8 WOMEN (PLAY)

Written by Robert Thomas

Translated by Céline Oudin

Directed by Chris Baldock

Mockingbird Theatre Company

Belconnen Arts Centre to 19 October

 

Reviewed by Len Power 17 October 2024

 

Set in an isolated mansion in the snowy countryside of 1950s France, where a family has gathered for the holiday season, it’s no surprise that a murder occurs. It quickly becomes likely that the killer must be one of the only eight women in the house, causing them all to suspect and doubt each other. With revelations of dark family secrets adding complications to the mystery, the stage is set for an entertaining comedy-thriller.

Written by the French writer, actor and movie director, Robert Thomas, in 1958, this popular play was given new life in 2002 with a sumptuous film musical adaptation by French director, Francois Ozon.

Cast member of this production, Céline Oudin, has translated the play, retaining its French appeal and successfully making it accessible to Australian audiences.

For his first production as the new company in residence at the Belconnen Arts Centre, director, Chris Baldock, has wisely chosen this very amusing French comedy-drama with its meaty roles for eight actresses.

Most of the cast in '8 Women'

The ensemble cast of women all give fine performances. Liz St Clair, Carole Wallace, Catherine Elias, Emily Borgo, Céline Oudin, Jane O’Sullivan, Liz Caddy and Maxine Eayrs quickly establish their individual characters, and they are particularly impressive in the panicky sequences where everyone is talking at once. There are some impressive screamers amongst the group, too.

The intimate performing space adds to the involvement in the play. It has been used very well with the audience on three sides close to the action and the set has well-chosen furniture and props to evoke the atmosphere of a French mansion.

Director, Chris Baldock, has obtained strong performances from his cast. The level of frantic action, the creation of an effective ensemble and attention to detail throughout, indicate the steady hand of his direction.

This is a funny and entertaining production that takes the whodunnit genre and gives it a distinctly French flavour.

 

Photo supplied by the production

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.

 

THE INHERITANCE PARTS 1 & 2 (PLAY)

Written by Matthew Lopez

Directed by Jarrad West

Everyman Theatre production

ACT HUB Theatre, Kingston to November 2

 

Reviewed by Len Power 12 October 2024

 

Inspired by E.M. Forster’s novel, Howard’s End, the past, present and future collide in Matthew Lopez’s play about love and legacy in the queer community. Focussing on a young group of friends in New York from about 2015, the play moves back and forth in time, showing how the past shapes and informs their current existence as well as their future.

Eric is a New York City lawyer trying to keep his family’s apartment; his boyfriend, Toby, is a successful but abrasive writer, living in a state of denial. From there, a web of touching and heartbreaking stories unfolds, remembering the dead and calling on the living to keep looking forward. E.M. Forster himself is on hand to offer comment and advice.

Lopez keeps the story moving swiftly with literate dialogue and deeply etched characters. The characters self-narrate, giving a theatrical immediacy and style to the play that is highly effective. Gay politics, past and present, and the AIDS crisis are discussed, as well as class divisions, personal survival, healing and a sense of belonging, while America faces a troubling future.

Director, Jarrad West, and his ensemble cast of 13 bring this stirring play brilliantly to life. A central square main acting area is reminiscent of a boxing ring where the battles of life take place. Raised levels either side cleverly represent other rooms and locations.

Joel Horwood (Toby) and James McMahon (Eric)

James McMahon gives a calmly sensitive and moving performance as the lawyer, Eric. Joel Horwood is superb as the self-destructive writer, Toby, and Andrew Macmillan skilfully plays the two roles of Adam and Leo, both men damaged emotionally in different ways.

There is also fine work from Rhys Robinson as businessman, Henry, and Karen Vickery as Margaret, the mother of an AIDS victim.

Duncan Driver (Morgan) and cast members

Duncan Driver plays Morgan (E.M Forster) with a wry and matter of fact elegance, as well as another key character in the story, Walter. Both parts are played by Driver with skill and a notable warmth.

The rest of the cast play a kind of Greek chorus throughout the play, commenting and pushing the narrative forward, but they also have their individual character moments to shine.

This epic play in two parts is a highly memorable and emotional theatrical experience. It’s a story set in the queer community, but its message of love, loss, hope and healing will resonate with everyone.

 

Photos by Janelle McMenamin and Michael Moore

This review was first published by Canberra CityNews digital edition on 13 October 2024.

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.

  

THE BOY FROM OZ (MUSICAL)

Book by Nick Enright

Music and lyrics by Peter Allen

Directed by Kirsty Griffin

A Free Rain Theatre production

The Q Theatre, Queanbeyan to October 20

 

Reviewed by Len Power 4 October 2024

 

First opening in 1998 in Sydney, ‘The Boy From Oz’ achieved great popularity and a long run on stage with Todd McKenney as Peter Allen. Taken to Broadway with Hugh Jackman in the lead, it repeated its popularity throughout its limited run. It remains a popular musical in revivals around Australia.

Peter Allen was a larger-than-life figure for much of his later career, finding success as performer, singer and song-writer. The book of the show provides glimpses into his life from childhood in a New South Wales country town to the glittering lights of Broadway, using many of his popular and enduring songs along the way.

Jared Newall as Peter Allen

The performer who plays the marathon role of Peter Allen must have charisma, energy and strong vocal ability. Free Rain Theatre made a fine choice in casting Jared Newall in the role. His high energy performance, acting ability and fine singing capture the essence of Allen the man and performer. His singing of ‘Tenterfield Saddler’ and ‘Once Before I Go’ are particular highlights, topped only by his performance of the rousing ‘I Go To Rio’ with the company at the end of the show.

Jared Newall as Peter Allen with the 'Rockettes'

Janie Lawson gives a fine performance of great warmth as Allen’s mother, Marion Woolnough. In her capable hands, the level of emotion she brought to the song ‘Don’t Cry Out Loud’ was another highlight of the show.

The roles of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli are difficult to play, given the well-known and unique characteristics of these performers. Meaghan Stewart as Garland and Stephanie Bailey as Minnelli give a sense of these of these personalities without making the mistake of trying to copy them. Both strong singers, they performed their songs very well.

There are many other effective performances from the large cast and many of the ensemble had cameo roles as well.

The large amount of choreography by James Tolhurst-Close and Kristy Griffin matched the dancing styles of the time periods of the story. It was danced with high energy by the ensemble, who also sang very well. Their singing of ‘I Still Call Australia Home’ with Jared Newall almost stopped the show.

The orchestra, conducted by Ian McLean, gave a rousing performance of the many songs in the show. 

The show moves with speed and energy and has been efficiently directed by Kirsty Griffin. The messy-looking words painted on the floor were a distraction and the set was minimal and uninteresting. The soundscape before the show was too loud and was such a jumble of words and sounds that it was annoying rather than atmospheric.

The ensemble of 'The Boy From Oz'

Overall, this is a good production with fine performances, singing and dancing. The cast display the life and times of Peter Allen with great appeal, making this an enjoyable show.

Photos by Janelle McMenamin

Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs.