Spaghetti From Graceland

Spaghetti From Graceland
By Noel O’Neill. Harbour and Maverick Theatres. Directed by Sue Hasey. Camelot Theatre, Mosman Park, WA. March 5-20, 2022

Locally written, Spaghetti From Graceland is a coproduction from Harbour and Maverick Theatres, playing at Camelot Arts Centre. The sequel to Confetti From Graceland, which was presented in August last year, it is set in the same room and features the same characters, two years later.

Directed this time by Sue Hasey, the sequel features all but one of the same actors and we are given a sense of déjà vu as this set appears identical to the one we saw last year. Once again, we are given a simple but effective lighting plot by Rob Tagliaferri, with an appropriate sound design from Vanessa Gudgeon.

Author Noel O’Neill steps into the role of Vince Nutz, for at least the fourth time, a role he created for himself and plays very well. His wife Rose is played beautifully by Narelle Belle, again bringing a great deal of prior experience to this role. There is a great camaraderie between these characters, and you can feel their affection, even though they spend most of the time fighting.

Daughter Linda is well played by Indiana Powell, who creates an effective relationship with Alec Fuderer, playing her husband Phillip, and who is the only actor who did not appear in Confetti From Graceland. Meagan Harper is lovely as neighbour Angela, working well with Kim Taylor as Tony, who is now her boss. Kim is a bit of an audience favourite, with a good proportion of the comic moments.

Rose’s parents, Ma and Pa Campanelli, are given very sexy portrayals by Sharon Menzies and Rex Gray, who seem to be having great fun in these unusual and fun roles.

A story of a loud and loving family of Italian New Yorkers, this is an easy-to-watch comedy that is both poignant and fun. While having seen its predecessor will add a few extra layers, this a complete show in its own right that will appeal anybody, especially if your own family is a little on the quirky side.

Kimberley Shaw

 

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