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The Theatre Association's monthly magazine of news, views and reviews of non-profit theatre in South Australia.
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TIM FIRTHWe profile the writer of Neville’s Island and Calendar GirlsPage 7
WIN $500Enter the BRAVO Award and score the cash prizePage 4
Louisa May Alcott’s beautiful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new broadway musical filled with glorious music, singing, dancing and spirit. From June 5, Therry Dramatic Society are staging this Adelaide premiere as their musical production for their 70th year.Louisa’s own family experiences generated the novel which became a timeless classic. Based on a 2007 online poll, the National Education Association named the book one of its “Teachers’ Top 100 Books for Children.” It was one of the “Top 100 Chapter Books” of all time in a 2012 poll by the School Library Journal. The 1994 film, directed by Australian Gillian Armstrong and featuring an all-‐star cast including Winona Ryder, Kirsten Dunst and Claire Danes, has become a classic in its own right.Little Women tells the story of the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War-‐era America. The beloved book about the sisters is unforgettable and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. Over the years, it has been seen as many things: a romance, a quest, a family drama. It has also been viewed by some as one of the earliest works of fiction to discuss gender politics and the independence of women. Director Hayley Horton says the musical embodies the complete theatrical experience.“We’re guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears and a
lifting of the spirit,” she says.“The powerful score, by Jason Howland, soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope – the sounds of a young woman finding her voice.”Hayley’s talented collaborators include musical director Mark DeLaine, choreographer Vanessa Redmond, lighting designer Jason Groves, costumier Marie Dineen and set designer and stage manager Malcolm Horton.The large cast includes Catherine Hancock as Jo, Emily Schwab as Amy, Millicent Sarre as Beth, Rebecca Raymond as Meg, Carolyn Mesecke as Aunt March, Neville Phillis as Mr. Laurence, Ian Andrew as Laurie, Lindsay Prodea as John Brooke, Michael Denholm as Professor Bhaer and Trish Hart as Marmee.
“one of the earliest works of fiction to discuss gender politics and the independence of women”
Now hear them sing the storyTherry Dramatic Society puts a classic novel to music - it’s Little Women.
Millicent Sarre, Rebecca Raymond, Emily Schwab and Catherine Hancock in rehearsal for Little Women. Photo Don Oswald
THE MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF SA INC VOL 28 NO 5 JUNE 2013
What: Little Women the Broadway musicalWhen: June 5-15Where: Arts Theatre, Angas Street, CityHow: 8410 5515
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A round of applauseBehind-the-scenes workers deserve our appreciation.
“It’s not just the rehearsals, finding the props and costumes, hanging those lights or building the set that’s hard work.Finding the right venue, doing the accounts, running front of house, advertising the show and being on a committee are essential jobs requiring people with time, talent and commitment.Many groups struggle with these behind-‐the-‐scenes roles. It can be tricky to find the right people prepared to put lots of work in on the ‘less glamorous’ jobs rarely getting the applause they deserve.Currently several theatre groups are in a state of hiatus simply because they can’t find enough people prepared to help with these kinds of supporting roles.If you want to work in theatre and don’t yearn for the spotlight -‐ let a theatre group know. They will bite your hand off -‐ and you can have a rewarding time.And if your group already has good support from fabulous people, treasure them. And consider nominating them for our new Bravo Award which celebrates the very best in non-‐profit theatre.Details are on Page 4. Go on, they deserve it!”
Editor Dave Simms
ENCORE MAGAZINEThe monthly publication of the Theatre Association of SA Inc. Editor: Dave SimmsE: [email protected] T: 0409 255 181Senior writer: Benjamin Brooker
SUBMISSIONS AND DEADLINES:Members can provide flyers, photos, articles, media releases, notices by 15th of the month for free inclusion.Please supply flyers or posters as in colour in portrait A4 shape. Colour photos should be at least the size of a postcard and between 500kb and 2MB.We invite submissions for publication. Any material received will be taken as permission to publish. The Editor reserves the right to reject or edit all contributions. Expressions of opinion by any contributor must not be considered to be the opinion of the editor or of the association and no responsibility will be accepted for any matters arising therefrom. Advertisers are advised that all advertising copy is their responsibility under the Trade Practices Act and the Copyright Act.Information is assumed to be correct at the time of printing and no responsibility is taken for any errors or omissions.
