to all of us. Monique Fisher was equally impressive as the intrusive and assertive waitress, dressed provocatively in a skimpy outfit including threadbare black stockings, and seemingly disenchanted with her job, while at the same time making a strident pitch for the affections of the hapless Daniel. Monique was a woman with “attitude” and had perfected the moves so typical of the bored waitress, whether wiping the tables or yelling orders to the chef. Nice work, Monique; you gave a whole new meaning to a soy latte. The blonde bombshell Ella was at first totally indifferent to Daniel’s overtures but (to the great amusement of the audience) soon succumbed to his charm. This required Angela Bono to change her whole attitude from the hard-bitten woman of the world to the spellbound and starry-eyed supplicant. She also had to adjust her demeanor several times when confronted by Daniel’s other admirers and finally to turn icy toward Daniel when his duplicity was revealed. Nice work, Angela; you handled this kaleidoscopic role with aplomb. Then there was Sarah, played with panache by Jessica Matthews. Another assertive one, and not a woman to be trifled with, Sarah was the straightest shooter in Daniel’s convoluted love life and Jessica was able to get inside her character in a most convincing way. Her sometimes viperous verbal missiles would have sent a chill through anyone’s heart and yet she was perhaps the most engaging of the female actors. The way she handled the iPod, the frantic texting and the seemingly detached response to Daniel’s pleading was pure magic. Nice work, Jessica; you showed us that Daniel should have quit while he was ahead. It was difficult to find anything to criticise. Perhaps the many phone calls could have been initiated by ringtones so as to add realism; but perhaps that would have been a distraction. As usual, I could have done without the f-bombs, but I guess that is modernday parlance. The director’s deft touch was evident throughout, and important elements of this production were the pregnant pauses within the dialogue, the smooth transition from one sequence to the next, the exquisite moves and mannerisms of all four actors. It was a fine performance and I enjoyed it immensely. TWO COMEDIES The Rack by Louise Neilson Directed by Trudy Rose The Great Flood by A R Kelly Directed by A R Kelly Swan Hill Theatre Group Reviewed By Deborah Fabbro – November 5, 2011 The Swan Hill Theatre Group’s November season was two one-act plays, The Rack and The Great Flood. The Rack, written by Queensland playwright, Louise Neilson, is quite short and provided a curtain raiser for the evening. It explores the theme of Continued on Page 8 The cast of KCHAA’s Caffiene: (l–r) Nathan Bocskay, Angela Bono, Monique Fisher, Jessica Matthews. Photo by Graeme McCoubrie Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 7 From Swan Hill Theatre Group’s Two Comedies: Left: (l–r) Tammy Shields,Sarah Rose and Leah Farrow in The Rack; Right: (l–r) Graeme Page and Don Baker in The Great Flood. Photos by Studio S Imajez. Continued from Page 7 mother-daughter relationships, helping friends in crisis, preparing for houseguests and mistaken identity. Set in the living room of Mary, a former costumier and dresser for a major theatre company, but really a frustrated actress. Leah Farrow played Mary very over-the-top, particularly the parts when she is ‘performing’ roles from various plays. While the character is meant to be ‘not so good’, this trait was rather grating as her voice became shrill and almost incoherent at times. play were recognised for the amalgam of locals they portrayed and that there were some ‘in’ jokes in the dialogue but this did not hinder understanding or enjoyment of the production for an outof-towner. We all know these types in our own communities: the pompous mayor with his platitudes, the policeman who can only speak in the language of police evidence statements, the buckpassing officials etc. I loved the way these characters entered and exited creating the effect of a ‘revolving door’ highlighting just how bureaucracy works, or doesn’t, sometimes. Sarah Rose gave a nicely balanced performance as Charlotte, Mary’s daughter. She conveyed the bored, put-upon single mother well, then nicely turned when confronting Helena who has arrived to choose a costume for a fancy dress party. Danielle Lowry was a suitably bewildered Helena as she contended with Mary’s kookiness regarding the costumes and Charlotte’s outburst. The finest performance came from Tammy Shields as Pamela, the family friend who has broken up with her fiancé. She used body language well, had a good sense of timing and tried to make the most of her scene ‘hiding’ from Helena; however, a more choreographed approach would have enhanced this action. I cannot mention all 11 cast members individually but all seemed to have a good understanding of their characters and this came across in the performances. There needed to be tighter direction and more cohesion in the performances. In a number of places ‘business’ needed to be better devised and worked into the action instead of having the actors floundering with unsure moves and actions. The director also should have checked the actors ‘playing out front’ when this was not called for. In an article in the local press, Andrew Kelly said that while he was initially worried people affected by the floods might find the play “insensitive”, he was banking on the Australian trait of not taking yourself too seriously. The minimalist staging, with well-chosen dressing, created the mood and The Rack was stocked with an array of dazzling costumes. The main play, The Great Flood, was written by local school teacher and SHTG member, Andrew R Kelly in February 2011 after the January floods that affected much of northern Victoria. It is a comedy that takes a satirical look at a rural town’s (Swan Hill is not named) excessive response to an impending inundation that ultimately does not reach the devastating outcome predicted. Mr Kelly writes in a witty style so that even when there is the occasional bad joke or overly obvious pun and the characters’ names are also puns, this can be forgiven. What makes this play, and this production, work is the avoidance of overplaying the stereotypes. It was necessary to play these caricatures ‘straight’ and this was done with the exception of Noel and Noelene. I feel this was to do with the writing and not necessarily the direction or the actors. The play is set in Maude and Phil’s living room as they wait for the flood to peak in their town with occasional crosses to the studio of the local radio station and to the public meetings held by the authorities. Verlie Carroll’s set design combined with effective lighting design (uncredited but well operated by Rebecca Romeo with Emma Kelly on spot) created these spaces well. The lightning effect was really well created. Sound design was appropriate. Judging by audience reaction, I’m sure that the characters in this Page 8 — Theatrecraft December 2011 The standouts were Verlie Carroll as the housewife who never quite fulfilled her dreams and now has all her efforts to assist the town rejected. She and husband Phil, played by Adam Jacobs, had a great rapport, which made their scenes together work well. The other highlight was Timothy Mitchell as the DJ, Ryan. His evergrowing frustration at the mayor’s constant mispronunciation of his name was a delight to watch. I hope that those who were affected have been able to view this ‘take’ on those events in the good-humoured vein that Mr Kelly intended. DEATH BY FATAL MURDER by Peter Gordon Torquay Theatre Troupe Directed by Fred Preston and Terry Roseburgh Reviewed by Ken Barnes – November 11, 2011 It seems that murder and intrigue continue in epidemic proportions at Bagshot House, the remote country home of the late Colonel Craddock, despite the earnest efforts of the aptlynamed Inspector Pratt and the stoical Constable Thomkins. The police are being assisted in their enquires by a disparate group of characters including the present owners of Bagshot House, the Allrights, a land army girl called Ginny, the mysterious clairvoyant Agatha, the sleazy Enzo and of course the redoubtable Miss Maple. Sound familiar? This ripping yarn is the third of three Christielike spoofs written by the whimsical Peter Gordon, a triple treat brought to the stage in fine style by the accomplished Torquay Theatre Troupe. The TTT operates from a comfortable and patron-friendly auditorium with raised seating providing a commanding view of Fred Preston’s carefully designed and tastefully decorated set, fully equipped with up-market furnishings, paintings and other paraphernalia as befits a fine country house. All the action took place in one room, although off-stage there were several (l–r) Michael Knowles, Bronwyn Cameron, Alan Thompson and Tamara Hill-Beary in Peridot Theatre’s Caravan. Photo by Annette Deboer. mysterious happenings to discomfort the characters. Good direction ensured that the whole stage was used, with actors moving in evocative ways to heighten the tension or accentuate the humour. As lighting played an important part in the story, Jenny Stewart ensured that it was well designed and executed. The costumes were mixed, ranging from perfect (Ginny and Miss Maple) to puzzling (why no badges of rank or pilot’s wings on Roger’s uniform?). Casting was superb. The eight actors worked exceedingly well as a team, their shenanigans and interactions keeping the audience in fits from start to finish. Michael Baker turned in an energetic and sustained performance, wringing the last drop of humour from his Inspector Pratt with all the confronting or pitiful facial expressions and stumbling malapropisms demanded of the role. Carleen Thoernberg was similarly proficient in the opposite direction as a demure and coolly rational Miss Maple, her quiet confidence the perfect foil for the bumbling inspector. The long-suffering Constable Thomkins was played with admirable restraint by Fred Preston who was very much the straight man in the cast, forced to suffer the frustration of working with Pratt while maintaining some semblance of equanimity toward the other characters. The role of Nancy Allright was also one that called for a less flamboyant style than most of the other actors, and Rhiannon Hodgkinson was well suited to it, displaying calm assurance in challenging circumstances and only allowing her eyes to betray the turmoil she was feeling as the chaos swirled about her. This was in contrast to the effervescent clairvoyant Agatha, played with considerable verve and emotional fireworks by Maryanne Doolan, who demonstrated a remarkable ability to converse with the “other side” in the appropriate idiom and with the right accent. While on the subject of accents, all of the actors displayed their abilities in this context, none better than Rory Molloy who played the pseudo-Italian Enzo Garibaldi with believable sleaze and chilling mannerisms; we all breathed a sigh of relief when he got his comeuppance. A different accent altogether was effected by Andrew Gaylard who played Squadron Leader Roger with typical British derring-do in describing his exploits as a Spitfire pilot. In such a stellar cast I hesitate to single out anyone for special mention; however, my favourite was Lisa Berry who played Ginny Farquhar. She was able to convey the upper-crust “daddy’s girl” mannerisms and prim attitude to male advances with a robust inter-personal style and earthy humour of her character to perfection. This hilarious spoof, well directed as it was, provided a vehicle for all the actors to demonstrate their appreciation of the witty and whimsical dialogue and to use subtle mannerisms and movement to extract every laugh from the audience. Some companies do not realise that the eyes play a vital role in telling a story, particularly a comedy. The directors and actors in Fatal Murder certainly understood this, so the audience were often laughing even when nothing was being said. If, like your reviewer, you could happily strangle Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, you will find Peter Gordon’s Miss Maple a far more engaging figure. Great shows like this keep us smiling long after the final curtain. CARAVAN by Donald McDonald Peridot Theatre Directed by Bob Bramble Reviewed by Nicky McFarlane – November 11, 2011 Is Caravan low comedy or farce? A play that relies for laughs on actors continually banging their heads on a rather low doorway (the audience loved it) definitely puts it in the “low” category. On the other hand much of the business involves lowered trousers, drunken falls, musical chairs around the beds and constant arguments about people’s ages and repetitive complaints about just about everything, which I consider puts it sort of in the “farce” area. Some of the dialogue is quite amusing though lacking in wit. I hasten to add that the audience loved every moment of it and laughed heartily all the way. The set designed by the director and David Bramble presents across the width of the stage a cut-open caravan showing a kitchen area, dining setting, two bunk beds and a double bed, prettily dressed in floral covers. It is owned by Parkes and Penny Robinson, who have invited three friends, Rodney and Monica Rice, and Pierce, a single man who has, uninvited, brought a Continued on Page 10 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 9 Continued from Page 9 young girl, Gwendolyn. Six bodies, four beds, and a tent outside, unseen. Parkes cannot stop complaining that someone has pinched their usual site at the beach, Penny has to keep calming him down and Monica is horrified by the primitive state of the toilet block. Then, predictably, it rains, and rains. The actors carry the show along at a smart pace, and make a great team, strong performances all round. Llaaneath Poor gives Gwendolyn a wistful, air-fairy approach which underlines “her three years at an ashram” and her remarks on how to live her life. Her drunken scene is a gem of body language and her little-girl voice just right for the character. friend Jeanie’s inability to have children, Alice’s need/want to fall in love (and she does), have a baby and stay on earth, her sudden unexplained pregnancy (alien baby perhaps?). It’s all a bit flimsy, overly whimsical, over-worked and unexplained, with lots of conflicting imagery and metaphor about family, grief, disease, space, birth, death and re-birth that really goes nowhere and leaves you feeling nothing much. The play’s overworked narrative fell short of a resolution, a confusion of pretty images, with no real outcomes. Given all that, some of those pretty images were the best I have seen. Set, lighting and sound design were inspired and made an otherwise style-challenged play enjoyable and beautiful. Tamara Hill-Beary as Penny is the calming body all around, until later in the week when everyone is ready to explode, and her furious tirade brings the others to their senses and repairs the friendship. Bronwyn Cameron as Monica, whose remedy for all problems is frequent doses of brandy, is mostly quietly miserable or in a tizz about anything or anybody, especially during the ongoing argument about what age the others really are. Michael Knowles as Parkes cares only for his beautiful caravan and goes ballistic when Pierce kicks the wall in anguish after banging his head once too often. When the rain starts and the roof is leaking he is desperate, as the buckets he is placing to save the carpet from a soaking keep disappearing. His performance is extremely physical and effective. Rodney, played by Alan Thompson, mostly ignores his wife Monica, has his way with Penny and then is quite overcome by Gwendolyn. Pierce is so self-centred he is only concerned about his health and the possibility of spiders in the bed, but does manage a pass at Penny, as well as getting Gwendolyn, who says she does not drink, very intoxicated. Talk about men behaving badly! Gordon Boyd’s lighting design is mainly providing the lighting to go with Andrea Cole’s thunder, operated by Peter Fowler and Wilf Seeling, also the production co-ordinator. Congratulation too to Gail Brackley as stage manager. A good team job all round and I applaud the actors who managed to use the very limited stage area extremely well RETURN TO EARTH By Lally Katz Melbourne Theatre Company Fairfax Studio Reviewed by Kym Davies – November 9, 2011 Opening night at Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC) is filled with spectacle from the celebrity studded audience to the expected technical and artistic splendour that frame MTC shows. The company’s professionalism, slick delivery and outstanding acting talent is world class and always to some degree enjoyable. However, on this occasion, even with all the right elements, MTC have staged in Lally Katz’s Return to Earth a mediocre play with a puerile and insubstantial plot. Return to Earth is a play about a girl/woman Alice who used to be Erica, who has returned home to her family’s seaside home after an unexplained absence. But Alice has changed, while everything around her has just become more the same. She has forgotten the most basic things and absurdly needs to be constantly reminded of simple things, such as how to chew food, how to have conversations and even how to love. You see, Alice has been in outer space, and has become alien to the simplicities of her former life and family. Despite her extended absence she is child-like and naïve, a parody of sub development and growth. Is this a metaphor for mental illness or alcoholism or some other form of addiction? Or a Bert Newton-style family feud? Alice has stopped developing, and although her parents are happy to have her back, her brother is angry at her absence and annoyed by her child-like attitude. Then there is the whole other part of the plot that is about children. Her brother’s dying child Katta, his dead wife, Alice’s Page 10 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Kim Gyngell, Eloise Mignonand Julie Forsyth in Melbourne Theatre Company’s Return To Earth. Photo by Jeff Busby. The set by Claude Marcos was a magnificent polished black circular stage with in-built contrary revolving spheres and towering dual planet rings. The upper level of the Fairfax was used to advantage with a full-scale model of the seaside town suspended above the stage and the action. The circles of light created by the set electrics in blue and gold highlighted the scene changes creating atmosphere and wonder. The lighting design by Lisa Mibus in general was understated and complementary creating mood and other-worldly feel. I particular loved the boat scene, with its dual lighting states and boat silhouette that has to be seen to be understood. It was creative, innovative and a magical example of brilliant design and imagery. The star of the show, however, was the sound design by Kelly Ryall. Perfectly aligned with the set electrics and lighting, the sound was a cacophony of music and perfectly timed sound effects. Alongside the technical effects, the actors were skilled and delivered the dialogue and characters well. Eloise Mignon in the lead role of Alice was effectively childlike and consistent in her delivery. The parents played by Kim Gyngell and Julie Forsyth were amusing but particularly annoying with one tone and type of delivery. Anthony Ahern as the down-to-earth Theo, was the standout, and his grounded performance was a great relief and a good counterbalance to the off-the-wall performances of Alice and her parents. Return to Earth was an average play, but was saved by some brilliant design and strong delivery by all involved. CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler The 1812 Theatre Directed by Christine Grant Reviewed by Nicky McFarlane – November 25, 2011 Set in New York City, the title is the equivalent of “the wrong side of the tracks”. Isabelle (Izzy for short), is an independent, single girl living in a small apartment which her grandmother, Bubbie, calls “a dog kennel”. She worries that Izzy is still single and enlists her friend Hannah, a matchmaker in the Jewish style, who suggests Sam, a producer of pickles. But Izzy has her heart set on Tyler, a writer of novels whom she meets at the bookshop where she works. He pops in every few days to check on the sales of his latest book and Izzy believes that he must be interested in her, so refuses even to consider Sam. Patricia McCracken as Bubbie gives us the full Jewish New Yorker of old; loud, raucous, speaking rapidly with strong accent, flying arms, much use of Yiddish words and jokes. This is a powerful, eccentric and amusing character, so much so that the others on the stage seem insignificant, and when she is not there things go flat. Don’t get me wrong, they are doing their best, but are simply overpowered. Izzy, played by Becky Lee, is sweet and gentle with her Bubbie, but stands up for herself, giving Sam a very cold shoulder when meetings are arranged. She starts a campaign to get Tyler to commit himself, which ends in disappointment, and gives us some hope that Sam may have a chance. He has, after all, won over Bubbie, what with cleaning her windows and talking about his orthodox Jewish background. Frank Schrever gives Tyler some style, polite but egocentric, and a bit of a cad: nicely done. Robin Le Blond’s lighting design is as usual, appropriate. Anne Harding’s wardrobe dresses the cast well and the director designed her own sound. Steve Hobbs and his team managed the numerous scene changes swiftly and quietly. This a gentle and amusing play, well put together by 1812. THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie Southern Peninsula Players Directed by Mark Bolton Reviewed by Jill Watson – November 13, 2011 Program notes were very good and reminded us that this is the world’s longest running play of any kind and has been in London’s West End since 1952, just on 60 years. The setting is the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor in the English countryside; the year, 1952. Mollie Ralston has been left the manor by her aunt. Mollie and her husband Giles have just opened it up as a private hotel and their first batch of visitors is due to arrive. A very mixed group and soon it is revealed that there is a murderer in their midst connected with an earlier murder in London. Lots of suspicious characters and red herrings galore. The stage was quite large so plenty happening in the set. French windows upstage where curtains could be drawn, with a rather indeterminate view: a tree and some snow. Upstage right was an unseen front door with a semi-concealed vestibule. An exit upstage left led to unseen stairs. Doors downstage which led to sitting and dining rooms. People were coming and going through these doors in complete darkness; there should have been some light showing. Above: (l–r) Frank Schrever and Becky Lee in The 1812 Theatre’s Crossing Delancy. Below: Janet Withers. Ian Johnson. Patricia McCracken in Crossing Delancy. Photos by Rick Magazowski/Shot On Sight. Janet Withers has a lot of fun with Hannah, always cheerful, colourfully clad in sweeping outfits with large bright patterns, and enjoying food, and more food, at every meeting with Bubbie. Ian Johnson as Sam is charming, talking freely with Bubbie and Hannah, but finding himself at his brief meetings with a very cool and uninterested Izzy, almost tongue-tied. He is delightfully embarrassed when he turns up in what he thinks is a trendy jacket, in an effort to look more appealing to Izzy. I think it is a pity that we never actually see any glimpse of attraction between Izzy and Sam, which is of course the author’s choice. The set is designed by the director and Kevin Doyle. On a dais about a metre high we have the bookshop; against the stage left wall is a handsome three bay bookstand elegantly full of colourful books, a desk and stool and an entry door with a glass panel. Stage right is Bubbie’s apartment; windows, a round table and chairs, an archway leading to the front door, an armchair where Bubbie sits with Izzy whipping out her whiskers at the start of the play. Stone walls were depicted at the back with side walls painted unevenly in a pink-brown colour; not sure if these were meant to be wood panels but they were a bit distracting. Furniture was all in keeping and looked good. I did like the touch of the police officer arriving on skis and they looked suitably old-fashioned. Also loved Mr Paravicini’s yellow socks and his shoes were excellent, as were Major Metcalf’s. Peter Eddy did well with his Italian mystery man, very sleazy and insinuating. Peter Spackman was a very suitable retired military man, not missing a trick. Grace Hart-Davies as Mollie Ralston gave a steady performance, as did Mark Bolton as Giles Ralston. Kylie Noble as Mrs Boyle, the complaining older woman, was apparently a late casting, and perhaps a little too young for the part. She needed more pace in her delivery. Michael Whitmore as the hyperactive Christopher Wren certainly conveyed an odd young man, but overacted at times. Lucinda Bolton as the strangely aloof Miss Casewell did very well — very