The Guys - Classic Works (5 September 2013)

One of the hallmarks of great writing is authenticity - of character, of time, of place.

"The Guys", a play about a New York Fire Captain who meets a journalist in the aftermath of 911 to help write the eulogies of the men he lost, is great writing because it not only gives a fascinating insight into the microcosm of a NYC fire station but also in the wider context of the city itself and the ripple effects of that horrid tragedy.

The events of September 11, 2001 loom large over the play but it is full of humour and celebrates not heroes but humans. Ordinary people doing their job on an extraordinary day.

Beautifully performed by Adam T Perkins and Anna Bennetts, directed by Paula Koops and written by Anne Nelson who Anna met recently in New York, this is a wonderful portrayal of a cross section of first responders that day.

Memorable, funny, and moving. Above all, utterly authentic.

This is the first time this play has been performed in Australia. It is on at a newly created black box theatre in West Leederville. Most definitely a must see.

Madame Piaf - KNUTS Theatre (7 August 2013)

During the course of the year you get to see some really good shows in Perth, produced and performed by very talented people. Sometimes you get to see something truly exceptional.

Rhoda Lopez gives a brilliant, powerhouse performance as the eponymous lead in "Madame Piaf" at The Guild Studio in East Perth.

Congratulations to Stephen Lee for writing and directing this beautifully crafted tale and to the rest of the cast, Zalia Joi, David Bowyer and Emma Shaw as well as musicians Nikki Dagostino, Beth Sheldon and Jeffrey Harrold for bringing this to life.

Well deserving of the standing ovation it received!

Animal - Upstart Theatre Company (June 2013)

This is a brilliantly written play - layered, brutal, provocative, sly, heartbreaking - with every setup paid off to telling effect. Nothing is wasted or misplaced here. It is beautifully acted by Kingsley (Judd), Sally (Bruce) and Patrick (Downes) who clearly relish working with such quality material.

The tale of human drug experimentation in a time of civil unrest is indeed harrowing but there is plenty of dark humour here as well. The chilling conclusion, however, has ramifications far beyond the intimate portrayal of patient, doctor, nurse.

It really is exceptional theatre and highly recommended.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Koorliny Arts Centre (22 June 2013)

Spell "Audience participation".

Nervously approaches the microphone. Clears throat. Meekly asks, "Could you define that for me please?"

"Where a person in the audience volunteers to be on stage and participate in the events that will shortly transpire upon it."

"Could you, um, use it in a sentence please?"

"This musical is hilarious, entertaining and involves audience participation."

Yes, that was me impulsively volunteering to be one of four audience members who would be on stage participating in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Koorliny Arts Centre. Well, it went something a little like that... actually it involved a clipboard, a form, and a casual "sure, why not?" in the lobby. I managed to stammer out the first word I was asked to spell (which led to "pandemonium") but I'm not entirely sure the second one was an actual word. So with heartfelt hugs, a small orange juice as a gift, the laughter of the audience ringing in my ears, and a chorus of "goodbye, goodbye" from the cast, my short-lived stage career was over.

This is a funny, entertaining musical and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Being on stage for a large chunk of the first act enhanced the experience - allocated a number, told when to sit, when to stand whilst interacting with the cast and even *gulp* dancing at one stage. Then, of course, being called to the microphone to spell.

But enough of me... what about the show? This celebrates the absurdity and competitiveness of that most unique of American "sporting events", the spelling contest. Each of the contestants battle not only each other but the expectations of parents; their own high hopes; raging hormones; and the pressure of being a winner. Each is quirky and fun, from the "magic foot" spelling routine to speaking six languages to an unfortunate, um, protuberance. On the opposite side, the moderator (and former winner) and vice-principal keep things running (relatively) smoothly with outbursts kept to a minimum! Then there's Mitch, ex-convict and counsellor who dispenses the hugs, juice boxes and some tough love.

As contestants are eliminated priorities change, revelations are made (including a surprise "cameo"!) and a winner finally announced. But there's a real sweetness underpinning the conclusion which was a lovely touch.

The cast are strong across the board with genuinely funny songs throughout. The highlight musically for me was "The I Love You Song" as one of the contestants imagines her parents' love and support as she is asked to spell a word that resonates in that moment. Beautifully handled by Kimberley Harris, Ryan Taafee and Rachel Monamy. Other highlights: Daniel Burton's unfortunate demise and subsequent resurrection as a candy bar seller; the surprise "cameo" that I will not spoil here; Jonathan Best's transformation from smug know-it-all to something far more tender; Paul Treasure's colloquial explanation for his character's outburst which any Australian will instantly understand (and sympathise with); and the slow motion sequence which was hilarious.

I must mention the other cast members - Natalie Burbage, seen recently in The Wizard of Oz and last year in Hairspray, who is always good and seems to specialise in a brand of zany yet kind-hearted character; Jesse Angus (also Wizard of Oz) with cape a flowing and a small hand puppet who lingers before being dragged off stage at the end; and Erin Craddock as the straight-laced Marcy Park whose joyous reaction to an unexpected epiphany is fun to watch.

There was a real buzz from the audience after the show ended and it is genuinely laugh out loud funny. But do you dare volunteer to go on stage?!

Directed by Ryan Taaffe; Musical Director Kate McIntosh with Choreography by Hillary Readings.