THEATRE ASSOCIATION OF SA INC. PO Box 187 PARK HOLME SA 5043Affiliated with Association of Community Theatres, NSW
tasaonline.org.aufacebook.com/TheatreAssociationofSouthAustralia
The TASA Committee: President: Fran Edwards; Vice-President: Laraine Ball; Secretary: Jacqui Mulady; Treasurer: Patsy Thomas; Committee members: Therese Hornby, Aaron MacDonald, Paul Rodda, Dave Simms.
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AUDITIONS
DATE: Sunday 16 June from 2 pm - Monday 17 June from
7:30 pmINFO NIGHT: Monday June 3 -
VENUE: Maylands Church of Christ Hall, cnr Portrush Road &
Nora Street, Maylands
SHOW: Grease
COMPANY: The Metropolitan Musical Theatre
DIRECTOR: Amanda Rowe MUS DIR: Gordon Combes
CHOREO: Carmel Vistoli
SEASON: October 17-26
AUDITIONEES: 18 years and over
INFORMATION: Mary on 8250 0379
AUDITIONSDATE: Sunday 23 June from 4.30pm by appointmentVENUE: The Arts Centre, 22 Gawler St, Pt NoarlungaSHOW: Dad’s Army by Jimmy Perry and David CroftCOMPANY: Noarlunga Theatre CompanyDIRECTOR: Brady Gambling & Assisted by Linda EdwardsSEASON: November 23-30ROLES: 17 roles available: 10 male, 7 femaleFor appointments contact the director Brady Gambling on
0439 868 419 or at [email protected]
AUDITIONS
DATE: Sunday 23 June by appointment
INFO NIGHT: Monday 17 June 7.30pm
VENUE: Stirling Community Theatre, Avenue Rd, Stirling
SHOW: A Little Night Music
COMPANY: Hills Musical Company
DIRECTOR: Director: Kate Anolak, MD: Mark DeLaine
SEASON: November 8-23
ROLES: Visit hillsmusical.org.au/a-little-night-music/
To book an audition time, contact Hayley on
[email protected] or phone 0412 441 367
DIRECTORS FOR 2014Stirling Players Inc invite Directors to submit plays for production in 2014.SEASONS: Feb 21-March 8th, & Oct 3rd-18th.Play selection criteria & protocol available on request. Closing date for submissions June 13th.Postal address for submission application; Stirling Players Inc PO Box 455 Stirling 5152.
Enquiries to: [email protected] or 83881852.
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“About 30 years ago, Spotlight Theatre Co, then called Collage, started rehearsing its first play in a members lounge room. They found a home in the old Enfield High School Drama Centre (complete with resident cat) changing their name to Spotlight in 1988. then in 1991 moving to Salter Hall in Hillcrest Hospital and in 1995 to Covernton Hall at Strathmont.Spotlight’s fare was mostly drawn from the better farces, comedies and murder mysteries but they did test themselves regularly with more challenging plays. In the list of shows you can find The Maids, 84 Charing Cross Road and Educating Rita. In addition, in the 90’s, the company formed a relationship with the SA Writers Theatre and presented works from members of SAWT.Over the years a number of almost legendary local theatre figures have been involved in Spotlight. These included Sam and Jaqui Franks, Ray Creevey, Brian Godfrey, Paula Carter and many others no less prominent but too numerous to name.The company was a busy one, doing as many as 6 plays a year but eventually they were met yet again with the necessity to move venues.At this moment Jo Webb and Tony Moore arrived on the scene, returning from a long stay in the UK and the
company decided to continue by doing one of Tony’s plays Vampire!!” A temporary stay of execution was granted allowing them to stay in Strathmont for this one play. After that the company became peripatetic for a while presenting productions at Goodwood and then eventually at Holden Street where we’ve been since 2007.The decision was made to focus on new work. Since 2005 Spotlight has presented about 10 world premieres and one SA premiere. (Not all of these are Tony’s work. The company is very proud to have presented works by a number of other Adelaide and interstate writers including a young Adelaide based Sudanese writer, Dak Thondit.)The time has come however to turn off the Spotlight. Facing reducing audience numbers and the difficulty of running a company that only does new work, we have decided that the end of June 2013 will also see the end of Spotlight Theatre Company. Jo and Tony are not quitting Adelaide theatre nor will they stop producing plays. However work will be presented on an ad hoc basis. When we find a good play we’ll do it!”