good movements around the stage and speech delivery was excellent. Terry Paye as Detective Sergeant Trotter had good stage presence, used a sustained cockney-style accent and generally handled his role convincingly. Lighting and sound, both by Evan Knoble, worked well. There was some sort of microphone system in place for the actors which is understandable as the venue is very large, but there was a slightly quieter area stage left, near the desk. Wardrobe by Shirley Riley and Pam Foreman looked authentic. There are a few other points I would like to make for future reference as they are things which can easily distract an audience, let alone a nit-picking critic! I hope the group will accept these comments as constructive. Why didn’t all people wear gloves when they arrived and maybe stamp their feet a little? We were told it was snowing and that the manor was cut off. Mr Paravicini came on stage and immediately looked around to the right to speak to the proprietor because he (as an actor) knew she was there — he should have looked around the room first. Miss Casewell went straight to the fireplace where a flickering fire was conveyed and took off her voluminous, flapping Continued on Page 12 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 11 Continued from Page 11 coat in front of the fire. It would have gone up in smoke if there had been real flames. Some actors were swaying back and forth on the spot. Once, when all actors were on stage, they appeared to be in a dance, moving around the stage aimlessly (as it seemed) and masking each other. One thing to look natural but moves must be properly co-ordinated. On a positive note, actors really knew their lines and pace was reasonable. The full-to-capacity audience enjoyed it immensely which is the main thing. A great team effort. EBENEZER — A ROCK MUSICAL Book, Music And Lyric by Malcolm Sircom MOaRTZ Directed by Annette O’Shea, Denise Twite, Adriana Bianconi Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie – November 25, 2011 This production heralds a new era for MOaRTZ as it is their first ever musical production and, in particular, one that is specifically for youth. Drama and Comedy has been their forte and will continue to be at their recently acquired new home in Moe. However, with a cast of 49 and such a busy production as Ebenezer — a Rock Musical, a larger stage and technical facilities were required elsewhere in the Valley. and small props manager, would have been extremely busy adding the furnishings and trimmings to suit. Impressive was the vast range and the accuracy of the costumes depicting the era. Coupled with some excellent hair and make-up design, one was certainly taken back to Dickens’s England. There are some 20 songs in the score, mixed with some popular carols, so you certainly knew that Christmas was not far away. With 49 young players it is difficult to individualise but the key players were well cast. John Molden as Ebenezer Scrooge was tall, solid and commanding and, with his well applied makeup including the nose job, he was Scrooge. Mean, nasty and “I hate everybody” but he finally turned and saw the error of his ways. The scenes in his bedroom with ghostly figures appearing at his window, eerie sounds, intrusive mist and a well contrived self-opening door all added to the dream of his past, present and future Christmases. His nephew Fred was impressively played by Mitchell Cameron. He was at ease at all times, even when let down by noisy head mikes during some vocals. The same can be said for Rhys Comber as Bob Cratchit who, while a little light in voice, did very well in the face of mike interference. Lauren Burns (Belle), Emily Chessum (Tiny Tim) and Ryley Reid (Ghost of Christmas Past/Mrs Cratchit) were among the many others that stood out. While a multi-purpose school hall, the stage was well suited to the large cast and, with good offstage facilities, a team of fifty or more gave the support needed to bring this rock musical to the stage. Coby Gregg as the Charity Collector was good as were the team of Rappers (Cameron Bianconi, Erica Lang and Corey O’Shea) led by the Ghost of Christmas Present, William Stimson. They brought some modern day interpretation to their vocals and choreography. The story based on Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol needs little explanation and with so many musical numbers the audience couldn’t help with tapping their feet throughout the performance. There were many more in the cast playing their character well and, while execution of the choreography was not always in unison, it was effective and suited the young cast. Set designers Annette O’Shea and Mike Pullar cleverly created four separate wheeled triangular book flats that rolled and opened up to create the many scenes; Scrooge’s bedroom, Scrooge’s Office, Bob Cratchit’s home, nephew Fred’s parlour, a market place and various street scenes. While the scenes were being created, background music took our attention away from the hardworking stage crew led by Stage Manager, Joe Reid. The choir of twelve cast, led by Musical Director Denise Twite, gave us some excellent renditions of well-loved carols, particularly the one soloist who sang “Away in a Manger”, a very sweet rendition. Set design artist Maya Fraser added her touch of Victorian England to the many scenes while Janie-Lee Zwagerman, set dressing Working with so many cast members of all ages and experience is not an easy task and credit goes to the team of MOaRTZ, their many helpers and sponsors in delighting the audience with a favourite: a mean and greedy man in Scrooge who awakes a new man, jolly and charitable. (l–r) Jessica Clarke, Mellissa Stewart, Emily Chessum (front), Ryley Reid, Rhys Comber and Bailey Cameron in MOaRTZ’s Ebenezer — A Rock Musical. Photo by Dorothy Teague. Page 12 — Theatrecraft December 2011 CASH ON DELIVERY By Michael Cooney Frankston Theatre Group Directed by Dan Ellis Reviewed by Richard Burman – November 26, 2011 Frankston Theatre Group ended their 2011 season presenting Michael Cooney’s farce, Cash on Delivery. The play was presented at the Mt Eliza Community Centre with the audience, bringing their own food and drink, sitting at tables to enjoy the evening. Cash on Delivery follows the lines of classic English farce — as written by Michael Cooney’s father Ray — setting out the basis of the plot in the first 10 to 15 minutes and then developing every twist of confusion that can be made from the situation. Dan Ellis chose to set the play in a basic three-wall square box which was very strongly built. It had to be as the continual violent opening and closing of the four doors did not result in any noticeable shaking of the set. It was all brightly lit in the lounge room where the action takes place, but there appeared to be no lighting of the outside front garden, which could be seen through the window and the front door. The play concerns Eric Swan who, having lost his job two years previously and unable to tell this to his wife Linda, has been defrauding the DSS by making claims for a number of fictitious lodgers at his house. Finding the mess he has created is becoming too difficult to handle he tries to extricate himself by killing them off only to find himself more deeply enmeshed with the DSS. Michael Laity played Eric in a performance that was a real tour de force. Even though the play started at a good pace he clearly set the foundation stones of the nonsense for the audience and as it got faster and faster, skilfully guided them step-by-step through the continuously unfolding web of lies and deceit. He was ably matched by Mark Moore as Norman Bassett, his nervous and confused lodger, who unwillingly gets caught up in all Eric’s schemes. This was another fine comic performance and the two actors bounced off each other well. This role is as long and involved as that of the landlord and Mark did not miss a beat. The DSS inspector, Mr Jenkins, was played by Dave Wearne, with just the right amount of pompousness and bewilderment, as Eric and Norman bounced their lies around him. Dawn Ridsdale had the thankless role of Linda, Eric’s wife. This is the comparatively straight role in the farce, which while nicely acted, I felt was just a little underplayed. It needed to be a bit bigger to match the energy being displayed by the characters around her. Roy Thompson was cast as Eric’s Uncle George, who is in on the schemes, while Naomi Woodward played Sally, the welfare officer. These two performers created nice little comedy characters, as did Eve Armstrong as the marriage counsellor, Dr Chapman, and Grant Kennedy as Mr Forbright, the undertaker. Eve Armstrong’s performance was hampered a little at times by some unfortunate blocking by the director, but more of this a little later. The cast was completed by Simone Wright who gave a commanding performance as Ms Cowper, the senior DSS officer, and Danielle Berns as Norman’s fiancée, the very high-spirited Brenda. Maxwell John Hastings November 23, 1940 – October 29, 2011 The Gippsland theatre scene was immensely saddened by the passing of Max Hastings on Saturday, October 29. Max was chairman of Gippsland Associated Theatre for several years and did most of his theatre work with the Foster theatre company, FAMDA, where he was a life member, having worked as director, actor, singer, set-builder and committee member, serving terms as treasurer and president. Max joined FAMDA in 1984 as Gremio in Kiss Me, Kate. Since then he has performed with FAMDA in plays like High Infidelity, Top Silk, A Month of Sundays, Shadowlands and Blue Remembered Hills. He had major roles in musicals, playing Jud in Oklahoma!, Angel Chicago in Follow the Star, Pseudolus in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Harold Hill in The Music Man and Mr Sowerberry in Oliver!. Directing credits include The Golden Legion of Cleaning Women, The Bespoke Overcoat, Educating Rita, Shadowlands and Blue Remembered Hills plus the joint FAMDA / Leongatha Lyric production of Guys and Dolls. Max also worked with other Gippsland theatre companies, performing in Wind in the Willows and playing Georg Von Trapp in The Sound of Music for Leongatha Lyric Theatre and starring as Thénadier in Warragul’s 2000 version of Les Misérables. An extremely talented performer, Max won Gippsland Associated Theatre awards as the most outstanding actor in a play for performances as C. S. Lewis in Shadowlands, Cooper in A Month of Sundays and The Actor in The Woman in Black, and best supporting actor awards in a musical as Motel in Fiddler on the Roof and in a play as Donald in Blue Remembered Hills. Max also earned Gippsland Theatre awards for his direction of The Bespoke Overcoat, Educating Rita, Guys and Dolls and Blue Remembered Hills. He was nominated by the Victorian Drama League as best actor in a leading role for his performance in The Woman in Black and by the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria as best supporting actor for his role as Mr. Sowerberry in Oliver!. His last stage performance was as Philippe in Heroes, FAMDA’s entry in this year’s VDL awards. Max has left an indelible mark on FAMDA and Gippsland theatre. He will be sadly missed for his sheer talent, enthusiasm for theatre and ability to get others to share his dreams. We will miss him as a friend and theatrical mentor. This was a very well-rehearsed play as all farces must be, for they move at such a frenetic pace. The actors entered, moved and exited without missing a beat. But on more than one occasion the blocking of the play by the director caused them to seriously mask one another, which was disconcerting. I also could not understand why Dr Armstrong did not sit each time when being commanded to do so by other characters. There were a few moments when the very fast dialogue faltered, which were all the more noticeable when the rest of the farce was moving so quickly and skilfully. But the clarity of the dialogue from all performers, which took the audience from point to point, was to be commended. All in all a happy end to the 2011 season for Frankston Theatre Group. Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 13 what’s on For more information on the productions, including exact performance dates, please visit our website: www.theatrecraft.org.au SEASON GROUP PRODUCTION BOOKINGS November 10–December 10 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: 4:00 pm THE 1812 THEATRE CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler Directed by Christine Grant 3 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully 9758 3964 December 8–10 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: Sundays, 2:00 pm MORELAND THEATRE COMPANY STYLIN’ SHAKESPEARE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM by William Shakespeare Directed by Karim Shaker Cnr Sydney & Glenlyon Rds, Brunswick (Melway: 45 H5) KEW COURT HOUSE THREE AWARD FINALIST ONE ACT PLAYS PERFORMANCES 2011 ARTS ASSOCIATION COMPETITION The Immortal Game by Ray Wilson Directed by Graeme McCoubrie Grace by John Tilbrook Directed by Edna Bartlett Snap by Cerise deGelder Directed by Graeme Moore Kew Court House, 188 High St, Kew SUNSHINE HIGH SEAS by Stephen Andrews COMMUNITY THEATRE Directed by Rachael Holt Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix St, Sunshine North 9388 1942 December 6–9 Evening: 8:00 pm December 9–11 Evenings: December 9 & 10, 7:30 pm Matinées: December 10 & 11, 2:00 pm December 17 Evening: 8:00 pm MELBOURNE FRENCH THEATRE DES COURTES LIGNES DE COURTELINE (Some Short Lines From Courteline) by Georges Courteline Directed by Michael Bula 203–205 Canning St, Carlton (enter via Neill St side door) (Melway: 43 K2) THE REAL STORY OF PUSS IN BOOTS by David Foxton Directed by Joanne Watt Ashwood College Performing Arts Centre, Vannam Dr, Ashwood (off High Street Rd) (Melway 60 J10) 9853 3551 or kewcourthousearts. com.au 0407 802 165 www.mftinc.org/ manual_bookings Or ph. 9349 2250 January 13–28 Evenings: 7:00 pm Matinées: Saturdays & Sundays, 2:00 pm HARTWELL PLAYERS February 3–18 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: February 5 & 11, 2:15 pm Twilight: February 12, 4:00 pm February 17–March 3 Evenings: 8:15 pm Matinées: February 18 & 26, 2:00 pm February 24–25 February 24, 8:00 pm – February 25, 11:00 pm PERIDOT THEATRE SAME TIME NEXT YEAR by Bernard Slade Directed by Nick Walter Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte St, Mt Waverley (Melway: 61 F11) MALVERN THEATRE COMPANY MAN ALIVE by John Dighton Directed by Deborah Fabbro 29 Burke Rd, Malvern East 1300 131 552 SHERBROOKE THEATRE COMPANY PLAY IN A DAY by various Directed by various Introduction Meeting: “The Shed”, Factory 4, 22 Jesmond Rd, Croydon (Melway: 50 K6) Performance Venue: Community Theatre, Doncaster Secondary College, 123 Church St, Doncaster (Melway: 33 G12) 1300 650 209 www.trybooking. com/17249 or bookings@ hartwellplayers. org.au or ph. 9513 9581 1300 138 645 or 9898 9090 (10:00 am–5:00 pm, Monday–Friday) one act festivals SEASON EVENT July 20–22, 2012 DANDENONG RANGES ONE ACT Venue: The Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington PLAY FESTIVAL Drive, Emerald, VIC FESTIVAL INFORMATION Hosted by Gemco Players August 11–12, 2012 SOUTH GIPPSLAND 12th ONE ACT Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, Main St, PLAY FESTIVAL Foster, VIC Hosted by FAMDA ENTRY & CONTACT DETAILS Entries to: PO Box 480, Emerald VIC 3782 Website: www.gemcoplayers.org/one-actplays Entries to: PO Box 186, Foster VIC 3960 Contact: Bruce Crowl Phone: 03 5682 2185 Email: [email protected] Visit our website at www.theatrecraft.org.au/one_act_plays_vic.php for more details and to download application forms Page 14 — Theatrecraft December 2011 auditions SEASON AUDITIONS March 15–24 DECEMBER 6, 7:30 PM For more information on the productions, including exact performance dates, please visit our website: www.theatrecraft.org.au PRODUCTION ENQUIRIES Essendon Theatre Company DECEMBER 8, 7:30 PM CARAVAN by Donald Macdonald Director: Dawn Hinrichsen 3M (40s), 3F (1 × 20s, 2 × 40s) Bradshaw Street Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St, Essendon West DECEMBER 11, 10:00 PM Frankston Theatre Group DECEMBER 12, 7:00 PM WAIT UNTIL DARK by Frederick Knott Director: David McCall 5M (20s–30s), 3F (teens–30s) The FTG rehearsal Shed, Overport Park, Cnr Somerset & Overport Rds, Frankston South March 2–11 0416 073 649 9789 3273 Mention under WHAT’S ON and AUDITIONS is for VDL Member Groups only Season 5 and Plays Two more AWARD WINNING ONE ACT PLAYS! from the 2011 Noosa One Act Playwriting Festival CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler Director: Christine Grant Nothing November 10 – December 10 by Mark Lanham 1 f 2 m comedy Overall Festival winner Season 1, 2012 The Knock on the Door Winner of the Audience Choice Award ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN peruse these and other great scripts FREE at by Alan Ayckbourn Director: Chris Procter by Bruce Olive 2 f 2 m drama www.mavmuse.com 07 5494 4007 [email protected] *GUIFJEFBPGIBWJOHJOGPSNBUJPO March 8–31 2012 Wanted: Actors, technicians, crew, handypeople, costumers. The 1812 Theatre welcomes new members. Anyone interested in joining our thriving group of thespians will be made to feel at home. We have a beautiful little theatre only 45 minutes from the city where we rehearse, build great sets, perform to packed audiences, and, above all, enjoy ourselves! If this appeals to you, please phone us. BCPVUZPVSDPNQBOZȁTQSPEVDUJPOT Bookings & Enquiries: 9758 3964 BOE TFSWJDFT QSPNPUFE BDSPTT DONATING TO THE VDL 7JDUPSJB "VTUSBMJB BOE FWFO 8BMFT TPVOET BUUSBDUJWFUPZPVUIFOXIZBSFOȁU ZPVBEWFSUJTJOHJO5IFBUSFDSBGU theatrecraft 4FFPVSBEWFSUJTJOHSBUFTPO1BHF The Victorian Drama League is a Registered Cultural Organisation approved by the Australian Government and Taxation Office. As such a donation made to the League is tax deductible. The assets and activities of the League are a vital resource to all its members, both groups and individuals. The League receives no Government assistance in any form at all, so any financial support from its members is invaluable. A special thank-you to those members who have donated this month. Remember — donations are tax-deductible. Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 15 J;9>9EHD;H Box Boom The name for a particular place where lighting units are hung in a theatre. A box boom is a vertical pipe standing downstage of the proscenium in any of the side-wall box seats (which is where it gets its name from). Modern theatres that don’t have side-wall box seats, but do have vertical pipes mounted on the walls, also use this term. If, however, the pipe and lighting units are hidden behind a notch in the wall, the term “Cove” is more appropriate. Box booms are numbered on a light plot consecutively beginning with the pipe closest to the proscenium arch. (Example: “Since the units on the box booms are in full view of the audience, we had them plated in brass.”) Box Set A set with three walls (one upstage and one on each side of the stage) and sometimes a ceiling or any set which fairly closely resembles this description. Box sets are almost always interiors; usually a home. A true box set looks like an oversized shoe-box diorama. Centre Line A special type of line drawn on a Ground Plan, located at the plane which bisects the stage left and stage right sides of the theatre. It is a relatively thin line made up of a repeating pattern of: long dash, short space, short dash, short space, long dash, etc. and has the letters “C” and “L” overlapping each other at both ends of the line. For dimensioning purposes, the Center Line is akin to the “Y” axis on a graph. Centre Line Section A two-dimensional drawing of the scenery as it relates to the theatre’s architecture. A Center Line Section is drawn in measured scale and represents the view of the set from either wing. Because the view from the wings would likely be obscured by masking (and a lot of performers standing around), a convention is established where only the objects on the opposite side of the Center Line are drawn. This convention is referred to as the “Cutting Plane” (see below). For most sets, the cutting plane is at the Center Line unless indicated otherwise (and if so, the drawing title simply becomes “Section”). This means that all objects on the same side of the stage as the draftsperson, including set pieces, are either not drawn or shown as a dashed line (known as a hidden line). For this reason, sometimes a more than one Centre Line Section is drawn from opposing vantage points. A Centre Line Section is best for finding out information about the height of set pieces, their relationship to sightlines (especially in the case of a theatre with one or more balconies), and the elevated locations of various set pieces and lighting instruments. Ironically, Centre Line Sections tell us almost nothing about the relation of any given object to the Centre Line. Cross Fade Using a light board to change the look of the lights onstage from one appearance to another. (e.g. A bright sunny day becomes a clear night.) A well-designed and executed cross fade looks almost like the light is dissolving from one look to the next. Crossover The upstage place behind any stage curtains or scenery, which allows performers to get from one side of the stage to the other without being seen by the audience. Cue Any moment in the course of a performance, where there is a change in the physical state. In the case of sound, a cue might start music playing, and then a subsequent cue might lower the volume as an actor starts to speak, and yet another might fade the Page 16 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Stage terms: Part Two music to silence when the scene comes to an end. Cues are most often associated with lighting and sound (any given show quite often has hundreds of light and sound cues), but cues are also established when scenery needs to change, line sets need to fly, effects need to be triggered, etc. Cutting Plane An imaginary plane associated with mechanical drawings indicating what an object would look like if it were cut in half at that place. Dressing Properties that aren’t necessarily handled or referred to by the performers; the minutiae of set decorations that help communicate the locale of a set and complete the stage picture (e.g. posters, knick-knacks, fridge magnets, plants, rugs, etc — and I do mean etc.!) Electric The name for a particular place where lighting units are hung in a theatre. An electric is a horizontal pipe hanging upstage of the proscenium (usually part of the fly system). Electrics are numbered on a light plot consecutively beginning with the pipe closest to the proscenium arch. (Example: “Line set #10 is the fifth electric.”) Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight A type of theatrical lighting unit that casts a relatively narrow, sharpedged beam of light. E.R.S.’s (as they are also referred to) are usually intended to be used further away from the subject they are illuminating. The two most common typesgiven production are the Fresnel and the Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlight. reviews From Dandenong Theatre Company’s Songs For A New World: Above: Hayley Wood Left: (l–r) Adina Rabbone, Leighton Irwin and Marissa Carlos. Photos by Darren Calder. SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown Dandenong Theatre Company Directed by Colin Morley Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie – November 10, 2011 Dandenong Theatre Company is on the move again, with their first production at this inviting location. With excellent facilities and some 200 seats, it doesn’t go over the top with restrictions and add on costs. Songs for a New World is an abstract musical with a series of songs linked only by a theme rather than a narrative. Written in 1995 for four singers, DTC boosted it to nine characters, although there were no names offered as to their characters. In general they were all strong singers with one or two stand-outs. The musical backing by Lee Armstrong (Drums), Alex Pech and Kevin Nguyen (Keyboards) and Ben Pisani (Bass) was a broad range of musical genres of pop, classical, jazz and some gospel and many songs included two or more of these elements. The set designed by Kym Davies was simple and effective with well positioned boxes and ramps with side lighting columns giving good depth and feeling that enhanced the performance. The theatre has a good size stage and technical facilities that will serve DTC well into the future. The Band, located at the back of the stage, was at times a little overwhelming but they did settle down to a more consistent level and did not overtake the singers. As I understood the story, as there was no synopsis available, the singers are on board a ship heading for a new land full of hope; praying and singing “carry us onto the new world” in the opening number “The New World”. Cast members Caitlyn Burt and Hayley Wood were strong in their solos while both Leighton Irwin and Daniel Jow as the only two males gave good support and convincing characterisations in song and actions. Other cast, Marrisa Carlos, Amara Jensen, Vicki Barden, Adina Rabbone and Gulcan Gulen, showed great enthusiasm and added strong voice and balance to the ensemble numbers. Songs for a New World is not performed often and is not your regular musical. It does not give a lot of scope to seasoned musical performers; missing was linking dialogue that could have given more detail to the theme. More movement and choreography would have rounded off a thought-provoking theme. Once again Dandenong Theatre Company is not afraid to explore new ground rather than to rest their laurels on staid and oft-performed works that date back well into the last century. Theatregoers should look to DTC’s next work at the Cranbourne Community Theatre; an exciting and obviously a versatile performance venue. JIGSAWS by Jennifer Rogers The Basin Theatre Group Directed by Joe Tuppenney Reviewed by Phyll Freeman – November 13, 2011 The Basin Theatre’s final production for this year was a comedy/ drama with a strong Australian flavour, penned by Jennifer Rogers and situated in Perth, W.A. It gave glimpses into the lives of five related women of three generations, over a period of twelve months. In the first act, the set, designed by the director, Joe Tuppenney, was that of a 1940s vintage lounge cum dining room in the house of Emma, the maternal grandmother. A lounge suite was placed downstage centre with a dining setting upstage. There was a small table with chairs downstage left for breakfast, and a bureau on the audience right. Three large floral rugs were arranged over the large floor space. The walls were covered by various paintings and seen through the French windows upstage was a colourful Continued on Page 18 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 17 Continued from Page 17 painted backdrop of the garden. The second act saw the room given a modern make-over. Lighting by Peter Dalwood and Neil Absolom was satisfactory as was the sound by Peter Bartlett. Music, dating back to World War II, included a classic Vera Lynn number, much to the delight of the mature sing-along audience! With a cast of five women, we were treated to various histrionics as the characters went about their lives. Grandma Emma (Jan West), gained our sympathy with her sensitive monologue at the end of Act I. Her metamorphosis in Act II took us by surprise. Nice work, Jan. Aunty Pat, Emma’s daughter (Isobel McGibbon), went through her own marital woes (as her skirts seemed to be getting shorter!). Grand-daughter Monica, (Kylie Gray), reminded me of Miss Goody Two-Shoes at first but she also had her “cross to bear”. Her character became more of a flawed human as the play progressed. Monica’s elder sister was Alex (Tracey Stride). Alex’s sexual proclivities were at odds with the rest of her family and Tracey gave a fine performance as a young person trying to acquaint them with the news. Her acceptance and eventual help brought the girls together. The linchpin of this bevy of females was Emma’s other daughter, Sylvia, brought to life by Sonya Wilson. She swept in and out with great aplomb and had a dominating presence. Even when eventually told of her inability to understand other people’s problems, Sylvia’s change only lasted a few seconds and then she returned to her previous attitude! A strong character, beautifully realized by Sonya. Audibility was fine, even though Jan’s voice needed a little more power. The pace sagged after the aggressive first scenes and the second act was too long; it needed a judicious pruning. The audience (even the men) enjoyed the performance. Congratulations to the director, cast and a very busy backstage crew for a fun show and a few home truths! HAPPY BIRTHDAY by Mark Camoletti; adapted by Beverley Cross Sherbrooke Theatre Company Directed by Craig Maloney Reviewed by Jill Watson – October 23, 2011 The setting is the living room of Bernard and Jacqueline’s country house, designed by Sue Moon and Craig Maloney. There was a raised area upstage with front door in the centre leading straight into the living room. Décor was black and white, so not very “country” looking. Plenty of chairs, couch, dining table and, of course, loads of doors (six in total, I think) as this work is essentially a farce. It was originally French; the adaptation sets it in England. The plot, such as it is, involves Bernard inviting his mistress, Brigit, to the house, despite his wife Jacqueline being there. It’s Brigit’s birthday so he wants to be with her — aaah! As a ruse to flummox Jacqueline, Bernard has also invited his oldest friend, Robert, and asked him to pretend he is Brigit’s lover! Complications galore arise when the temporary agency cleaner arrives, also called Brigit and you’ve guessed it, Robert thinks she is his “mistress”. Add to this that Robert and Jacqueline are having a fling, and a recipe for mayhem ensues. The play does go on a bit and feels a bit creaky, but the rather slow pace didn’t help it; farce has to be very precise and fast and should leave the audience breathless, but this didn’t happen. Not to say that the performances were bad; in fact, there were three stand-outs: Stephen Barber as the hapless Robert, good friend of the host; Karen Bannon as Brigit 1, the temporary maid mistaken for the mistress Brigit; and Rebecca Smith as Brigit 2. Stephen has a very mobile face and his timing is excellent. He works the stage well and portrayed the ineptness, frustration and innocence of Robert so well. Karen has a great stage presence and lit up the proceedings on her arrival. Her London cockney style accent was well sustained and she made the most of her funny lines and situation. The other characters were basically at her mercy and she wielded the whip very well. Rebecca also made her first entry really count. She looked attractive, as suited the part, with lots of vamping and manipulation. Cameron South as the scheming husband, Bernard, had a big part and never missed a beat, but needed a bit more light and shade. Laell Raiteri as the equally scheming wife, Jacqueline, gave a steady performance but also needed more light and shade and frowned too much. Costumes were well presented by Bronwyn King. Lighting worked well depicting early evening and late evening, design by Craig Pearcey, operated by Alastair Rice and Sue Moon. Sound design (Pam Ford) and operation (Angel Lombardo) all worked, with some well-chosen “old” tunes plus some car sounds! A lot of hard work had obviously gone into this production and I commend all involved. The photos shows, (l–r) Sonya Wilson, Tracey Stride, Jan West, Issy McGibbon and Kylie Gray in The Basin Theatre Group’s Jigsaws. Photo by Sally Larwood Page 18 — Theatrecraft December 2011 (l–r) Stephen Barber, Karen Bannon, Cameron South, Rebecca Smith and Laell Raiteri in Sherbrooke Theatre Company’s Happy Birthday. Photo by Jenny Ford. JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Tim Rice Mornington CEF Players Directed by Natalie Pharaoh and Ash Cooper Reviewed by Ken Barnes – November 10, 2011 This was my first encounter with Mornington’s long-established CEF Players and it was quite an experience! Joseph calls for a huge cast including many young people so it was not surprising that St Peter’s Bellamy Hall was packed with patrons of all ages and family groups of all shapes and sizes. Also unsurprising was the general hubbub and somewhat chaotic front-of-house that took a little time to settle after the curtain rose. But it didn’t take long for the cast to capture the audience and hold us all spellbound for the next two hours. Bellamy Hall has a rather small raised stage which restricts the movement of a large cast and calls for some innovative arrangements for the many tableaux and choreographed routines. However, the company was able to present virtually continuous song and dance action with no noticeable hitches and many quite breathtaking sequences. In doing so the directors were assisted by a competent production team led by two young choreographers (Lauren Stewart and Maverick Newman, both of whom also played key roles) and by stage manager Lisa Strickland, vocal coach Malcolm Huddle and production coordinator Michael Beilken. As a show with colour as a theme, one might expect Joseph to be visually attractive and this surely was. Each of the scenes was flamboyant and richly colourful thanks to brilliant costumes by Louise Stewart and her several assistants including friends of the cast. With a cast of nearly 40, young and old, one might expect a mixture of talents and some patchy performances, especially as several in the chorus were as young as 8 or 10. But I was amazed by the high standards maintained throughout the show; the younger cast members were real troupers and appeared to be enjoying themselves immensely. Space limitations permit me to mention just a few of the cast so here goes: As well as overseeing the choreography, Lauren Stewart played the key role of Narrator. As a 15-year-old, Lauren was clearly the female star of the show and most in the audience would have gone home thinking that her excellent voice, movement skills and impressive stage presence will ensure that this talented performer has a bright future in theatre. Another engaging personality was Mav Newman who played Joseph. His performance was restrained and low-key, perhaps as befits the role; however, Mav had some difficulty with enunciation and delivery, especially in solo numbers such as the opening “Any Dream Will Do”. He was more comfortable in group numbers, leading me to think he was a little below par on the night I attended. Other prominent cast members were Campbell Sewell and Sam Knol who played Joseph’s brothers Reuben and Simeon with considerable verve. Both have fine voices and moved well on stage, in particular Campbell’s acrobatic tumble in Act I. Another of Joseph’s brothers was Benjamin, played by Lachlan Williams, who captured the heart of the audience. I must also mention Summer Bulka who played Asher with a lot of enthusiasm and whose voice had a rare quality, and Casey Schmidt, another interesting voice and one who seems at home on stage. Two of the more mature men delivered standout performances. Ross Charlesworth was a totally credible Jacob, exhibiting that rare quality gravitas yet showing believable emotion when facing the apparent loss of his son. Then there was Ash Cooper, who was one of the directors and also played the role of Pharaoh. Ash was simply outstanding on stage, his excellent voice and brilliant Elvis-like mannerisms and movements bringing gasps and wild applause from the audience. The chorus was wonderful and full of young talent. I particularly enjoyed the numbers “Poor, Poor Joseph”, “One More Angel in Heaven” (how touching!), “Close Every Door”, “Poor, Poor Pharaoh” (Elvis!), “Benjamin Calypso” and of course the finale that brought the audience to its feet. Was there anything to criticise? Very Continued on Page 20 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 19 Continued from Page 19 little except the sound. The cast was miked so we heard every word. However, the decibel level was generally too high, so when overloaded the sound became distorted and lost some of the colour in the better voices. Why must young people turn up the volume to breaking point? But apart from this and the minor turmoil before and during the opening, this was a thoroughly enjoyable show and a great credit to all those involved at Mornington’s CEF Players. THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG by Neil Simon Malvern Theatre Company Directed by Alan Burrows Reviewed by Phyll Freeman – November 16, 2011. What a joyous way to finish the 2011 season! Malvern’s final production for this year was They’re Playing Our Song with the book by Neil Simon to the music of Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics of Carole Bayer Sager. This is boutique musical theatre at its finest. It was exciting to see Malvern’s small stage play host to the wonderful forever-changing sets of this musical which were slickly worked by the dancing boys and girls of the ensemble. David Dare designed the intricate set with ever-enhancing lighting by David Earl and satisfactory sound by Bruce Parr. The choreography by Susan Lewis complemented the music direction by Shirley White with help from Colin Prohasky. Great attention was paid to the detail in the many and varied costumes, especially the leads. The pace was fast and furious with strong voices, well-articulated lyrics and spot-on harmonies. My favourite was the poignant number “I Still Believe In Love” in Act II, beautifully