Reviews

In this brilliant show Meow Meow is accompanied by tenor Kanen Breen, and musicians Mark Jones, Dan Witton and Jethro Woodward. They not only provide exquisite musical support but also help set the sardonic tone of the show through their often-comical gesture and deadpan expressions. The Red Shoes is a kind of conceptual muse for this show and the satire pivots around the societal norms that fables often direct at children to inculcate the kinds of values and norms that essentially perpetuate an array of social injustice and discrimination, especially in relation to gender.

One approaches yet another production of The Glass Menagerie with the same cautious optimism one reserves for blind dates and “experimental” cocktails. Thus, it is a pleasure, an almost indecent relief, to report that the State Theatre Company of South Australia’s latest outing, under the direction of Shannon Rush, is not only admirable but often downright enchanting. For $60, one may sit in the Odeon Theatre and feel that this modern classic has, for the most part, been treated with the kindness and respect it deserves.

We think of Oklahoma! as a classic – but in truth, it was totally revolutionary in its time. It marked the first collaboration between Richard Rodgers (music) and Oscar Hammerstein II (book and lyrics). The show was a ‘book musical’ – a Broadway show in which the story, told with genuine emotion and conflict, was just as important as the music. The songs were tailored to each character and plot point, rather than merely being entertaining fluff.

Director Mark Wilson presents a vision of this play that pushes the boundaries of its humour by accentuating the visual and physical gags inherent in the text frequently beyond their usual limits. This produces a play which is full of rollicking fun, non-stop laughter with a very satirical perspective. Wilson provides a very unconventional interpretation of the play and works through both the romance and the comedy with unrelenting boldness.