Tony Moore
In the tradition of Shirley Valentine and Educating Rita, Johnny Grim’s gentle comedy about love, garden gnomes, and women of a certain age is coming to Adelaide in June.Julie hasn’t seen her best mates Carol, Sheila and Tess since they had a knees-‐up at Sheila’s to celebrate her son’s divorce. Now they’re due at Julie’s immaculate house (complete with water feature and a wishing well) to check husband Frank’s latest effort at home improvement. But Julie has something else on her mind other than the leaning gazebo of Salford; she just isn’t too sure how to share her news, news that she suspects will leave the girls gobsmacked.We join the girls as they arrive at Julie’s “lovely posh ‘ouse”, where we get to eavesdrop in on “all the goss” and, to top it off, we are privy first-‐hand to Julie’s “you could have knocked me over with a bloody feather” news.Featuring Tina Cini, Theresa Dolman, Maxine Grubel and Joanna Webb, Tainted Love will see theatre veteran Tony Moore return to the director’s chair for Spotlight Theatre Company’s last hurrah.“Johnny Grim is based in Perth these days but originally he’s from Manchester, where Tainted Love is set,” Tony says. “It will make audiences laugh and cry along with the girls as they come to terms with Julie’s startling revelation.”“I regularly hear from people that there aren’t enough plays that feature women as the central characters and that address the world from a women’s point of view. This one does.”
Tainted LoveSpotlight’s last play
Switching off the spotlightThe end of June 2013 will also see the end of Spotlight Theatre Company explains Tony Moore.
Spotlight’s Tony Moore in rehearsal.
What: Tainted LoveWhen: June 20-29Where: Holden Street Theatres, HindmarshHow: Venue*TIX or 8225 8888
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Now’s the time to put in your nominations for new TASA Bravo award. The deadline is June 30 -‐ so you MUST do it this month! And you have to do the nominating!The award recognises this year’s most significant contribution to top quality, non-‐profit theatre and will be presented at the Adelaide Theatre Guide dinner in September.An independent judging panel lead by Samela Harris will determine the award recipient who not only gets a smart glass trophy, but also a cash prize of $500.All member companies and individual TASA members can be nominated.You can nominate someone from your company or the company as a whole.It’s for achievement through the year -‐ not one specific production or performance.The judges will be looking for• Evidence of high standards, dedication and passion• Working to the best of ability with no expectation of reward
• Evidence of effectiveness and critical, artistic, social or financial success
• A creative and innovative approach• Evidence of positive feedback from audiences, cast/crew, reviewers etc
Simply complete the nomination form and submit a short letter about why the nominee should win!Nominations should be based on the period July 1 2012 to June 30 2013.There’s a copy of the nomination form enclosed and you can download one at any time from the TASA website.Get your thinking cap on and nominate someone for the inaugural award! It’s a great way to say thank you to the hardest workers from your company.
What: BRAVO AWARDWhen: Entries close June 30, Awarded September 14How: tasaonline.org.au
It’s for achievement through the year - not one specific production or performance.
Win $500Enter the Bravo Awards and you could score the cash and a trophy
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Penned by Englishman Tim Firth, Neville’s Island is the story of four out-‐of-‐condition, middle-‐aged middle managers who set off on a corporate team building exercise. They succeed in being the first people ever to get shipwrecked on an island in the Lake District.What should have been a bonding process for Gordon, Angus, Roy and Neville turns into a muddy, bloody fight for survival. When night settles in, strange things happen out in the wilds. The four men will never forget what takes place on Neville's Island during this foggy weekend!Director Michael Eustice says that rehearsals have been a riot. “It’s a long time since I’ve had so much fun preparing for a production,” he smiles.“We’ve been finding it hard to keep a straight face with some of the hysterical lines and scenes we need to deliver.” Michael says that if you don’t laugh at Neville’s Island, you are probably dead!Paul Davies as Neville uses his
questionable cryptic crossword skills to set up this ‘lord of the flies’ misadventure. Paul was last seen in Mixed Salad's Feelgood and for the Therry Society as the ‘man of the moment’ in the play of the same name. Nigel Tripodi, an Adelaide Theatre Guide Best Actor award winner in 2011 and Adelaide Critics Circle nominee for his performance in the Theatre Guild’s production of A View from a Bridge will play the infuriatingly arrogant Gordon.Portraying the hysterically obsessive Angas is Thorin Cupit, a graduate of the Flinders University Drama Department. He is well known to Adelaide theatregoers, having appeared in Don’s Party at the Adelaide Rep in 2012.Peter Smith, meanwhile, was last seen at Adelaide Rep playing the Vicar of Worcester in their 2010 production of The Herbal Bed. In Neville’s Island, Peter will be playing the disconcertingly fundamentalist character of Roy who is at his happiest up a tree in his underpants getting closer to God.
Profile of Tim Firth on Page 7
This month Balaklava Community Arts is celebrating its 30th year of bringing quality productions to the local area. They are celebrating by bringing to the stage snippets from previous productions including Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma and Pirates of Penzance among others.With roaring chorus and dance numbers, and bringing back some old faces to revise their previous roles, director Kelly Bickle says Spotlight on 30 Years will be a feast for the eyes and ears. The evening shows are BYO cabaret style so there will definitely be a party atmosphere at Balaklava Town Hall.Meanwhile, over at Stirling, eyes are firmly on the bright future ahead for the talented youngsters at the Hills Youth Theatre.
They are presenting a lively and colourful adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s classic Wind in the Willows.The classic tale follows the adventures of the famous characters; Mole, Ratty, Badger and Mr. Toad. After living in his hole for his entire life, Mole decides to explore the real world. Along the way he experiences amazing new things and makes three wonderful friends. But can he help Ratty and Badger get Mr. Toad’s home back from the evil weasels?
Young and old(er) talentJune’s busy in Balaklava and Stirling
A comedy in thick fog!Four men will never forget what takes place on Neville's Island at The Adelaide Rep this month.
Peter Smith, Thorin Cupit, Paul Davies and Nigel Tripodi are lost on Neville’s Island!
What: Spotlight on 30 yearsWhen: June 14-15 at 2pm and 7.30pmWhere: Balaklava Town HallHow: 8862 1793
What: Wind in the WillowsWhen: June 14-23Where: Stirling Community TheatreHow: 8339 3931
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What: Neville’s IslandWhen: June 20-29Where: Arts Theatre, Angas St, CityHow: 8212 5777 or trybooking.com
“if you don’t laugh at Neville’s Island, you are probably dead.”
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★What’s your happiest theatre memory? Telling my year 11 English teacher (who was very inspirational to me) that I was directing One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest which had been an absolute favourite in high school
★What was your worst theatre moment? Completely forgetting the words to If I Were a Bell in Guys and Dolls! Apparently it's a cursed song and all women who've played Sarah Brown have had similar experiences. Thankfully the character is supposed to be drunk so breaking into a random "la la la" went pretty much unnoticed!
★The best lesson I ever learned was.. There are no small parts, only small actors and never complain about a costume!
★What’s a tip you can share? I was taught by a director to maintain a core meaning of a show and be true to that throughout. If you have the attention to detail that is consistent with this central truth everything will make sense.
★What’s the trickiest thing you’ve attempted? Designing my own set for the first time for Sweeney Todd. I know what I like, but I can't draw!
★The time I get most nervous is.. First blocking rehearsals. These are the times where everyone wants to find out how I work and what my vision for the show is.
★My theatre superstition is.. Everything! Don't knit backstage, don't mention the scottish play, don't wish good luck, you name it! In Little Women, two umbrellas are opened on stage each run... I cringe every time.
★What’s your biggest theatre gripe? Directors who yell and scream. Thankfully I think these are few and far between but raising your voice to a cast or crew member is never justified.
★The directors I admire most are…. David Lampard and Sally Putnam. They have produced amazing stories with the audience in mind and I am always excited by their work.
★What was the last play you saw and was it any good? Driving Miss Daisy with the amazing Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones was a masterclass in how to direct, tell a story and personify a character.
★The show I dream of doing is.. Stephen Sondheim's Assassins. I know exactly what the set looks like and I adore the score and the book.
ENCORE INSTANT INTERVIEWDirector and performer Hayley Horton answers our quick fire questions about her theatrical career
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Hayley Horton directs Little WomenWhen: June 5-15Where: Arts Theatre, Angas Street, CityHow: 8410 5515
An adaption of Kenneth Grahame’s classic book. Written by Josh Sanders. Directed by Judy Sampson.HILLS YOUTH THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS
Windin the
Performance times – June 2013Friday 14 and 21 June at 7.30pm. Saturday 15 and 22 June at 5.30pm
Sunday 16 and 23 June at 2.30pm
Willows
Kids, come dressed as your favourite story book character for a walk on stage
At the Stirling Community Theatre, 7 Avenue Road, StirlingTickets available from 27 May 2013 at Matilda Bookshop, 8 Mt Barker Road, Stirling. Ph: 8339 3931
Adults $15.00, Child/Concession $12.00, Family $48.00 (2 adults, 2 children), $1.50 per each ticket booking fee
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It is no surprise that Tim Firth turned out to be one of England’s finest comic playwrights. His biography brims with cameos by a veritable who’s who of British stage comedy, beginning with a brush with Willy Russell while at an Arvon Foundation course in Yorkshire. Later, Tim met David Baddiel and Nick Hancock at Cambridge University’s Footlights, the illustrious comedy club which spawned Monty Python, Fry and Laurie and countless others.On leaving Cambridge, Tim made the acquaintance of Alan Ayckbourn, author of seventy-‐seven plays. Tim submitted a one-‐act play, Man of Letters, to Alan who soon requested a full-‐length play from the young playwright. Neville’s Island, in production this month at the Rep, was Tim’s response.Originally produced by the Stephen Joseph Theatre in 1992, Neville’s Island became a hit on the West End two years later. In the cast were Jonathan Coy, Tony Slattery, Paul Raffield and Michael Silberry. A television film was made and broadcast in 1998 starring Timothy Spall, Jeff Rawle, David Bamber and Martin Clunes.The success of Neville’s Island – it went on to have productions in New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, Australia, Canada, America, Norway, Spain, Poland and Slovenia – gave Tim the kind of break most writers can only dream of. What followed were more plays for Alan Ayckbourn (The End of
the Food Chain, The Safari Party), television series (All Quiet on the Preston Front, The Rottentrolls), TV movies (The Flint Street Nativity, Cruise of the Gods), films (Kinky Boots, Calendar Girls), and a jukebox musical with one of Britain’s biggest bands, Madness (Our House).But what drives Tim Firth? And what
makes him laugh? In an interview with What’s On Stage.com in 2002, he provided a slightly surprising answer: not jokes. Tim is famous for his memorable one-‐liners, so what are we to make of this? There is a clue in the same interview.When asked what his favourite joke was, Tim replied that he could not answer because it involved actions. It was a telling response from a playwright who instinctively understands that writing good stage comedy requires much more than just the ability to string a series of gags together around a thin plot.What distinguishes Tim’s plays – and you can bet it was this which attracted the attention of playwrights of the caliber of Willy Russell and Alan Ayckbourn – is his superior grasp of character, and the ever-‐present knowledge that almost all of the best comedy hides something darker, even as it makes our sides split from laughter.This much is clear, not only from Tim’s works for the stage, but from the playwrights he says he admires most: Mamet, Ayckbourn, Stoppard. The play Tim says he would most like to have written is not, as we might think, Bedroom Farce or Educating Rita, but Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, the
Pulitzer Prize-‐winning play about four Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in unethical and illegal acts – from lies and flattery to bribery, threats, intimidation and burglary – to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting prospective buyers.The full gamut of Tim’s influences will no doubt be on display when his new musical, This Is My Family, opens in Sheffield this month (just one day before The Rep’s Neville’s Island!) The show centres on a teenager who enters a writing competition to win a holiday for her dysfunctional family. If it is anything like Tim’s other shows, it will not be long before Adelaide amateur theatre companies get their hands on it.This is just the way Tim likes it. He is well-‐known for supporting non-‐professional productions of his plays, and has even set up a forum on his official website where amateur theatre companies producing his work can provide “feedback or thoughts or experiences on your show which might benefit other groups planning future productions.” Companies are invited to leave “comments on production planning, size, staging difficulties, snags or simple feedback on how things went.”
What drives Tim Firth?Benjamin Brooker profiles the writer of Calendar Girls and Neville’s Island
“He is well-known for supporting non-professional productions of his plays, and has even set up a forum”
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BED RIDDENVenture Theatre Co
Review by Richard Lane April 26 2013
The latest venture by this company which creates and performs new material, is a brand new hospital farce written by Jaye Toetu and centred on the bed of Emma, a teenager who has broken her leg playing lacrosse.The plot is rather thin and seems to be,”Who is Patient 217 rampaging around the hospital and appearing to threaten the lives of other patients, doctors and nurses?”In between ,the piece is filled with a series of one-‐liners and cheap jokes, most of which are crude, distasteful and not very funny. Surely modern audiences are over gags about “hairy cracks,” and similar little gems. This critic certainly is.The main set is simple and quite effective, though perhaps a little unbalanced. Much of the action centres around Emma’s bed and maybe it would have worked better if it was a little more down centre to bring the action closer to the audience. The lighting and sound effects by Al Toetu were very effective .The playwright was also the director and despite the play’s failings the pace was a cracker, which all farces should be. To his credit, the young cast threw themselves into their roles with great energy, sometimes to the detriment of clear diction. Those who did well were Shelley Carmen as Nikki (the nurse from hell), Luke Wagner as Eric, Christie Molloy as Emma, Cherie Murdoch as Layla, Michael Coumi as Brody, and Kyle Hopgood as Patient 217.
THE PRODUCERSHills Musical Company
Review by Wendy Mildren April 26 2013
Based on the 1968 Mel Brooks film the Hills Musical Company have produced a rousing version very well directed by Steve Rudd.Max Bialystock is a down-‐and-‐out stage producer whose accountant, Leo Bloom, tells him that a losing show would make him more money than a successful one. With this information the two of them search for the worst script, the most ineffective director and the worst actors, but instead of failing it’s a huge success!Jamie Richards, as Max, was sensational. He has an almost rubber body which he used to extract the last vestige of comedy from every line. His timing was spot on.Omkar Nagesh as Leo was the perfect foil. The early scene where he has hysterics and much use of his little blue blanket was a cracker.Paul Briske, the mad Nazi playwright, was splendid and Adam Harrison as Carmen Ghia, the very gay friend of Roger DeBris the worst director in history, was a standout.Eden Plaisted as Roger was splendidly camp and his portrayal as the musical Hitler was great. Shenayde Wilkinson-Sarti took on the mammoth job of choreographer and the leading role of Ulla. She was appropriately voluptuous and danced like a professional.Mention has to be made of the team who produced the 250 costumes!! They were sensational. The set worked extremely well and the scene changes were executed with some help by the actors. The orchestra was a joy and the large cast of singers and dancers were splendid and worked well on a fairly crowded stage.
HOUSE GUESTNoarlunga Theatre Company
Review by Kerry Cooper May 3 2013
Francis Durbridge’s play directed by Kirstin Telfer is touted as a suspense thriller, however it did not quite hit the mark.The story is set in England where film actor Robert Drury and his wife are plunged into every parent’s worst nightmare when their son Mike is abducted. They have been informed they can not contact the police or friends but no ransom has been requested. Instead the kidnapper appears at their house and wants to spend two nights with them.Terry Crowe and Janet Jauncey played Robert and Stella with a great deal of melodramatic flair, which did not gel with the stiff upper lip expected of the Brits.I’m not sure if this was actors’ choice or the director’s, but it made the action of the play drag somewhat.Keith Manson as the bogus policeman portrayed a menacing thug even when he was smiling. Mark Drury as his thuggish offsider played his part convincingly.Others in the cast were Sarah Johnson as Drury’s secretary, Isabella Shaw, as the bogus reporter, Tom Kress as Crozier the original kidnapper and Clare Kelly as Dorothy, Drury’s cousin. All played their parts well and were believable in their roles.Terry took on the additional role of a look alike using a South African accent which made this character distinctly different and believable.The set designed by Tom Bayford looked authentic. The lighting and the sound effects were all on cue, although the gun shots were a touch tinny. All in all the large opening night audience were appreciative.