realised by Sarah Somers as the eccentric Sonia. As Vernon Gersch, Chris Handley delightfully portrayed a pernickety, talented musician who meets a zany, off-beat girl who writes lyrics. It’s a story of boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl, all set to wonderful toe-tapping music. His partner in all this was Sarah Somers as the wayward Sonia Walsk. Sarah literally threw herself into the character with her colourful costumes, which echoed her fervent enthusiasm for all things theatrical. The very mobile ensemble, consisting of Lauren Seymour, Penn Valk and Hope Long as Sonia’s muses, whom she called “the girls”, together with Josh Cinco, Chris Rogers and Larry Dalton, who were the male entourage for Vernon when he composed his music, deserve a huge round of applause for their varied roles — well done! KIMBERLY AKIMBO by David Lindsay-Abaire Brighton Theatre Company Directed by Vicki Smith Reviewed by Phyll Freeman – November 20, 2011 At the end of the above play, an audience member said, “That was weird!” I did not quite agree with that. My feeling was one of admiration for the prolific author, David Lindsay-Abaire, to have written such a play that brought to our attention many things, such as the debilitating illness of a child, the family members and how they approached the unusual situation, and the life journey of the young girl concerned, giving it all a touch of the absurd. Vicki Smith, the multi-talented director, assembled an experienced cast to bring this to us. As Buddy, Kimberly’s father, we saw David Swinoga, whose American accent was just right as he showed us the flaws and dreams of an ordinary man faced with an ongoing situation. The character’s monologue at the beginning of Act II was very revealing and heartfelt. Buddy’s wife, Pattie, who was very pregnant with her second child, was raucously played by Michaela Smith, who had the unenviable task, as the character, of working with both hands heavily bandaged. At times she appeared to be like the mother from Hell! Melanie Rowe, as Debra, the lesbian sister of Pattie, was boisterous, bristly and loud. The character was a mixture of explosive malice and childishness. John Murphy was Jeff, Kimberly’s nerdy friend from high school, who loved to do anagrams. He invested the role with a nice earnestness and gave Kimberly her first teenage kiss. The casting of one of Melbourne’s well-experienced actors, Eileen Nelson, as the sixteen year-old Kimberly, was unusual to say the least but it worked beautifully. Eileen gave the character a great (l–r) Sarah Somers and Chris Handley in Malvern Theatre Company’s They’re Playing Our Song. Photo by Lorraine Bell. Page 20 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Below: (l–r) Eileen Nelson, John Murphy and David Swinogo in Kimberly Akimbo. Photos by John Shelbourn. Above: (l–r) Melanie Rowe, Eileen Nelson and Michael Smith in Brighton Theatre Company’s Kimberly Akimbo. mix of childish ways interspersed with adult intelligence. Kimberly wins in the end! This play required a great deal of attention from its audience. The back wall of the stage was constantly used, with slides to show where and when the action was happening. The furniture was all white and cubist in structure allowing for all the movement by the cast. The wings were painted on audience left, with comical-looking wild animals and very large takeaway chips on audience right. For a financially-challenged family they loved their takeaways! Set, sound and lighting were designed, and in some cases, worked by the busy director, and costumes by Juliet Hayday were just right for the seasons and the modern era of the play. All the accents were fine. One thought-provoking play! Thanks to Brighton, director, cast, crew and FOH staff. BLOOD BROTHERS Book, Music and Lyrics by Willy Russell Gemco Players Directed by Tanya Ryder-Barnes Reviewed by Richard Burman – October 29, 2011 Willy Russell’s musical play Blood Brothers was first presented in 1983 and looks at the story of twin boys, separated at birth, who end up at different ends of the social scale. It is almost like a Greek tragedy as we see at the beginning of the production the tragic end which awaits the two boys and then trace their paths from their birth to this inevitable conclusion. As the stories of the two boys are developed, at the same time the setting was divided into two halves, on one side the location of the working class boy, on the other that of the wealthy boy, with a two-sided set of steps like a stile linking the two. The small musical ensemble of five was situated right at the back of the stage and with clever lighting and setting was inconspicuous to the audience. The director chose to take the play, which is set in Liverpool, out of that city and set it in Victoria by making some alterations to place names and references. For me this did not ring true as the dialogue and setting of the play are fundamentally English and the Australian references sounded false. Tanya Ryder-Barnes, though, assembled a very good cast. They all attacked their roles with great energy and the play moved at a cracking pace, especially in Act One when many of the actors were playing juveniles. Her blocking had been well thought out and the cast well directed through the emotional upheavals that were to be portrayed. It was hard to believe that Tracey Wadelton as Mrs Johnstone, the mother of the twin boys, was playing her first main role. The part is a long one demanding the portrayal of hopelessness of a single mother trying to raise a large family, her loss at giving one of her babies away and the shock of seeing her twin boys killed. Under Tanya Ryder-Barnes’s guidance, Tracey gave a splendid performance, always clear and articulate whether speaking or singing. The twins were played by Mat Greenaway and Tony Burges. Mat had the pivotal role of Mickey, the poor twin. Here was another fine performance. Mat skilfully portrayed a seven year-old, a fourteen year-old, an eighteen year-old and a young twenties. He showed a good sense of comic timing as the child and convincingly took the audience with him as he acted the frustrated and troubled young man later in the play. He was matched by Tony Burges as Eddie, his twin. This role is not quite as developed as Mickey but Tony also showed clever comic acting as the child. He also conveyed the inability as an adult to communicate with his twin well. The two actors worked well together. Holly DeMaria was cast as the wealthy woman, Mrs Lyons, who wants a child and takes one of the twins from Mrs Johnstone. Again a nice performance showing the contrast between the two women in their attitudes to and their concerns about their children. But there was a lack of clarity in the dialogue in the very emotional scenes in the second act. Mattie Phillips was the Narrator of the show, the person who moves the audience from scene to scene and age to age and who makes general comments on the proceedings. He did this well, clearly but unobtrusively. Jacqui Allchin played Linda, the boys’ friend from childhood who eventually married Mickey. She, too, conveyed the different ages of her character well. Georgie Armstrong, Ross Houlsham, Sorcha Johnson, Stavros Milionis and Amber Ryder Wilkes, together with Jacqui Allcin and Mattie Phillips comprised the Ensemble who played all the other characters with whom the twins come into contact. A word of commendation must be made of the musical work of the band which was always supportive of the performers and never overpowering. The songs were competently delivered by the actors, staying in character and conveying the varying emotions. The lighting plot had been well designed and executed. A good presentation by Gemco Players which was well received by the audience. BEYOND A JOKE By Derek Benfield Essendon Theatre Company Directed by Mel De Bono Reviewed by Joan McGrory –November 27, 2011 This was a fun production and seemed to be enjoyed by the cast and audience alike. The wide stage at Essendon was divided into a living room (stage right) and a garden courtyard (stage left) Continued on Page 22 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 21 THE CEMETERY CLUB By Ivan Menchell Encore Theatre Directed by Deborah Fabbro Reviewed by Richard Burman – October 28,2011 Encore Theatre chose to end their 2011 season with a production of that popular comedy The Cemetery Club. The director, Deborah Fabbro, selected an excellent group of actors for the production and a very enjoyable evening was had by the appreciative audience on the evening I attended. The unfolding of the plot rests very heavily on the shoulders of the three women who are the members of the club: the three widows who come together once a month to visit the graves of their fairly recently deceased husbands. Each of them has a different outlook on how to live your life after such a loss. From Essendon Theatre Company’s Beyond A Joke: Sitting left (l–r): Brian Richardson and Leigh Tangee Behind the couch (l–r):Rodrick Chappel and Andrew Gemmell Sitting right (l–r):Margaret Rawlinson and Karen Parrott Continued from Page 21 with appropriate greenery. The set designed by Mel De Bono worked well. It consisted of exits via arches upstage and to the left, leading to other parts of the house and stairway and also from the courtyard leading to the summerhouse, pond and garden areas. The obligatory “cupboard” was DSR. Properties were undertaken by John Degrabriele. Lighting design was efficiently handled and costuming by Lyndsey Burton and cast members was in keeping with the play — loved the colourful “wellies”! I did feel however that as the play was set in an English country house, the introductory music (Percy Grainger perhaps?) might have reflected this more than the Viennese waltzes used. The play had the misunderstandings expected of this type of comedy and concerned a family whose “house” seemed to be accident-prone with six unfortunate deaths having already occurred. The boyfriend of the daughter of the house was under the impression that these deaths were murders and the ensuing confusion added to the delight of the audience. I felt that the play started off a little slowly but as the mishaps gathered momentum the cast went with it, the pace picking up to the conclusion. Margaret Rawlinson as Jane, the wife and mother, did a sterling job with good timing and a flair for the comic line. Roderick Chappel as her rather sardonic husband also coped well, although I suspect he may have had a little trouble with his lines at times. As his obliging and forgetful sister, Sarah, Karen Parrott was well into character and provided the audience with many laughs. Leigh Tangee was Sally, the very attractive daughter of the house and she portrayed well the consternation and concern at the extraordinary behaviour of her boyfriend, Geoff. Bryan Richardson was the, at times, hysterical Geoff and his portrayal was extraordinary. Facial expressions, body language, timing and athleticism were all excellent. My only criticism of Bryan’s performance was that he was perhaps a little too loud against the other characters. Andrew Gemmell as the well-meaning Vicar also showed a flair for comedy with his portrayal, and made the most of his cameo role. The parents of the hapless Geoff were well undertaken by Brian Moynihan and Nicole Rykers. The Body was played by Rob Buttrose, who was (by the notes) “word perfect”, and he certainly deserved to take his bow! Incidentally, congratulations to the cast for their excellent final bow. Overall, this was a most enjoyable performance and a credit to the director, his cast and crew. Well done, Essendon Theatre Company. Many thanks also to the front-of-house staff who were helpful and hospitable. Page 22 — Theatrecraft December 2011 Joan Krutli (Ida), Kathie Kenyon (Lucille) and Patricia McDonald (Doris) were cast as the three widows. They worked splendidly together, under the obviously careful guidance of Deborah Fabbro, and it was easy to believe that the characters (and their late husbands) had been friends for many years. Patricia McDonald, as the more uptight Doris, easily conveyed the type of widow who believes in maintaining the past relationships and not moving on, while Kathie Kenyon played the effervescent Lucille who considers the past is the past and life is for living to the full. The two actors bounced beautifully off each other and extracted every little bit of humour from their roles. They also showed the changing and hidden thoughts of their characters well. The third widow, Ida, is in a time of her widowhood where she is in between the views of the other two and who has to act as peacemaker when they clash. Her portrayal of a woman tentatively ready to put the past behind her and move on with her life was skilfully acted, showing us both the confident and the hesitant moments. In this she was ably helped by a nice performance from Michael Knuckey as Sam, the gentle, widowed butcher. His nervousness in making approaches to Ida and the way his character was manipulated by Lucille and Doris were clearly conveyed. Cate Dowling Trask completed the cast in the cameo role of Mildred. The author has given the actor little to work with here but Cate created a nice little character. I liked the set and furnishings for the living room: smart black and white with a table that cleverly doubled for a seat in the cemetery. All the props were suitable and the lighting design was effective and well executed. From Encore Theatre’s The Cemetery Club: Top: (l–r) Joan Krutli, Kathie Kenyon and Pat McDonald Bottom: (l–r) Joan Krutli and Michael Knuckey. Photos by Bill Rendall. (l–r) Gary Rens, Donna Cohen,Kellie Bray and Adrian Carr in Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s ‘Allo ‘Allo. Photo by John Shelbourn. There was very little to criticize in this production which had been carefully directed and ran very smoothly, but there were a couple of things which slightly jarred. Because of the setting of the chairs on the stage and the positioning of the doors and stairs there were a few times when the actors spoke right across the stage and not to the audience. At these times the volume dropped and the lines were a little hard to hear. Additional projection was needed here. Also, the sound effect of the boiling kettle in the kitchen was appropriate but ended too quickly when the character went off stage into that room; they scarcely had time to reach the switch before the sound stopped. But these were minor blemishes on a fine production. ‘ALLO ‘ALLO By Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company Directed by Nicholas Ryan Reviewed by Barry O’Neill – November 19, 2011 For those of you who do not know, ‘Allo ‘Allo was a British television sitcom series that ran 85 half-hour episodes from 1982 to 1992. Set in the occupied area of France in World War Two, all of the action takes place in and around a café owned by Rene Artois who variously aligns himself with the German forces, the Gestapo, the Italians, and the French Resistance. He is also hiding two British airmen and having affairs with both of his waitresses, which he desperately hides from his wife. Last but not least he is responsible for making sure the Germans do not get their hands on the village’s famous piece of art The Fallen Madonna with the Big Boobies by Van Klomp. This production was in two one-hour scenes, the first with the famous painting as the main subject, the second half featuring every character eventually impersonating Hitler. The ‘plots’ as such are fairly irrelevant and I don’t think anybody is really interested in what happens. The humour comes from the characters and their antics (some more ridiculous than others), wayward accents, farcical situations, and very funny gags. So you need a very clever cast to make sure the stage show meets the standard set by the TV series. Director Nicholas Ryan was able to assemble a very talented group and produced a great show. In the key role, Adrian Carr was superb as Rene the long suffering café owner running the gauntlet between the occupying forces, the resistance, his mistresses and his wife. Adrian used all his skills and experience, plus a faultless accent to deliver an outstanding characterisation. So did Megan Coe as Helga, Herr Flick’s lover; in such a strong ensemble cast, Megan’s performance was particularly convincing and memorable. Tina Bono, making her stage debut with flair, was vivacious and provocative as Yvette (one of Rene’s love affairs); whilst the ever-creative Donna Pope displayed another side of her skills as Rene’s second waitress Mimi. Kelly Bray’s Edith was another wonderful characterisation, driving everyone (including the audience) to distraction with her nightclub routines; Rhiannon Leach was impeccable (I shall say this only once) as Michelle of The Resistance; and Justin Stephens was annyinglie injyable as Crabtree with the strange accent. Plaudits also to Keith Hutton, Les Wallis, Gary Rens, Kieran Tracey, Michael Hanlon, Steve Hills, Ian Carter, and of course to “It is I — James McRae” in their various roles. This was a marvellous ensemble piece; everyone played their part convincingly and with obvious enjoyment. I must also mention Declan Carr, Brad Pittaway, Julian Walker, Stephanie Linsdell, Daniel Luxford and Rebecca Pool who, on various nights throughout the season took on those thankless “no lines, but can you just be there in this scene” roles. From the technical perspective, Merinda Backway’s set design was very impressive featuring twin revolves that allowed multiple scene changes with a minimum of noise and delay, no doubt due to the backstage efforts of stage manager Carissa Hardie, Rebecca Pool and several helpers. Set dressing was detailed and impressive, with costuming from Sylvia Carr and Margaret Bailey also very inventive and authentic. Lighting design by Colin Morley was well executed by operator Terry Dean, whilst Nick Ryan’s cleverly constructed sound design was equally well operated by Sebastian Carr. In summary, a very enjoyable night, obviously appreciated by a good audience who laughed often and occasionally delivered the line ahead of the actors. Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 23 EDUCATING RITA by Willy Russell Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group Directed by Brett Turner Reviewed by Ken Barnes – November 24, 2011 Any intense and tightly-scripted drama demands direction and acting of a high order and this is especially true of Educating Rita because only two actors are involved and because the dialogue is particularly sophisticated, interlaced, rapid-fire and often charged with emotion. Over the course of some 15 scenes, all set in the office of academic Frank, he and his working-class student Rita reveal aspects of their complex personalities as they bond intellectually and emotionally. She is frustrated with her deprived and shallow life as a hairdresser, he is laconic and morose as a disillusioned and alcoholic-dependent educator. Frank finds Rita intriguing and becomes fascinated by her naïveté while she becomes reliant on Frank for her personal development. As the relationship deepens, the two personalities change; Rita becomes self-confident and assertive while Frank degenerates and in a somewhat unsatisfactory final scene leaves the university. Both actors performed with distinction. The talented Jennifer Piper was perfectly cast as Rita, her vivacity, energetic moves and authentic accent bringing home the kaleidoscopic personality of her character throughout what must have been a demanding performance. From the moment Jennifer burst into Frank’s office we in the audience knew he was doomed. The experienced Robert Harsley was equally well cast as Frank. Phlegmatic, taciturn, sometimes droll and occasionally angry, his character was entirely believable, even to the point of eliciting sympathy as the effect of alcohol and low achievement took its toll. Both actors were able to use pauses to good effect and both took great pains to convey their emotions through barely perceptible gestures and facial expression. The set was what one might expect of an academic’s office yet it allowed both actors to use the whole stage. There were heaps of books arranged in a semi-chaotic way and concealing the odd bottle of scotch here and there, well-worn desks and chairs, strategically placed, and realistic windows and doors, paintings and certificates of qualification, a notice board and so on. There was great attention to detail, with even a sign “Dr. Frank Bryant” on the outer door, all designed by the director with assistance in the construction and props from Ian Cairncross, Adrian Valenta and Jackie Fraser. Lighting by Callum Robertson was first rate and the sound, including evocative music during darkened scene changes, was appropriately low-key. Jackie Fraser was stage manager and as expected there were no hitches despite Rita’s many costume changes. As usual, the audience found a warm and friendly welcome in the foyer to introduce what was a very satisfying performance. Educating Rita brought to an end what must have been a very successful year for the Strathmore team. We look forward to still more interesting plays from this long-established company in 2012. FAWLTY TOWERS by John Cleese and Connie Booth Beaumaris Theatre Directed by Georgy Charles Reviewed by Phyll Freeman – November 27, 2011. Beaumaris Theatre have provided a fitting end to their 2011 season with another three episodes of Fawlty Towers, following on their initial foray (unseen by the reviewer), into earlier episodes in 2009. The recent ones were “The Psychiatrist”, “The Anniversary” and “Basil the Rat”, first broadcast in 1979 and set in the seaside town of Torquay, the ‘English Riviera’, in a hotel managed by Basil and Sybil Fawlty. Georgy Charles directed again with set design by Neil Barnett, sound by Brian Uniacke and excellent lighting designed and operated by Alan Crispin. Lighting cues were spot on! Costumes by cast, Debbie Keyt and Jenni Osburn were strongly reminiscent of the 1970s, especially the green tiered frock on Debbie, herself. Loved the leathers on Mr Johnson (Mark Briggs). The set consisted of dining room/kitchen on audience left with hotel reception area and stairway centre, with exit upstage right to front entrance and (l–r) Neil Barnett, Michael Young, Trudi Sheppard, Anna Johnston and Justin Royce in Beaumaris Theatre’s Fawlty Towers. Photo by Pietro Giordano. Page 24 — Theatrecraft December 2011 three doors plus one bedroom on audience right. A very tight fit! Typical music enhanced various situations. With a cast of 18 actors portraying some 28 characters, everyone managed their quick changes well. Most of the voices were loud and clear even with all the chaos around them. Justin Royce reprised his role of the manic, acrobatic Basil Fawlty with great gusto, but unfortunately his speeches sound gibberish. On the other hand, Trudi Sheppard as the redoubtable Sybil, did not put a foot wrong! She oozed the character through every pore, much to the audience’s delight. Anna Johnson as Polly was called upon to do many things other than waitressing — good work. Peter Kostopoulos portrayed Manuel, the Spanish waiter, with dedication. His character came to the fore in Episode Two and especially Episode Three with Basil the Rat. My favourites were the eccentric trio of the forgetful Major Gowen (Neil Barnett), Miss Tibbs (Bernadette Kinsella) and Miss Gatsby (Robyn Morris); their constant antics were delightful. Although space does not allow me to name everyone, mention must be made of Michael Young in the dual roles of the jovial Roger in Episode Two and the pedantic health inspector, Mr. Carnegie, in Episode Three. The constant pace in all three episodes was hectic in the extreme, so much so that I felt two episodes would have been sufficient and much less exhausting to follow. I must not forget Basil the Rat, in Episode Three. I am not sure if it was Mies van der Rohe or Albert that appeared on Sunday; from the back of the theatre it was hard to tell. Full marks to all concerned with this mighty effort - backstage members took a well-earned bow, with special thanks to the FOH staff, and Beaumaris can be proud of their latest production. constructive criticism. Scott, you got the three main elements right but you allowed your enthusiasm to outweigh your judgement. What appears to be fun in rehearsals does not always translate to an audience who have no idea of the “in jokes” or how business develops. It’s your job to make sure that what the audience sees is what the author intended and not an undisciplined collection of actors’ interpretations. You have the eye for it, some of the business was excellent but keep your eye on what is being presented, it is a really difficult genre and should be treated seriously, by doing so you will achieve far more creative satisfaction. The play is set in the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, New York and deals with the problems of two ageing repertory performers who are offered a chance at the big time, of course everything goes wrong. The set, considering Geelong’s limited space, was