Melbourne Observer - Wednesday, March 26, 2014 - Page 37
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Observer Showbiz Every Week in the Melbourne Observer
Radio: Conference heads to Melbourne ............... Page 38 Country Music: More changes at CMAA ................. Page 38 Theatre: Ripping yarn at La Mama .................................. Page 39 Jim and Aaron: Jim Sherlock returns ................................. Page 42 Cheryl Threadgold: Local theatre shows, auditions ........... Page 43 PL US THE LLO OVATT”S MEGA CRO PLUS CROSS SWORD
XANADU THE MUSICAL True Confessions
● Christopher Welldon (CB), and Rohan Mirchandaney (Beethoven) in Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead. Photo: Sarah Walker ■ Boutique Theatre opened last week to a full house with Dog Sees God: Confessions Of A Teenage Blockhead , running until March 29 at the Brunswick Mechanics Institute. Written by Bert V. Royal, the show is an ‘unauthorised parody’ of the long running, much-loved comic strip Peanuts by Charles M Schulz. CB questions whether there is an after-life and reincarnation after his dog has died from rabies. The familiar characters are now grown-up teenagers facing modern-day issues far more challenging than those encountered by Charlie Brown and Snoopy during the popular comic strip’s 50-year run. Issues include sexual identity, drug use, eating disorders, alcohol, homophobia, bullying, pyromania, violence, eating disorders and suicide. Christopher Welldon as CB leads the talented cast, joined by Carly Milroy (CB’s sister), Rohan Mirchandaney (Beethoven), Doug Lyons (Van), Claire Pearson (Tricia), Themie Zgonis (Marcy), Nicholas Rhodes (Matt) and Cazz Bainbridge (Van’s sister). The show’s first-class direction is by Byron Bache and Emma Caldwell, and Nick Casey’s ingenious set design includes a versatile bank of lockers not only showcasing items synonymous with Charlie Brown, but also storing furniture and props for quick scene changes. Matt Osburn’s lighting design compliments the script beautifully, while Nico Wilsdon’s costume design includes CB’s iconic yellow shirt with black jagged stripe, plus distinctive, colourful costumes for the other characters. The show’s cast, direction, staging and technical aspects are terrific, and while the script may drag in parts, there are funny elements as well as serious, worthwhile messages. Bert V. Royal’s teenage tale could be presented independently without piggy-backing on another writer’s work and characters. However his quirky concept is not only interesting and entertaining, but creates a sense of spirituality and connection with the past when CB’s pen-pal’s initials are revealed at the end, The show runs for 2¼-hours without interval. Performance Season: Until March 29 Times: Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 6pm Venue: Brunswick Mechanics Institute, Cnr Glenlyon and Sydney Rds, Brunswick. Bookings: online at www.boutiquetheatreco.com or at the door (subject to availability) - Review by Cheryl Threadgold
● Emily Hall, Karl McNamara, Will Deumer, Natasha Bassett, Ruth Bishop, Luisa Tascone,Rachel Conway, Alana West,Angie Bedford, Mitchell Sanfilippo and James Terry in Xanadu presented by Fab Nobs Theatre in Bayswater.
By BRIAN AMOS of Radio Eastern 98.1FM ■ The Fab Nobs Theatre Inc at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater presents Xanadu The Musical which opened on Friday evening and continues until Saturday, April t. The music and lyrics of Xanadu are by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar from a book by Douglas Carter Beane. The story of Xanadu is set in 1980 somewhere along the beach in Venice, California. Sonny Malone becomes frustrated with the mural he has painted of the nine muses of Greek mythology. After he storms off in frustration, the muses come to life and Kira (aka Clio), Sonny’s muse, hatches a plan to inspire Sonny to artistic greatness. This was an evening of typical Fab Nob entertainment, full of colour and bursting with energy. Xanadu was directed by Stephen Valeri and his direction was excellent with ways in which he utilised the small space of the theatre for a show suited to a much larger stage. Musical direction was under the baton of Simon D’Aquino and the choreography by Sheona Gregg was well executed by all the cast. Stephen chose an excellent cast with Emily Hall as Kira/Clio who gave a superb performance and handled the roller skates very well. Her singing of the various numbers was excellent. Karl McNamara as Sonny Malone gave a wonderful portrayal in his role and worked well with Kira. Another great performance was given by Will Deumer as Danny Maguire/Zeus. Natasha Basset as Melopomene/Medusa and Ruth Bishop as Calliope/Aphrodite gave great performances with their comedy roles. All other cast members gave 100 per cent and especially towards the end of the show when all were on roller skates that really surprised the audience. Once again Fab Nobs Theatre provided another great evening of theatre. Xanadu The Musical runs until Saturday, April 5 and bookings can be made by contacting 0414 367 062. Don’t miss this night of excellent entertainment. - Review by Brian Amos ● Brian Amos presents the Local and Non-Professional Program on Radio Eastern 98.1 FM on Tuesdays from 3pm-4pm.
‘Just a jump to the left’
● Kevin Trask with Richard O’Brien ■ It was a thrill to have afternoon tea with Richard O’Brien, the creator and star of The Rocky Horror Show. The Rocky Horror Show is in its 41st year after opening as a fringe-show upstairs in The Royal Court Theatre in London. I asked Richard about his memories of the opening night. He said the Australian actress Coral Browne was doing a play in the theatre downstairs but wanted to see what all the fuss was about with this noisy popular show. So Coral came to the opening night and brought her famous actor husband. It was a stormy night, the rain was howling down and there were strong flashes of lightning. When the show began there was a flash of lightning and Coral and her husband were sitting under a skylight. There was a crash and lightening bolt and there lit in a glow under the skylight was Vincent Price. These days Richard lives in New Zealand and is playing the narrator in the show for the Adelaide season. We discovered that we were both born in the same year. The Rocky Horror Show opens at the Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, on April 24. Craig McLaughlan (Dr Blake Mysteries) stars as Frank N Furter, Christie Whelan-Browne as Janet, Tim Madden as Brad, and Erika Haynatz as Magenta. Bookings available via Ticketmaster for the limited season. I might wear my tights to the opening night.. - Kevin Trask