Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, April 2, 2014 - Page 37
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GRAND DUKE COMES TO LIFE By JULIE HOUGHTON
Dream Song
● Paul Tooby as Ludwig
This Year’s Ashes
● Jeremy Stanford (Brian) and Rosie Lockhart (Ellen) in This Year’s Ashes at Red Stitch Theatre. Photo: Jodie Hutchinson ■ Although a little long at two hours, Jane Bodie’s This Year’s Ashes is cleverly constructed, and Red Stitch Theatre’s Victorian premiere production makes excellent use of their small stage area to present this unravelling romantic comedy with tragicomic undertones . Making a bed has rarely had more impact than here, where an “envelope corner” can suggest a different owner or lover, and the pillows are moved to different ends to show time pass or guest change – inventive linen choreography! Even for non cricket tragics the interweaving of the intricacies of Test cricket with the vagaries of grief is clear, wry and downright funny. Father Jeremy Stanford’s patient instructions to daughter Ellen (Rosie Lockhart) work particularly well as they bowl and position themselves in the great tradition of Test cricket, delighting in the nuances of thrill and pain. Throughout childhood Ellen and her father had devoured radio broadcasts of Test matches , and now , struggling in a soulless job in a new city, her vivid remembrance of those bonding days ultimately awakens her imagination to allow friendship to salvage her future. That future had seemed locked in a cage of alcohol, one night stands , depression and isolation from anything outside her bleak apartment. Semi nudity and coarse language are a considerable part of this production, and in an intimate theatre these may confront some. But balancing is our proximity to Ellen’s pain and numbness after each desperate one night stand. Daniel Frederiksen’s role as multiple lovers captures the absurdity of some sexual encounters wonderfully, and after a rather jerky start this work grew in poise and carried the comedy of this wry romance , riddled with pithy one liners, enjoyably. Season: Until April 19 Venue: Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda. Bookings: 9533 8082 or http://redstitch.net/ Tickets: $20-$39 - Maggie Morrison
● Julia Harper as the Princess of Monte Carlo ■ The final collaboration of one of the most famous double acts in music history is something to interest most music lovers. The double act in question is Gilbert and Sullivan, and that collaboration is The Grand Duke, written in 1896. This charming work isn't performed as often as their betterknown works, so the Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria is bringing it to life at the Alexander Theatre over two weekends, with performances on April 5, 11 and 12 at 8pm as well as matinees at 2pm on April 5 and 12. Ludwig, an actor, decides to replace his company manager, Ernest, and then the miserly Grand Duke Rudolph of Pfennig Halbpfenning by supposedly killing them in two statutory duels. Which means he assumes all their rights and obligations, including more wives than he knows what to do with. The fun of the plot is resolved with the usual twists and turns of Gilbert and Sullivan topsy turveydom. The Society has assembled a strong cast of experienced and talented Gilbert and Sullivan performers, with the title role of Rudolph, the Grand Duke, being played by Peter Hanway, and the wonderfully named Ernest Dummkopf being sung by William James Smith. The central role of Ludwig is taken by Paul Tooby, with Jamie Moffat as the Prince of Monte Carlo. Equally strong are the ladies of the cast, with Julia Harper as the Princess of Monte Carlo, mezzo-soprano Jenny Wakefield as Baroness Von Krakenfeldt, Lydia Kovesi as Julia Jellicoe and Bernadette Mether as Lisa, leading a large and enthusiastic cast, directed by Richard Burman with musical direction from John Ferguson. As a bonus offer to introduce youngsters to Gilbert and Sullivan, one child will be admitted with every full paying adult at the matinees. Bookings: www.monash.edu.au/mapa or 9905 1111.
Gentlemen Of Deceit ■ From Page 8 All deceit delivered with such accomplishment, style and humour can be forgiven, as these three clever young magicians ensure enjoyable, awesome entertainment suitable for audiences ranging from sophisticated appreciators of magic to young audiences aged ten and over. Performances: April 3-5, 10 - 12 and April 19 at 7.30pm. Venue: Spring Street Conference Centre, 1 Spring St.. Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au or 1300 762 344.
● Chelsea Gibb ■ A new Australian musical with bite and humour is about to take off at St Kilda's Theatreworks on April 10. DreamSong' is a satirical look at religious excess and where it may lead. The story follows an evangelical mega church, DreamSong, and its appropriately named pastor, Richard Sunday. Unfortunately, the church has lost millions in the Global Financial Crisis and Pastor Sunday decides to stage the second coming and market him as a Christian pop star to solve the money problems. With a premise like this, it isn't for the faint hearted, but is certainly at the cutting edge of Australian theatre and has some fabulous music and humour to keep the audience engaged. Written by a new young creative team, Hugo Chiarella and Robert Tripolino, it is being directed by the talented Dean Bryant, with choreography buy Andrew Hallsworth. Both men are well known for their work on Pirates of Penzance and The Producers (Bryant) and Priscilla, Queen of the desert and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To the Forum (Hallsworth). Leading the cast is Chelsea Gibb, who wowed audiences in Chicago and The King And I, as Whitney Sunday, wife of Pastor Richard, played by Ben Prendergast from Red Stitch Actors' Theatre. DreamSong was workshopped and developed at the Victorian College of the Arts in 2010 and has been refined and is now ready to take on the world. Catch DreamSong at Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda from April 10-20 except Mondays. Bookings on 9534 3388 or at www.theatreworks.org.au - Julie Houghton
Review by Jill Page: Otello ■ From Page 8 A special mention must be made of the Childrens’ Chorus from Children of Chekhov Drama School – very well done! CitiOpera was founded by Artistic Director, Dr Joseph Talia. Dr Talia and Assistant Director, Ian Lowe, are both highly respected, experienced and well-known performers. Congratulations to all on a fine production. It is so reassuring to know that opera is flourishing in Melbourne. Performances: April 4, 5 at 7.30pm Venue: Glen Eira Town Hall, Glen Eira Rd, (cnr Hawthorn Rd) Caulfield. Free Parking. Ticket bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au or 136 100. - Jill Page