The Beryls: Cattle Call.

Laura Trenerry & Patrick Dwyer form the partnership called the The Beryls and this performance sees two fictional characters they have created, Victoria Beauvoir (Dwyer), and sidekick Roger Seahorse (Trenerry) devise a show. They stage a casting call in their hometown of Schlumpsville where they want to stage the performance to reinvigorate their ailing careers. Their imaginary production requires the casting of 72 roles and as they ponder the characters that will populate their somewhat absurd scenarios, they invite some highly unlikely performers to test their talent.

This provides some very endearing interludes to the banter between Beauvoir and Seahorse as they battle each other for artistic recognition and stage domination. The show includes some surprise guests auditioning for the parts with some very amusing vocal renditions of Bee Gees numbers. This works extremely well to further enhance the bizarre and absurd nature of the show.

The performances are all approached with energy and exuberance. Dwyer and Trenerry create a very tight rapport that results in some captivating moments of comedy. The show is nicely paced by the variety of personalities that appear on the stage. The use of stock characters is turned on its head making the show unexpectedly unpredictable. The Beryls: Cattle Call achieves a state of irresistible silliness that adds up to some genuine comedy and some great fun. 

Patricia Di Risio 

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Photographer: Matt Hofmann