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AWAYAdelaide Uni Theatre Guild
Review by Jacqui Mulady May 4 2013
Michael Gow’s play is read in the majority of secondary schools as part of the English curriculum. It might also be useful as a Social Studies exercise.The student’s first offering for 2013 works in the Little Theatre fully utilising the atmosphere of an intimate setting.Unfortunately some of the characterisation did not work as well. Kelly Mildenhall in particular, whilst funny at the start, became exceedingly grating as time progressed. I don’t believe this was necessarily due to her acting ability but the overstatement of a stereotype. Ben Todd on the other-‐hand was exceptional as the “under-‐the-‐thumb” husband just wanting to keep the peace for the sake of his daughter. Robert Bell shone as both Rick and the MC of the Park Talent Night (not however reminiscent of Dirty Dancing). Sophia Dooley as a wife and mother suffering depression after losing her only son during the Vietnam War was exceptional. Joshua Coldwell as the Headmaster, Alex Daly as Tom and Karen Burns as Meg were also credible. The rest of the ensemble was exceedingly versatile performing anything from portraits, mirrors and furniture. Maxim Bevan in particular, whilst appearing a little self-‐conscious, stole several scenes.I liked the director’s use of the split levels of the theatre and the interaction with the audience throughout. Overall Aldo Longobardi has done a reasonable job of this production. This was helped exceptionally well by Richard Parkhill’s outstanding lighting which set every mood perfectly.
BRIGADOONMetropolitan Musical Co
Review by Wendy Mildren May 9 2013
It is always a bold move to put on a show as well known and loved as Brigadoon, but The Met pulled it off brilliantly, complete with pipers!Leonie Osborn as director, Jillian Gulliver as vocal director, Gordon Combes as musical director and Carmel Vistoli as choreographer all handled their portfolios with great skill.Elizabeth Riley has a magnificent soprano voice and looked and acted the part of Fiona splendidly. She maintained a Scottish accent throughout and was a joy to listen to. Daniel Fleming played the slightly bemused love interest and sang well, his voice blending beautifully with Elizabeth’s. Their version of Heather on the Hill was a standout.Jared Frost who played the eager bridegroom had a magnificent tenor voice and his version of I’ll go home with bonnie Jean was beautifully performed. Barbara Nutchey played the happy bride and performed her dances with great grace. Jacinta Vistoli as the lusty Meg Brockie sang her two songs with great verve.Angus Smith in the non singing role as Tommy’s cynical drunken friend was excellent and his scene trying to avoid Meg’s sexual advances was a highlight.The ensemble singing was a joy to listen to. Their opening song set the standard for the rest of the show. The set worked well and the inventive use of the scrim set the mood for each scene. The program noted that the correct tartans were unavailable, however, the costume crew managed very well. The audience was vocal in their appreciation and most went out of the theatre singing the songs!
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALMurray Bridge Players & Singers
Review by Dave Smith May 18 2013
Murray Bridge Players and Singers brought life and energy to this bright production. Directors Ken and Chris Melville assembled a large, mostly young cast and with good music and sharp choreography, they succeeded with this tale of the competing influences of sport, theatre, friendship and love among the students of East High.Musical director Ian Colley smoothly ran the music from his keyboard supported by Chris Overton on percussion. The combo worked well and Ian sensitively supported the performers while skilfully managing the music for the slick scene changes.Jake Salter as Troy and Anika Bartholomeusz as Gabriella came across as genuinely nice people and coped well with their large and demanding roles. They grew in power and confidence as the play progressed and by the wonderful final chorus and curtain calls were really belting it out.Tim Hodgen as Chad and Cassandra Brion as the irritating drama club president Sharpay, played solid supporting roles, while Steve Angove and Janene Overton in the adult roles of Coach Bolton and Ms Darbus the drama teacher had strong moments.Kurt Miegel played Ryan to perfection. He had a secure stage presence and sang, acted and moved with skill, confidence and subtle humour. Katelin Kneebone as Taylor stood out to a similar degree. She was strong when necessary and had controlled and sensitive characterisation, all with an easy, natural style.The action moved well, assisted by a simple and effective set which enhanced the mood of the whole piece.
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>The cast of I bet your life
at Tea Tree Players
<Hi jinx in kilts - that’s bravery at Brigadoon!
