Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica

Queensland Theatre presents an Ensemble Theatre revival of David Williamson’s ‘odd couple’ comedy starring Georgie Parker and Glenn Hazeldine. Don’t expect any conscience-piercing messages this time – thankfully the politics at play here are sexual and social. And, when Williamson’s characters are voiced by these experienced performers, the resulting two-hour two-hander is an entertainment delight. At first the story of austere Monica – the ex-classical musician – falling for Gary – her home reno tradie, who also moonlights as Rhinestone Rex the country music DJ – sounds sitcom-contrived. But when you consider that this play was inspired by a true romance that defied the social stratas, just relax, trust in the credentials of the writer, cast and crew, and let the good times roll. The play’s language is natural, the banter flows with impeccable timing, and eventually allows the hidden complexity of each character to be revealed. At the helm is Director Mark Kilmurry who worked with this cast more than 10 years ago. I happen to chat to the playwright’s partner, Kristin Williamson, before the show and she thought that the extra years on the characters’ ages would add poignancy to their personal plight. She was right. You can feel their frustration at being vibrant individuals, both passionate about life – and music – and yet failing to connect with the right partner and so spending every evening eating – and drinking – alone. But if they both wait to cross paths with someone who ticks all the boxes, will their situation ever change?

The standoff between the tradie’s country music of choice and Monica’s favoured classical pieces creates much comedy. The opening clash between Glen Campbell’s mournful ‘Galveston’ (penned by Jimmy Webb who, while not exactly classically trained was certainly classically attuned) and a sorrowful piece by Mahler sets the tone for thoughtful juxtaposition of songs and underlying emotional signals in a playlist that is delightfully and unexpectedly intelligent – the programme should also come with a QR code to a Williamson Spotify mix-tape! The heart of this play is firmly fixed in place by two wonderful performances by warm and witty actors. I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to the Brisbane ‘burbs and the stress of home renos – mainly because the characters were lovingly crafted by these two masterful performers. Glenn Hazeldine’s Gary is that cheeky tradie that everyone has met – he knows his stuff and just can’t help but coerce his customers to his way of thinking. His radio alter-ego Rhinestone Rex is a comic device that works a treat. Georgie Parker’s Monica moves from strictly self-assured to fabulously fractious – a complex woman who would be right at home in the music world of Mozart in the Jungle (Mr Williamson, if you have space for another project, I’d love to see an Aussie series along those lines!) However, while the characters’ lack of on-stage physical connection may be necessary to the story, I was left longing for a little Monica sub-melt or at least a snuggle on the centre-stage couch!

The austere set design by Veronique Benett and lighting design by Ben Hughes bring Monica’s tidy-but-needing-an-uplift home to life, perfectly reflecting her own psyche. And Daryl Wallis has lots of fun with composition and sound design. I liked the way the script was adapted to a Brisbane setting (Paddington and Red Hill, and the Normanby Hotel) but I don’t think a Brisbane-based community radio station would be dubbed 2WWW. A minor gripe, because nothing could really distract me from the joy of seeing these two performers on stage for two hours.

Find out more: https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/rhinestone-rex-and-miss-monica

Beth Keehn

Photographer: Jade Ellis