Lion Pig Lion ; theatre review

STRIKING A DEAL:Brant Eustice and Michaela Cantwell in a scene from Lion Pig Lion. Photo: Shane Reid.


State Theatre Company of South Australia presents a world premiere of Marty Denniss' latest play Lion Pig Lion, which explores issues of government, corporate and individual accountability and how each interact with one another when staff discover their company may be involved with a young man's death at a water plant.

Bland Bureaucratic Bungles by Linh

Marty Denniss' Lion Pig Lion is inspired by the Bolivian Water Wars of 2000 and tells of the confusion, fear and distrust of individuals whose company is being investigated in relation to a murder.

The plot is convoluted and the dialogue has the potential to be sharp and witty if it wasn't burdened with expletives - the word f*** dominated throughout. The characters are as complex as the plot and the actors' talents seem wasted in a play that is slow-moving and stagnant in parts.

Although frustrating at times, the performances were strong and engaging enough to sustain audience interest until some answers are revealed, yet more questions arise.

Local performer Michaela Cantwell gives a commanding performance as the irrepressible, fast-talking PR guru, Virginia, whose own motives are questioned as she tries to keep everyone calm as the company undergoes another review by the Commissioner.

Stage director, drama teacher and singer/songwriter Brant Eustice is convincing as the wheelchair-bound Archives Manager, Sidney whose first impressions are not as they seem. There's a surprise and shock instore as Sidney reveals more about himself and his involvement with the investigations at the end.

Versatile thespian Carmel Johnson plays the tough-talking security officer Maureen, whose involvement with the murder is not what it seems. Carmel gives the character some light and shade, displaying a hardened exterior to many while showing vulnerability towards a few.

Other cast members' performances which added variety to help lift the play, include Patrick Frost as the soon-to-retire security guard Freddy, Patrick Graham's affable and impressionable Archives Assistant, Richard and Joel McIlroy as the nosey and manipulative Commission officer, Gerard.

Overall, Lion Pig Lion had a plot that takes too long to get started, characters who talk too much about nothing with too many expletives, and an ending which dissatisfies.

To Kill A Mockingbird; theatre review

FIGHTING PREJUDICE:Shedrick Yarkpai, Isabella Trigatti and David Roach in To Kill A Mockingbird. Photo: David Wilson.



Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird makes its Australian premiere in Adelaide, with Independent Theatre Company staging the theatrical production at the Odeon Theatre.

To Kill A Mockingbird is set in the American town of Maycomb in Alabama during 1934-1935, where a black man, Tom Robinson is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Experienced lawyer Atticus Finch is assigned by the judge to handle Tom's case, with the story told in flashback by Atticus' daughter Scout.

Independent Theatre stages a brilliant production of To Kill A Mockingbird, with a talented ensemble cast under the direction of Rob Croser.


Life's Lessons Learned by Linh

Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird is one literary gem which requires the right mix of talent and professionalism to bring the novel's themes and characters to life. Fortunately, Independent Theatre has succeeded in the challenge of re-creating the author's vision from the page to the stage.

The characters are well cast with each actor giving a solid performance to convey messages corresponding to the play's numerous themes including racial prejudice, loyalty, trust and love.

Local and regular Independent Theatre performer Lyn Wilson plays the mature Jean Louise Finch or Scout, with a narrative role where her monologues interweaves with the performance of her young counterpart. At times, Lyn seems oddly out of place and distant rather than immersed as the character, yet she brings a sense of warmth and reassurance of things to come.

Eleven year old aspiring actor Isabella Trigatti gives a commanding performance as the young Scout or Jean Louise Finch, vividly displaying a child's enquiring mind and bringing a vibrant quality to her delivery.

Young actor Will Cox plays Scout's older brother Jem, and is equally engaging as he brings a charming yet rebellious nature to the pre-pubescent son of local lawyer Atticus Finch.

One of the founding members of Independent Theatre and set designer extraordinaire David Roach, employs all his acting brilliance to do justice to one of literacy's most loved and respected characters. David plays the mild mannered lawyer and father of two children, Atticus Finch, with the unpretentious and noble qualities embodied in his idealistic character. Yet David demonstrates throughout the play, although Atticus is an idealist, he lives in an town and at a time where his visions are not ideal.

Musician, actor and familiar face of Independent Theatre stage productions, Shedrick Yarkpai has the role of accused rapist Tom Robinson. Shedrick plays Tom with gentle and quiet innocence, bringing forth all the play's themes of racial prejudice and inequality during his character's courtroom scenes.

Other cast members also provide outstanding performances including Jamie Black as the drunkard Bob Ewell whose aggressive and unpleasant nature is distrubing, Kate Ward is in fine form as the confused and contemptible Mayella Ewell. Poni Tongun debuts with Independent Theatre as Atticus Finch's caring and wise female servant Calpurnia but also acts as a surrogate parent to the children.