<It must be love at White Horse Inn with the cast of SALOS
>Three cheers for the cast of High School Musical at Murray Bridge
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May 18-June 1HIGH SCHOOL MUSICALThe famous musical on stageMURRAY BRIDGE PLAYERS & SINGERS
July 26-August 3DRINKING HABITSMeet the wine making sisters of Perpetual SewingVENTURE, venturetheatrecompany.com.au
October 17-26GREASEGrease is the word!THE MET, metmusicals.com.au
May 22-June 1I BET YOUR LIFEA dying man hires a hitman by mistakeTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com
July 26-August 3FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWDThomas Hardy’s haunting, brooding romanceINDEPENDENT, independenttheatre.org.au
October 31-November 9THE CLUBDavid Williamson’s footy classicGALLEON THEATRE, galleon.org.au
May 24-June 1HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYINGMARIE CLARK MUSICAL, marieclark.asn.au
August 2-417th BALAKLAVA EISTEDDFODBands, ensembles and a finale concertbalaklavaeisteddfod.org.au
November 7-16CORPSE!A frightfully funny comedy about rival twinsTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au
June 6-15LITTLE WOMEN THE MUSICALBased on the novel by Louisa May AlcottTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au
August 3-17RICHARD IIIShakespeare’s favourite villainTHEATRE GUILD, adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild
November 8-23A LITTLE NIGHT MUSICMoving moments of regret and desireHILLS MUSICAL, www.hillsmusical.org.au/
June 14-23WIND IN THE WILLOWSA new adaptation of Toad’s classic taleHILLS YOUTH THEATRE, sct.org.au/hyt/
August 10-18POCAHONTASNative American lore and beautiful musicHILLS YOUTH THEATRE, sct.org.au/hyt/
November 8-16PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLDThe greatest Irish comedy ever writtenINDEPENDENT, independenttheatre.org.au
June 14-16SPOTLIGHT ON 30 YEARSA celebration of BCA’s historyBALAKLAVA COMM ARTS, 8862 1173
August 21-31MEET MY HUSBANDSA comic look at advertising and the mediaTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com
November 19-23A CHORUS OF DISAPPROVALAlan Ayckbourn’s take on the Beggar’s Opera!ST JUDE’S PLAYERS, 8270 4205
June 20-29TAINTED LOVEJulie’s friends think they’ve come to see her gazebo!SPOTLIGHT THEATRE, venuetix.com.au
August 22-25THE GYPSY BARONPopular Johann Strauss MusicalSALOS, 8294 6582
November 21-30MYSTERY OF THE HANSOM CABA comedy melodrama with a local twist!ADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com
June 20-29NEVILLE’S ISLANDA comedy in thick fog by Tim FirthADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com
August 22-31PRIVATE LIVESNoel Coward’s wildly funny masterpieceTHERRY DRAMATIC SOC, therry.com.au
November 22-29DAD’S ARMYDon’t panic it’s the Home Guard!NTC, noarlungatheatrecompany.com.au
July 3-27THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERASurrender to the music of the nightMATT BYRNE MEDIA, mattbyrnemedia.com.au
September 5-14VANITY FAIRBecky Sharp as you’ve never seen her before!ADELAIDE REP, adelaiderep.com
What’s next?You tell us!
July 11-132061 A SPACE IDIOCYYouth and Junior group productionTEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com
October 2-12NANNA’S NAUGHTY KNICKERSBridget and Grandma become roommates.TEA TREE PLAYERS, teatreeplayers.com
July 19-27OLIVER!Timeless musical based on DickensGILBERT & SULLIVAN SOC, gandssa.com.au
October 4-19THE LADY IN THE VANA quirky but true tale from Alan BennettSTIRLING PLAYERS, stirlingplayers.sct.org.au
July 25-August 3THE FOX ON THE FAIRWAYSA Premiere of a side-splitting hole-in-one farceST JUDE’S PLAYERS, 8270 4205
October 4-26RESERVOIR DOGSTarantino’s blood-soaked heist live on stage!MATT BYRNE MEDIA ,mattbyrnemedia.com.au
July 26-28ALICE IN WONDERLANDDisney’s musical versionADELAIDE YOUTH THEATRE, ayt.com.au
October 5-19HOLY DAYAndrew Bovell's mystery about survivalTHEATRE GUILD, adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild
Who’s on first?
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