Nevermore the Musical - Playlovers (11 May 2013)

Just returned from seeing the musical Nevermore on a bleak, rainy night which suits this material down to the ground. The friends who accompanied me are Edgar Allan Poe fans but my knowledge was limited to a childhood reading of The Murders in the Rue Morgue with its memorable solution.

This is a relatively new musical and it was only on talking to cast members and the musical director afterwards that I discovered in its original form there is supposed to be only one performer playing Edgar Allan Poe. Here there are three! The transitions between Edgar (Paul Spencer), Dark Edgar (Caleb Robinson-Cook) and Young Edgar (Tate Bennett) are brilliantly done and really add to this version.

The costumes are outstanding and the set quite ingenious to help mask those transitions and add to the overall atmosphere. The decision to have the musical ensemble in front of the stage in full sight of the audience was a good one and they were in fine form. There were some problems with a performer's microphone which was a minor distraction, however the cast were in fine singing voice.

The songs were unfamiliar yet there were many strong numbers especially in the Second Act which felt more traditional musical theatre style. The highlight being "To My Mother" which is appropriate as Nevermore focuses on the women in Poe's life and how they shaped him as a writer. Ever present is the ghost of his Mother (Gemma Sharpe) who admonishes and cajoles Poe while his Mother-in-Law (Vivienne Glance) fears Poe will draw her daughter into his ever increasing darkness.

The other three women in Poe's life are his wife Virginia (Monica Brierley-Hay); first love Elmira (Tyla De Brett); and Whore (Donna-Maree Gavin). All are clearly delineated and shine a light on different aspects of Poe's descent into his own personal darkness.

During the Second Act it hit me that there is so much commentary on what it means to be a writer. "Who am I if I don't write?" Poe exclaims at one point. Exploring reality, truth and impact of allowing your demons to infest your work. The nature of writing and how it may affect those around you. Powerful and memorable.

My friends remarked it did end on a downbeat note but a story about Edgar Allan Poe was never likely to have a happy ending.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and would highly recommend it.

The Wizard of Oz - Koorliny Arts Centre (27 April 2013)

I travelled to Kwinana today to watch the matinee session of Koorliny Art Centre’s The Wizard of Oz. I had been very impressed with the last production I saw there (Jack the Ripper) and was interested to see how such an iconic story translated to the stage.

The lead role in this instance was played by Chloe Rollond (alternating with Georgia McGivern throughout the run) who notably sounded like Judy Garland in her speech patterns which was a nice touch. Chloe gave an assured performance as Dorothy which is no small task given she’s pretty much on stage the entire time and opens vocal proceedings with the timeless Over the Rainbow.

From what I remember of the classic movie, this production is almost identical story-wise. There is the reasonably long setup of all the major characters in Kansas – Dorothy, Aunty Em (Natalie Burbage), Uncle Henry (Jesse Angus), Ms Gultch (Cat Baxter), Professor Marvel (Geoff Leeder), and the three farmhands who will become Scarecrow (Drue Goodwin), Tinman (Brodie Masini) and the Lion (Craig Griffen); as well as the show stealing introduction of Toto Tudor as Toto the dog. With that name, clearly a role he was born to play!

The arrival of the tornado and its aftermath is handled effectively with the use of lighting and sound effects. Indeed, it was rather a sparse set with various forms of simple lighting effects used to recreate the world of Oz. The costuming was excellent and the Munchkins were a delight with a multitude of colourful young cast members.

The main quartet of Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion played off each other nicely and the musical highlight comes in the second act with Jitterbug. Cat Baxter is suitably menacing as the Wicked Witch of the West as are her flying monkeys and other minions. Natalie Burbage’s Glinda the Good Witch is kind of kooky as a deliberate counterpoint. Jesse Angus also brings an element of humour to the second act as the Emerald City guard.

It’s quite a long production but seemed to keep the attention of the large number of children in attendance for most of its length. The orchestra started slowly for mine but later found their rhythm. As there was no elaborate staging the scene transitions were economically handled and kept proceedings moving along suitably briskly.

Other highlights – Toto eagerly, with tail wagging, stealing the Professor’s sausage much to everyone’s delight; Drue Goodwin’s physical performance as the Scarecrow; Craig Griffen’s number King of the Forest; and the three Black Crows who felt like refugees from The Muppets but worked nicely.

It’s a classic tale well told with colour and verve. Directed by Brad Tudor with Musical Director Stephanie-Jane Lewendon-Lowe and Choreographer Allen Blachford.

My Top Ten Theatre Productions in 2012

The local night of nights for amateur theatre in Western Australia, the Robert Finley Awards, was held last night. While I haven't seen the winners (or even nominations) yet, here were my favourites during 2012.

Clearly it is not all encompassing (perhaps only 'Gordon the Optom' could do such a list) but these are the ten plays and musicals I enjoyed most during 2012.

However, to all the actors, playwrights and crew involved in local theatre, congratulations and much appreciation on a great year in increasingly difficult circumstances.

1. Enron - WAAPA
2. The Day The Sky Turned Black - Ali Kennedy Scott
3. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot - Upstart Theatre Company
4. Jack the Ripper: The Musical - Koorliny Arts Centre
5. Mine - WAYTCo
6. Hairspray: The Broadway Musical - Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
7. The Way of Us - Curtin University
8. A Slice of Saturday Night - Kelete Theatre Company
9. Missing - The Blue Room
10. Noises Off - Camelot Theatre

Here's to another great year in 2013!