Independent Theatre continues to bring classic literature to the stage, with many quality productions pushing the boundaries of themes which are usually avoided or ignored. Their production of To Kill A Mockingbird will resonate in the minds of audiences just as the novel continues to strike a cord with readers.


A scene from the film To Kill A Mockingbird depicting the lynching attempt of Tom Robinson. Source:YouTube.com/Buddha7575.

By Jeeves; musical theatre review

'By Jeeves' is based on the Jeeves stories by PG Wodehouse, which writer Alan Ayckbourne and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber have turned into a light-hearted musical comedy.

The musical revolves around the humourous antics of Bertram 'Bertie' Wilberforce Wooster and his male-servant Jeeves. Bertie is about to present a concert to raise funds for the Little Wittam Church Steeple Restoration Fund, when Jeeves informs him that Bertie's banjo has been stolen. Following Jeeves' advice and stage direction, Bertie re-enacts various escapades of his life to entertain the audience. It turns into a play-within-a-play where Bertie agrees to trade identities, commit an unintentional burglary, and frames another for his misdemeanour.

Burnside Players Inc. presents a lively production of 'By Jeeves' featuring melodious songs and a strong ensemble cast.

'By Jeeves' is staged at the Burnside Ballroom until August 11.

By George, Jeeves' Got It by Linh

Director Megan Dansie has given 'By Jeeves' the right amount of polishing to make this musical comedy gem sparkle and shine.

Subtitled as "An Almost Entirely New Musical", minimal alterations were made to accommodate scene and costume changes, which at times slowed down the action. Yet the performances were strong and the singing standards varied.

Tenor vocalist Paul Briske is outstanding as Bertram 'Bertie' Wooster, keeping the comedy on track and the action afloat with his fine acting ability. Paul brings charm and authority to his character. His brilliant vocals in The Hallo Song , with characters Budge and Gussie, By Jeeves with Budge and Bingo and Travel Hopefully with Bingo, highlights the songs' hilarity and infectious melodies.

Experienced actor of many Adelaide theatre productions, Philip Lineton plays Bertie's servant Jeeves, who successfully saves Bertie's bacon in the final act.
Philip effectively gives Jeeves some perfectly dry humour, and provides an impressive counterpart to Bertie's over-emotionalism.

Humanitarian and performer Max Halupka takes on the role of Gussie Fink-Nottle with much enthusiasm and great gusto.
Max displays warmth and sincerity as Gussie who attempts to woo his beloved Madeline, but needs Bertie to trade indenties with him. Max's vocal ability is sound yet requires more vibrancy in the catchy song By Jeeves and better projection in the ensemble number It's A Pig.

Aspiring singer and actor Sera Davey is dainty and virginal in the role of Gussie's love interest Madeline Bassett. Sera's lovely light soprano voice is wonderful in her duet with Bertie in When Love Arrives.

Sassy and versatile performer Cara Brown portrays the demanding and assertive Stephanie 'Stiffy' Byng, in a convincing performance with superb singing. Her duets Love's Maze with Bertie and Half A Moment with Harold 'Pinker' Stinker (Brendan Clare) are well pitched and aurally arousing.

Other notables are Danielle Seal as the larger than life Honoria Glossop whose solo That Was Nearly Us provided one of the funniest comic scenes in the play, Tim Benveniste as the American businessman is wonderfully smug in his scenes and Richard Gruca is excellent as the self-important Sir Watkyn Bassett who's unaware of the shenanigans happening around him.

The scene changes are incorporated as part of the drama and the set is minimalistic. The most interesting prop is Bertie's automobile created from cardboard, wooden chair seats and some scrap metal pieces, which is also easily dismantled.

Musical Director Kate Pope and the Little Wittam Sextet provided fabulous support throughout, in a musical comedy with creativity and wit.

Everything's F*#ked; musical theatre review

LIFE'S F*#KED UP:Abbie Cardwell, Andre Eikmeier, Lisa Sontag and Alexander Jenkins in 'Everything's F*#ked - the musical'.Photo:Simon Cardwell.




From it's embryonic stages of grant applications and re-writes, writer and composer Sean Peter's 'Everything's F*#ked' has finally come to fruition.
It's a contemporary musical blending romance, comedy and life's complications with urban beats and glorious rock-fused harmonies.

The story tells of four twenty-something's sharing a house, whose lives are exposed as each experience personal turmoils, triumphs and tragedy.
The September 11 Twin Towers attack, the growing fear of Hepatitis C and the emergence of destructive computer viruses further heightens the tensions in the lives of Jack, Red, Adam and Belle, as they each discover although everything's f*#ked, it would still be all right in the end.

'Everything's F*#ked' is a co-production between Inspace and Autopilot Productions and runs until August 18 at the Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre Complex.


Fan-f*#king-tastic by Linh

From the beginning, audiences are warned throughout the song Disclaimer that 'Everything's F*#ked' contains adult themes, sex scenes, nudity, drug use and frequent coarse language, so anyone who's easily offended should leave. Fortunately, no-one did, otherwise they would've missed one of the best Australian rock musicals created.

