Reviews

Downsizing was the only real option, but what an excellent choice it has proven for Sweet Charity.

The renovation saga of the asbestos plagued Rockdale Town Hall drags on, with another show planned, cast and designed for the venue, needing to be re-thought for a small stage with miniscule backstage facilities.

Pared back to a stylish single setting, using minimal carry-on props, incorporating effective use of projections, director Ste Casimiro and The Regals Musical Society have come up with a pacy, high-energy production.

What a stunning opening gambit! I imagine it was the brainchild of Director Adam Cook and his Designer Victoria Lamb. The smoke and Mark Pennington’s magic lighting effects, while set pieces rose or fell into place (not quite fitting together – deliberately, to remind us this is a memory play and memory is fallible) to Composer Stuart Day’s haunting sounds of the era,  remain fast in my memory.

There’s an aura of Greek Tragedy about Willy Russell’s musical Blood Brothers and its tale of twin brothers, Mickey and Edward, split at birth, raised in respective poverty and wealth, becoming best friends (unaware of their connection), before dying as a consequence of a tragic love triangle.

With basic resources and facilities, NUCMS presents a clear, creditable interpretation with a strong narrative sense, making a virtue of enforced simplicity. It’s a small show, well-matched to its presentation and venue.

Author Rick Viede achieved a rapid ride to stardom among playwrights: 2008 Griffin Award for his first play, Whore, which also won the 2010 Queensland Premier’s Literary Award; then A Hoax won the 2011 Griffin Award.

This dark comedy is as modern as yesterday: mobile phones, face book, youtube, familiar morning TV shows … you’re right in the picture.