Now and Then

Mystery and intrigue is currently lurking in Chelmer, Brisbane this month with Centenary Theatre Group's last play of their 2022 season, Now and Then. Written by Sean Grennan and directed by Gary Kliger, this is a bitter-sweet énouement and the effect the time-travel element has on the lives of the two central characters, Abby and Jamie.

The intricacy of the well-written plot is well maintained in the first act, leaving the audience the opportunity to ponder on what is going to eventuate with this scenario. It is an age-old theme of love and the choices we make, how it can affect our lives in the long-term and also a convenient platform for one to reflect upon. As I heard one of the elderly audience members mention at the exit, this experience brought to the surface recollections of certain major decisions I made throughout my life, and had me asking questions. The play also delves deeper into the psyche of the characters, reminiscent of the great Russian masters like Chekhov and even Sondheim in his masterpiece Company.

What I admired about this production was the expert timing and ingenuous rapport amongst the actors, undoubtedly kindled and enhanced by the thoughtful, subtle direction of Gary Kliger and conscientious rehearsal by the cast. The craft of keeping your audience involved continued well into the night, particularly in the first act, with some outstanding scenes between Abby, in a very realistic and moving performance by Kristina Redwood, an actor well worth keeping an eye on, Keith Scrivens, well-cast, thoughtful and provocative as The Man, and Darcy Jay as Jamie in a passionate, though approaching a convincing, altruistic performance. Without giving too much away, The Woman, played by Rhonda Wood, joins the others in the latter part of the play, effectively adding the all-important sentiment and structure to the proceedings and plot.

It was a shame, however, that the final scene of the show was less convincing and needs a little more tightening, finesse and completeness. After all, without a good beginning and end of a show, it could be the beginning of the end .....

What one can appreciate about this moving and thought-provoking theatrical experience is that it leaves something with you, even stays with you, and was a well-chosen selection of repertoire for the more mature audience in attendance, possible subscribers; indelibly those who prefer choice, tasty condiments added to their stew. 

Something 'not to stew about' indeed, this is a theatre group well worth joining for the atmosphere, standard, community and choice of their productions. Undoubtedly headed by a group of experienced, thoughtful thespians and their admirers, we look forward to seeing what more they have on their theatrical menu well into the future.

Now, not Then!

Brian Adamson