excellent and the actors made good use of it. Not happy with no scenery behind the entrances, but space is a problem. Loved all the posters; I couldn’t find any anachronisms. Sound and lights worked effectively giving atmosphere where needed. Wardrobe and props (what a great time they must have had) was spot-on and reflected the poverty and the paucity of the troupe’s wardrobe and props departments. I’m not going to mention actors and actresses individually. I’ve seen most of them before doing wonderful things. The stage was packed with talent and all performed their roles with lots of enthusiasm within the parameters set by the director. Despite my criticisms it was a fun evening, as it always is at Geelong. OVER THE MOON MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS By Ken Ludwig Geelong Repertory Theatre Company Directed by Scott Beaton Reviewed by Ewen Crockett – November 24, 2011 By Ron Hutchinson The Mount Players Directed by Sonja Prater Reviewed by Ewen Crockett – December 3, 2011 Many years ago when I was auditioning people for a farce I was confronted by a young auditionee who ran frenetically around the stage and, whenever possible, uttered his lines at the top of his voice. I asked him if he knew the definition of farce, his reply was “Oh yes, acting quickly and loudly.” No! The definition of farce is (and remember this) “believable people in impossible situations exaggerated to incredulity”, with the emphasis on “believable”. It consists of three things: Pace; Timing; Spontaneity. The only theatre that would be more difficult to perform would be to carry a four-hour monologue on the life of Richard Nixon and make it breathtakingly exciting. Geelong Rep’s production certainly had pace, their timing was excellent and their spontaneity was well rehearsed (as it should be, otherwise spontaneity is called a stuff-up). Unfortunately that’s as good as it got as far as this production is concerned. It was undisciplined, over frenetic, overplayed and overloud. How often does the point have to be made? If you start at the highest vocal level you have nowhere to go except down. Underplaying in farce makes the actors more believable, the situations more impossible, the jokes more pointed and the incredulity becomes fun. The bonus is that you finish up with a show that the audience enjoys more because: ≠ They don’t have to cover their ears because of the shouting on stage. ≠ Therefore they hear more of what is going on. ≠ They leave happier and with a better understanding of what they have just seen. ≠ You have the knowledge that you have mastered the art of farce. If this all sounds more like a critique than a review then that’s because farce is my genre and I believe that I have a bit to offer in For one reason or another I have managed to miss every opportunity to see this play, but the wait was well worthwhile. The Mount Players’ production was elegantly set in an appropriately glitzy 1930s Art Deco office overlooking the back lot of a movie studio. The set was huge, using every available space that the staging area had to offer, and that space was needed as the actors romped, rolled and rollicked around the stage. This play was entertaining and amusing from start to finish. Pace was frenetic (a bit too much so at times), timing was good, characterisation was excellent and diction and delivery was clear and coherent but did become a little shrill in some of the more frenetic scenes. Lighting design, by Scott Hasse, was beautifully understated lending quality to the production without overwhelming it. Changes to time of day, or night, worked well. Particularly evocative was the dawn rising through the window at stage rear. Sound design, by Paul Heywood, was one of the most complicated I’ve ever heard running from incidental music to gunshots, the burning of Atlanta, horse and carriage and a myriad of other effects that underscored the re-enactment of Gone With the Wind. A very busy back stage crew, led by stage manager Andrew Hamilton, suitably and quickly attired the pristine set with the carnage created by three manic men and one infallible female secretary during five sleepless days of writing. This transformation was a delight to see. The play, of course, deals with the famous re-write of the screenplay for Gone With the Wind and is hilariously funny in parts and filled with pathos in others, but there is a subtext to the play that deals with some moral issues prevalent in the USA in the 1930s, namely the huge gulf between black and white culture. Continued on Page 26 Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 25 Continued from Page 25 There is a very moving scene where Ben Hecht pens a speech for Miss Prissy, housekeeper at Tara and Scarlett’s maid, and another underlining the reticence to accept any creed that could not be immediately identified as being American. Is David O Selznick American or a Jew? Both these scenes (and other similar) were very well handled in making the point but staying light enough to bring no offence. I suspect that the careful and meticulous direction had a lot to do with that and with the overall success of the production. The three main actors (and there are no leads in this play) David Runnalls as David O Selznick, David Cubely as Ben Hecht and Craig Lenaine-Smith as Victor Fleming, are to be congratulated for their energy and enthusiasm. I did notice a few fumbles but they each knew the play well enough to help each other out when required. Margaret Muehlheim as Miss Poppenghul was a very able, flustered, frustrated but infallible support, beautifully caricatured. The Mount Players just seem to go from strength to strength, very well done to all. UNDER MILK WOOD By Dylan Thomas Directed by Chris Baldock; Assistant Director: Helen Ellis Heidelberg Theatre Company Reviewed by Joan McGrory – December 1, 2011 This production was going to be a challenge for any company to undertake. Written in the 1950s by a poet and playwright, Under Milk Wood has a host of fans who also have high expectations as to its performance. Originally written as a play for voices there must have been some trepidation amongst the audiences of what they were to encounter. This one member of the audience sat enthralled for the 90minute-long performance and walked out of the theatre “surrounded by magic”. I cannot remember when I last sat through a production that was such an excellent melding of creativity, technicality and production — a true ensemble production. The play itself relates to the lives of the inhabitants of a small Welsh seaside town, Llareggub, for the cycle of one day. On a larger scale, it also reiterates the cycle of life and death, imaged by the references to those who have died and the births of many babies by the generous, loving and productive Polly Garter. It is a lovely play encompassing love, both requited and unrequited, bawdiness, sadness, simplicity, happiness and longing, repression — emotions of the human spirit and all wrapped up in the most beautiful language. “To begin at the beginning”… the set was constructed on a platform accessed by steps and consisted of a series of tall rectangular boxes(?) creating an illusion of a panorama of buildings which, with its central opening, also provided a number of entrances/exits. The revolve also accentuated this. What I particularly liked were the two short lines of washing at either end of the set, tied diagonally to two lampposts on either side of the stage. This instantly created the domesticity of the play with its ordinarily extraordinary characters! Overall the setting was always defined by the characters and the excellent illumination. Nothing detracted from the spoken language. The set design was by George Tranter, sound design by George Bisset with original music by Paul Karafillis, and the lighting design was by Deryk Hartwick. Costuming was by Wendy Drowley and Diane Brennan with props and decor by Maureen McInerney, and with the work of the HTC members the smooth operation of this extraordinary production was ensured; not forgetting, of course, the production crew and the stage manager, Melanie Belcher. With a cast of 15, it is impossible to list the individuals. But this was true ensemble acting with each member of the cast undertaking multiple roles and showing an extraordinary versatility with each character. I particularly liked the pairing of opposites; dark Page 26 — Theatrecraft December 2011 voices against light, and the chorus role of the cast in various excerpts. One such instant was the chorus of “ticking clocks” all with different sounds and orchestrated to the speech of the rather nutty Lord Cut-Glass who collected clocks of all sorts. Wonderful stuff! Sandy Green who was the dialect coach must have been very proud of her charges, as the dialogue was consistent throughout, all enhancing the poetry of the language. Well done. The elimination of the First and Second Voices of the original play and replacing them with the actual actors was inspirational and as the director mentioned in his notes, this was to keep the action visual and interesting. It certainly worked and I really have to mention some instances. The schoolmaster, Mr Pugh and his domineering wife, played by Dan Hagan and Janine Evans, illustrated this beautifully. To listen to Mr Pugh’s ranting of what would happen to his wife when he poisoned her: “her ears fall off like figs…” and then the complete change to the actual dialogue, “You know best, dear” followed by Mrs Pugh’s, “Mrs Pugh smiles…” a smile which would strike fear into any heart! Similarly, Mrs Ogmore-Pritchard (Glenda May), a glass widow and hygienic harridan with her two ghostly husbands, Mr Ogmore and Mr Pritchard, played the small cameos with perfect timing, causing much hilarity in the audience. The simpleton Bessie Bighead, portrayed by Natasha Boyd, was another instance of the versatility of the actors. Completely unrecognisable in appearance and voice, this was a great performance. Barry Lockett played the Reverend Eli Jenkins, the poet and pastor of the village, and also the lovable drunkard Cherry Owen (amongst others). And, of course, blind Captain Cat portrayed by Paul Freeman, was the link between the present and the past with his dead comrades and loves. This production was excellent, a true ensemble performance with the expertise of all involved bringing to life one of the classics of modern literature. Highest praise must go to Chris Baldock as the director and to Helen Ellis as his assistant. Bravo!! Congratulations to the Heidelberg Theatre Company for a truly memorable and magical production. From Heidelberg Theatre Company’s Under Milk Wood: Top: (l–r) Stephen Shinkfield, Natasha Boyd, Tim Constantine, Alastair Rice Bottom: (l–r) Tim Constantine, Venitia Macken, Alastair Rice Photos by Patricia Tyler. ADVERTISE IN THEATRECRAFT! Prices for VDL Members and Non-members (per month per insertion). 1⁄8 page = 65 mm deep x 90 mm wide Members Non-members Casual $29 $43 3 months $26 $40 6 months $25 $38 Year (11 issues) $24 $36 6 months $32 $48 Year (11 issues) $31 $47 6 months $58 $86 Year (11 issues) $55 $83 ¼ page = 130 mm deep x 90 mm wide Members Non-members Casual $36 $54 3 months $34 $50 Members Non-members Casual $66 $98 3 months $60 $90 Full Page = 265 mm deep x 180 mm wide ©Disney ½ page = 130 mm deep x 180 mm wide Members $120; Non-members $180 (subject to space availability) If your advertisement has to be set up by the Editor, there will be a setup fee. 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Email: [email protected] Theatrecraft December 2011 — Page 27 THEATRECRAFT Volume 35 Issue 11 December 2011 THE VICTORIAN DRAMA LEAGUE COMMITTEE, OFFICE BEARERS, & STAFF ISSN 0311-7138 President: Richard Burman The Victorian Drama League 3rd Floor, Ross House 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE 3000 Library Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday Vice President: Edna Bartlett Acting Secretary: Richard Burman Acting Treasurer: Edna Bartlett General Committee: Andrew McMillan Website: www.theatrecraft.org.au Awards Sub-committee convenor: Jill Edwards PHONE/FAX: 9663 4222 Office Staff: David Crothers Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Webmaster: Geoff Kidd Theatrecraft Editor: Damian Vuleta Note: Any correspondence addressed to any area of the VDL will not be formally acknowledged if the correspondent is not identified. MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 11 issues of Theatrecraft are printed each year (not in January). 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