'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.
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