The Rainmaker

KADS brings the beautiful story of The Rainmaker to their Kalamunda stage, with a nicely presented production of N. Richard Nash's  romantic.

Set in Kansas, in 1935 in a drought, Alistair Woodcock and Geoff Rumsey's set recreates the Curry household, the local sheriff's office and the Curry's tack-room with detail and accuracy, with costuming by Rose Weighell also helping to recreate the era. James Glasson and Stephen Marr's lighting design adds to the feeling of heat and dryness, while the sound design by Lindsay Goodwin and Julie Hicking adds whimsy.

There are some lovely performances. Lone female, Sarah Sambridge is enchanting as Lizzie Curry whose family believe she is plain and destined to be an old maid. Sarah gives Lizzie charm and depth.

Joe Isaia brings strength and laconic sexiness to the role of con-man Bill Starbuck, while Justin is likeable as upright but uptight Deputy Sheriff File.

The Curry Family work well together to create a believable family unit, with solid performances from Rhett Clarke as Jethro Clampettish Jim and John Pomfret as older brother Noah, with Norman Faraday as MC. Keith Scrivens makes the most of his brief appearances as Sheriff Thomas.

While sometimes the pace becomes a little like a long summer's day, this is a solid production produced with obvious affection by director Anita Bound. The production as a whole, both cast and front of house, have a beautiful warmth that compliments this old fashioned play that provides a good night's entertainment.

Kimberley Shaw