Greenwicks

This production of Greenwicks is the second incarnation of a script written by James Marzec and John McPherson, first performed at the University of Western Australia in 2009. Filled with vibrant music, this is a show that is a lot of fun.

Set in a supermarket, the plot is a little unlikely, some jokes remain a little too “student humour” and others don’t quite land, but overall this is funny, the characters are very nicely created and the songs are outstanding.

Cartoonish in style, with larger-than-life performances, the audience ‘oohed and ahh’d’ with the enthusiasm of a pantomime audience.

Writer and director James Marzec was excellent in the central role as Greenwicks manager Gordon Collins, proud of his role as head of the Greenwicks family, and a fitting role for a writer/director. His co-writer and the Musical Director John McPherson was conducting and playing piano in an impressive band in the pit. This production has a ‘first production’ feel if only that the writers are very hands on in many aspects of the production - but they know what they are doing and the production is tight.

Fellow management team members were also well played. Jacob Anderson was convincing as over-officious Lawrence Hammond, Amy Glendenning gave a robust performance as Rhonda Malone, Michaela Sheehy was lovely as Danielle, while Oliver Bourne was particularly memorable as the unpleasant Kevin.

A well-drawn love triangle emerged as Jude Lamond (played by Zac Bennet McPhee) and the practically perfect Malachi Adams (Josh Lang) fought for the affections of Amy (Rachel Chamberlain).

Rachel Chamberlain is also part of a standout trio with fellow checkout operators Beth (Helen Kerr) and Melissa (Tania Morrow). Their singing and machinations are show highlights.

A third great threesome came from grocery workers roped into trouble. Lovely comic teamwork from Jan (Aleisha Archer), Jen (Antonia Heymanson) and Mike (Jason Pearce).

Lovely, if bizarre, cameos from Laura Thomas as Mistress Milky and Kimberly Hill as Cathy the Kale. David Nelson was excellent in his late in the show appearance as company owner Mr Greenwicks (and performing double duty as Stage Manager). Special mention to Ian Griffin, standing out as the lone male checkout operator and also co-ordinating the specialist makeup.

Choreography, by ensemblist Claire Harley and MD John McPherson was strong, fresh, innovative and well-executed.

Costumes (Mel Adrichem-Considine and Loz Haynes) looked bright and appropriate against a well-appointed set by John McPherson.

Well done to Wanneroo Repertory for risking an unknown new work. It paid off with a fun to watch, very nicely executed production.

Kimberley Shaw