Theatre & Live Entertainment

Paul, take a bow. Thank you for organising this!
Wonderful! My children and I enjoyed the show.
Wow just amazing, I'm in tears.
Fantastic
Paul! A man of many talents.
Excellent show!
What wonderful idea and adaption to a World still stuck in flux. Highly enjoyable Broadway 'at home'. Congrats and thanks to all the organisers.

What could be more stressful than Christmas dinner? American playwright Steve Franco and the Blackwood Players answer this question with the farce ‘In-Laws, Outlaws, and Other People (That Should Be Shot)’. The hilarity starts as bickering father and daughter Tom and Beth (Jarrod Chave and Annie Gladdis) prepare dinner on Christmas Eve. They are soon joined by a series of relatives; boastful Aunt Bunny and Uncle Bud (Rebecca Gardner and Paul Hutchinson), with their high achieving daughter Tracey in tow (Genevieve Everett), the disagreeable Uncle Leo (Martin Barbary), and the ever-rambling Aunt Rose (Kathy Strauts). Grumbling neighbour Mrs Draper (Lorelle Pfeiffer), Beth’s wannabe boyfriend Paul (Caiden Crafts), two robbers who take the family hostage (Adam Schultz and James Barbary), and a snowstorm all add to the chaos.

Although clarity of the dialogue was occasionally an issue, there were entertaining performances all round from the ensemble cast, particularly from Schultz and Barbary as the comical robbers and Strauts as the aunt who just wouldn’t shut up! The set (by Erik Stauts, also director) and lighting (by Tim Gladdis and Erik Stauts) were simple, but very effective. The overcrowded Christmas decorations by Brittany Daw were perhaps a bit too much, but isn’t that what Christmas decorations are all about?

If you need a show to get you in the Christmas mood this year, this sparkling comedy is on until November 18. Why not bring all those in-laws, outlaws and those who… well aren’t they all one and the same?

Top of The Torrens Theatre Group Inc. have their audiences in stiches with their production of Three Bags Full. Set in New York in 1904, in the household of the Barlow family, a young employee of Mr Bascom Barlow, Richard Foyle, finds himself in mayhem and confusion as bags are swapped, letters are written and twisted truths unravel in front of his eyes. Whilst all this mayhem occurs Bascom’s wife is certain he is going mad, whilst trying to deal with her daughter’s love life and the running of the household.

Under the clear direction of Meg Stephens, the cast maintained the comedy throughout the production. Each cast member utilized the stage well, whilst conversing or moving behind another scene without being intrusive. The cast consistently projected equally and brought a bright, bubbly energy to this delightful (if sometimes predictable) show, although perhaps the pace as a whole could be stepped up a few notches. All the performers were committed to their roles. Where the mix up of the bags occurred so did some of the lines and names of other characters, but all was put right by the end.

I thoroughly enjoyed the box set design that was practical and well used; creating layers with stairs, and variety of different entrance points for the cast, this kept the audience engaged and on their toes. It would have been great to have the costumes and set all firmly within the same period, as this caused some confusion. Lighting and sound design by Pete Stephens were simple, but effective.

If you are looking for a comical afternoon, with laughter and enjoyment make sure you see Three Bags Full at Gumeracha Town Hall – 10/6/2017 @ 7:30pm or 11/6/2017 @ 2pm.

Jekyll & Hyde was last performed in Adelaide over ten years ago and makes a welcome return in this thrilling production by Marie Clark Musical Theatre. This musical adaption of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn follows the story of Doctor Henry Jekyll as he is consumed by his work, and eventually by his darker side. Trying to hold him back from the edge and suffering in their own ways are his fiancé Emma Carew and his loyal friend Gabriel John Utterson. Swept up in the events of the story is Lucy Harris, a prostitute with whom Jekyll forms an unlikely bond.

Under the direction of Ben Todd, the chemistry between the leads is palpable. The story is effectively told and the cast is confident and well-rehearsed. Unfortunately, a consistent tone is not always struck, with the occasional humorous moment undercutting the drama. Furthermore, there are times in each of the main character’s solo numbers that their performances are hampered by busywork with props or by singing upstage during important moments.

The choreography by Rebekah Stonelake is confidently delivered by the cast, and although at times it lacks stylistic consistency, the stage is filled with exciting movement that expresses the unfolding drama. The use of the staircase leading into one side of the stage is an effective design choice, giving many areas a definite sense of place. It is a pity that the mirror in Dr Jekyll’s laboratory, which is prominently referred to in the text, is just a small detail at the back of the stage.

The dual role of Doctor Jekyll and Mr Hyde is one of the most vocally demanding in the repertoire, but David MacGilivray is more than up to the challenge. He creates a sympathetic but driven Jekyll, and as Mr Hyde his vocal and physical transformation is staggering. As Jekyll’s fiancé Emma Carew, Ashley Muldrew’s beautifully pure singing contrasts wonderfully with the other singers. She plays the quiet strength of the character with warmth. As Lucy Harris, Sarah Wildy’s soaring voice fills the theatre. A standout moment is Muldrew and Wildy’s performance of the duet between Lucy and Emma, ‘In His Eyes’, as is the duet between Hyde and Lucy ‘A Dangerous Game’, which must be one of the most electrifying moments ever on the stage of the Arts Theatre.

Fine performances are given by the supporting actors, especially Brendan Clare as Jekyll’s friend Utterson, Max Kavanagh as Emma’s worried father Sir Danvers Carew, and Matthew Redmond as the chillingly evil pimp Spider. Special mention must be made of the ensemble, who each bring passion and distinctiveness to their performances. Todd and Stonelake must be commended for finding moments for each ensemble member to be highlighted. Under the musical direction of Ben Stefanoff, the ensemble sings with accuracy, clear diction and a warm tone, and the orchestra are strong and supportive.

Marie Clark Musical Theatre’s Jekyll & Hyde is a great night of theatre. The cast, crew and creative team should all be proud of their achievement. As I left the theatre, I was glad I wasn’t crossing Hyde Park to get to my car.