Composer and writer Sean Peter cleverly wrote music that carried the drama with lyrics that exposed the characters' raw emotions. Every song added something interesting to the characters' situation and revealed their thoughts, fears and hopes.

The talented cast of four are brilliant in their roles, in a musical set during the Spring of 2001. It's 'Rent' the musical meets 'Friends' the television comedy series, as the four share laughs, tears and a home.

Actor and musician Andre Eikmeier plays the hot-headed Jack whose attempts to climb the corporate beanstalk lands him in hot water. Andre is convincing as the fast-talking and quick witted Jack, with a magnificent voice clearly emphasising his character's determination and persistence in Autopilot, while deftly displaying intense fury in Boom Baby Boom.

Adelaide singer, songwriter and actress Abbie Cardwell gives a brilliant performance as Jack's girlfriend Red (suitably nicknamed as she wears plenty of red coloured attire), who's dealing with pressures at work as well as an interfering mother and the death of her Nanna.
Abbie gives a moving delivery of Nan after Red hears of her Nanna's death, and shows poignancy and tenderness during Eulogy.

Rising musical theatre star Lisa Sontag portrays the vivacious couch-potato Belle, who takes sex calls while watching television. Lisa has an exceptional singing voice which is evident in the feel-good duet with Abbie, Good Things and is equally beguiling as Belle tells of her illness in Waiting For The Storm.

A lover of TV, pizza and beer, actor and singer Alexander Jenkins plays Adam, the highly intelligent computer geek with a crush on Belle. Adam even uses her name as his password and is constantly rescuing Jack from computer related disasters.
Alex gives a fine vocal and dramatic performance as Adam when leaving a message for Belle in Adam's Call, and shows a flirtatious side to Adam in Speedhump On The Superhighway.

Director Geoff Crowhurst succeeds in bringing together the actors' song numbers and action without dragging on scenes. He makes the most of Andrew Phillips' superbly designed set that's structured into levels and compartments depicting Jack's office, Red's workdesk, Adam's workspace, Red's bedroom and the loungeroom occupied by Belle.

Sean Peter's musical 'Everything's F*#ked' is thoroughly entertaining with enough thought provoking messages to discuss around the water cooler.

Blues In The Night; cabaret review

Sheldon Epps' 'Blues In The Night' is a cabaret production featuring a collection of some of the best blues standards ever written. There is no storyline, only four blues singers at different stages of their lives, who each share their stories through fabulous blues and soul ballads. The production is given extra sparkle with dancers adding movement and colour to some of the beautifully sung numbers.

'Blues In The Night' runs until August 11 at the Playford Civic Centre, Elizabeth.

Red Hot Blues by Linh

Northern Light Theatre Company presents a magical evening of blues and soul singing in Sheldon Epps' 'Blues In The Night'.

Featuring four of Adelaide's most talented singers, the cabaret production interweaves emotions and personal stories of three sisters which are interspersed by a male singer.

Musical theatre veteran and crowd favourite, Megan Humphries plays the role of The Lady From The Road, whose songs feature the hardships she's endured with love, misery and hope.
Megan shines as the parasol twirling and dancing damsel in the humourous number Take Me For A Buggy Ride , she gives a stirring performance in Lover Man, and delivers precise comedic timing in the hilarious song Kitchen Man.

Sultry and sexy singer Kira Marie Laverty portrays The Woman Of The World with a twinkle in her eye to match her character's cheeky grin. Kira's songs depict worldly wisdom from a woman who's been there and done that.
Kira exudes sex appeal in It Makes My Love Come Down, gives a beautiful rendition of Lush Life and provides laughs and cheers as she gracefully weaves her way amongst the males in the audience with the flirtatious song Rough And Ready Man.

Versatile vocalist and talented performer Michelle Pearson provides some showstopping moments in her role as The Girl With A Date.
Michelle is impressive as she sang while getting dressed and belting out Take A Chance On Love, she vividly expresses the emotional tenderness in the tearjerker ballad Willow Weep For Me, and is equally mesmerising in Reckless Blues.

The thorn among the roses, musical theatre performer Rod Schultz plays The Man In The Saloon with great gusto and comic flair.
Rod has the dual task of linking each of the women's ballads with his brief song and dance numbers, while belting out a few blues hits throughout.
Highlights from Rod include his wonderful velvety voiced version of Baby Doll, the smooth and suave delivery of Wild Women Don't Have The Blues and I'm Just A Lucky So-And So.

Other highlights include the ensemble numbers Take It Right Back, and the gorgeous harmonies of all four singers during Four Walls (Reprise).

Choreographer Kerreanne Sarti succeeds in ensuring all four dancers added visual interpretation to the songs' stories rather than overshadow the singers.

'Blues In The Night' is a relaxing and entertaining night of beautiful blues ballads to lift your spirits and keeps you humming long after you've left the theatre.