Breaking Legs by Tom Dulak

So excellent is Robin Emmett’s design and artwork for 1812 Theatre’s production of Tom Dulak’s Breaking Legs, that you have trouble realising that you are not looking at the actual scene, a mafia connected Italian restaurant in the USA.

The audience are at the rear of the restaurant’s interior, looking toward the window, and out on the car park with several cars in view. Painted on the rear wall, the cars look most realistic. The interior side walls are views across the ocean, with a large painting of the statue of David on each side.

Terence, a professional playwright, is seeking funding for his new play from Lou, the owner of the restaurant, managed by his voluptuous daughter Angie.

Geoff Arnold captured the accent and the feel of a small time mobster, in a first class performance as restaurant owner Lou Graziano, who, although ruthless, was cowed by his daughter.

As Angie, Donna Pope captured the essence of a girl determined to choose her own husband, no matter what her father thought, in an excellent and amusing portrayal.

Cameron Smith’s great characterisation of Mike Francisco was just far enough over the top as an American/Italian mobster.

Steve Saul effectively captured the character of the comparatively silent Family member Tino De Felice, who did the dirty work and commented when required.

Ian Johnson played Terence O’Keefe, the playwright and Angie’s former teacher, who had written a play about murder but had no real life experience of same, until meeting up with the mob changed his life somewhat. He displayed some good expressions when mob members were discussing their friendship / outstanding debts with Frankie.

Matt Phillips interpreted the small part of Frankie Salvucci, a small time mobster who did not pay his debts, with some finesse.

Congratulations to The 1812 Theatre and Director Robin Miller on a good evening of comedy and theatre.

Peter Kemp

Images: Top -  Geoff Arnold, Donna Pope, Ian Johnson, Steve Saul and Cameron South. Lower: Ian Johnson and Donna Pope.

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