When Dad Married Fury at Guild Theatre

When Dad Married Fury at Guild Theatre

The love of money is the root of all evil in the Guild Theatre’s May 2016 production, David Williamson’s When Dad Married Fury and can make for a fast-paced topical comedy that explores greed, envy, family ties and unexpected generosity. None of us would behave so badly – or would we? This is our most up-to-date comedy yet with David Williamson at his best. A biting, social satire this production will make you laugh, bring a tear to your eye and definitely make you think.

Director, Chris Searle, remembers joining the Guild Theatre 50 years ago in 1966 when it first moved to Walz Street, Rockdale. Since then, Chris has been involved in many productions both onstage and off.  She chose this particular Williamson play because “it is built around modern Aussie and global issues and is funny”, she says. “I also like the fact that it is about the outrageous amounts of money financiers made by swindling people out of their life savings during the lead up to and during the GFC…Williamson has personalised it in one small group of characters; these are people the audience will recognise who say things they have heard that are outrageous but funny”.

Chris is happy to hear that there has been a lot of interest and anticipation from the general public due to Williamson’s popularity as a playwright.  She also had the honour of meeting Mr Williamson many years ago at the beginning of his success during a university lecture.

The plot follows that Alan, an ageing millionaire businessman returns to Sydney bringing home his new much younger American wife, Fury. She also happens to be an ex beauty queen and businesswoman in her own right. Alan’s two sons and their wives are concerned about their inheritance but Dad and Fury, each have a further surprise up their sleeve.

Maria Micallef who plays “Fury” says she can relate to the strong-minded character in many ways although some of her opinions are a little extreme in that she had rather fundamentalist Christian views.  This much younger ‘trophy wife’ turns out to have unseen qualities that take everyone, including her new husband by complete surprise. Maria says the play touches on sensitive issues – racism, Christianity, faith, politics, homosexuality and puts a real human face on it.

David Hines, as elder son “Ian” is an avaricious, calculating character who has always been distant from his father. David believes the universal issue of greed mixed with humour will give the audience food for thought throughout the laughter.

Yolanda Regueira, playing “Sue” relates to the character’s legal affiliation which she shares. Sue combines her legal training and deft manipulation of people around her to go for the inheritance she feels is owed. Yolanda believes audiences will walk away analysing what they would do in a similar circumstances.

Darren McDowell as younger son ‘Ben’ embodies the opposite viewpoint to his father, brother and sister-in-law. His ideals are far more humanitarian, extended by his wife’s direct victimisation through his father’s greed. Darren can relate to the character’s bookish and literary qualities and sees that Ben would secretly like to be ‘a hippie’ if only he could give up the pleasures and luxuries that go with his family’s fortune.

Clare Tamas plays “Laura” Ben’s wife. A justifiably firey, confrontational character who is not afraid to stand up to her father-in-law. She has a wry sense of humour that she uses at every opportunity to highlight the injustices dealt to her family and demand retribution. We welcome Clare to the Guild Theatre in this her inaugural performance at the Guild Theatre. We also welcome Donny Muntz on his inaugural performance playing ‘Alan’.

Beryl Ayers as “Judy”, plays Laura’s victimised mother. Judy lives in squalor due to the unethical investment issues between Alan and her late husband. Beryl believes audiences will be intrigued to witness a financial confidence trickster in action contrasted with Christian charity and honour.

Season opens Friday 6th May and closes Saturday 4th June.

2016 commemorates the Guild Theatre’s 50th year at Walz Street.

Director -  Chris Searle

Cast:

Beryl Ayers

David Hines

Darren McDowell

Maria Micallef

Donny Muntz

Yolanda Regueira

Clare Tamas

Tickets: Ticket prices include refreshments and programme

·       Adults    $25

·       Concessions  $20

·      Theatre Parties (20 or more)  $20

BOOKINGS 9521 6358

www.guildtheatre.com.au

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