Wrong Turn at Lungfish

Galleon Theatre Group are based in the Domain Theatre in Marion. This intimate space suits their latest offering perfectly. The action takes place in one room for the entirety of the play. A hospital room, designed by Rosie Aust, Kym Clayton and Michael Ralph and dressed by Elaine Latcham, provides a large performing space for the action to follow.

Wrong Turn at Lungfish is the brainchild of the late Hollywood writer and director Garry Marshall, and Lowell Ganz; both have enjoyed much success in television and movies, with such classics as Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley. This nineties dramedy holds up well and showcases the talents of the writers. Tackling relationships, connection, loss and ultimately friendship, characters try to find meaning in their lives. The script is sublime, and director Rosie Aust does well to find its compassion amidst the serious subject matter.

A former college dean, Peter Ravenswaal is hospitalised and dying. Losing his wife 12 months prior and recently losing his sight, has left him lonely and despondent. Friendless, with only one student nurse played with attitude by Tiana Cooper willing to assist him, his life brightens, when reading volunteer, Anita Meredino enters his life. With her thick Brooklyn drawl and uneducated charm, she somehow manages to soften the veneer of our crusty protagonist. The relationship that develops between this odd couple is surprising, but they soon find common ground with their mutual interest in evolution. The title of this play is soon explained.

Veteran of the stage, Tony Busch is reprising his role as Peter Ravenswaal. His experience is evident as he delivers a nuanced portrayal of a cantankerous old man facing the end of his life. Busch plays a blind man convincingly, navigating the open space and being careful not to focus on any person or object. His performance is outstanding. The relationship he develops with Anita is at the centre of this story. Aust is to be applauded for her excellent casting of these two pivotal roles. Both actors understood the task, their chemistry allowed for realistic and emotionally charged characterisation and I for one was invested in the outcome.

Dora Stamos as Anita Meredino was superb, carrying with her a naïve charm, she was careful not to overplay her accent. She provided much needed comic relief when reading the likes of Keats and Schopenhauer, to the delightful annoyance of Ravenswaal. Meredino is an optimist and dreamer, she has her heart set on marriage to her wayward and abusive boyfriend Dominic De Caesar, played by Wade Cook, who we meet in act two. His arrival brings with it a darkness, as we learn of the true nature of his relationship with Anita. Thankfully, the bond between our leads has strengthened and the story concludes, with our faith restored in humanity.

Production values were of the highest quality, which you come to expect of Galleon. Lighting design by Trish Winfield captured intimate moments beautifully. Galleon made a brave choice with this production, and it paid off in spades. This is a thought-provoking and entertaining night at the theatre and deserves many bums on seats.

Kerry Cooper