Reviews & News
Elmwood Players would like to see more interaction between the many drama groups in our area and further abroad and is hoping that other members would also like to contribute. Reviews or bits of news can be sent to:
contact@elmwood-players.org.nz
Dead funny black comedy entertains Fred.
Directed by Anita Hallewas. Presented by Elmwood Players. March 26 to April 5, 7.30pm. Reviewed by Alan Scott. - The Press | Thursday, 27 March 2008.
The audience had a good time with this one, judging by the laughs that rang out around the auditorium. Fred is a black comedy from Australia which centres on a group of friends who keep finding dead bodies: one by the clothesline, one in the laundry and one in the garage. It seems to start off as a whodunit, but ends up as a who cares whodunit, because whodunit is not the point.
Truth to tell, it is hard to figure out what is the point of the play, despite the playwright slipping in references to chaos theory as if to give it some philosophical import. The whole thing fizzles out at the end without any real resolution and, to some degree, leaves you with a feeling of dissatisfaction.
On the other hand, it is dead funny, if you will forgive the obvious pun. It is a fairly bizarre comedy that keeps you laughing till the end and I am fairly sure the audience went home happy.
It is rude and crude and not afraid to take a whack at sacred cows. People always seem to laugh when characters talk dirty on stage.
The characters are fairly stereotypical, from the gay surgeon to the used car salesman with his brains in his underpants.
The production itself was very well done and I commend all the actors for convincingly conveying the piece. They expertly brought out the humour and kept up the pace really well. The scenic nature of the play meant they had to work extra hard to keep it flowing.
The director was on top of the whole thing and, along with the cast, did the play real justice.
UGLY CUSTOMERS
Written by Joseph Musaphia
Presented by Riccarton Players
Tickets $15 / $11
Running time 1 hour 22 (including a short interval)
“Don’t miss this hilarious comedy that is sure to remind you of what good customer service is actually about” entices the press release from Riccarton Players. A New Zealand comedy, Ugly Customers represents the poor service provided by so many staff in retail and service positions. When two long-standing customers of the fictitious local bank can no longer accept poor customer service, they decide to rob the bank at gun point and teach the staff a thing or two about customers.
The central characters, Harold (John Boyce) and Laura (Cathy Jaeger), are aged in their mid seventies/eighties, complete with walker. A number of compliments for Jaeger were overhead from audience members at interval and after the curtain, however Boyce, with his portrayal of the gun-toting elderly Harold, particularly impressed.
Also of note is customer Barry played with a hint of Frank Spencer by rather burly, six foot six Graeme Randle. Barry, who turns out to be something of a coward, has a wonderful exchange with Janice (Pene Maddock), one of the bank tellers and from this point the play picks up the pace.
Both the pace and the humor increase in the second act with the audience settling in to this light comedy that every audience member could associate with. Who hasn’t waited in a bank line waiting for a teller to come free, only to be greeted with a “next teller please” sign?
Curiously, for a writer with a book and a number of journalist articles to his name, the play missed a number of comedic opportunities that another writer such as Roger Hall would have picked up on. There were glimpses of Musaphia’s life experiences as a motivational speaker and sales coach but thankfully these were small digressions.
The six cast member completed a fine performance and gave the audience a good night’s entertainment. No ugly customers this side of the curtain.
Dai Eveleigh
15 March 2007
Mary Robertson
It is with sad regret all at Elmwood Players note the passing of Mary Robertson who always had a very active interest in the Theatre as well as cats and her garden. Doug Clarke of Riccarton Players supplied the brief notes about Mary and Stewart.
Mary & Stewart Robertson were both members of Elmwood Players in the good old "Garage Days" at 69 St Albans Street.
They progressed and assisted with the creation of the Elmwood Playhouse, that was.
Latterly Mary worked tirelessly for Canterbury Repertory Theatre, organising FOH, as well as maintaining a high profile with the Cats Protection League, maintaining her rambling garden which was full of surprises, and spending time with her grandchildren.
She is survived by daughters, Lee, Ruth and Lynne, and of course son, Grant, who is co-owner of The Light Site.
Another dedicated theatre person has passed on - now Mary can join her beloved Stewart creating a new theatre in the hereafter
AGM and 3rd Annual Woodies
Congratulations to all the Woodie recipients. Here is the list of winners for this year:
Best Actor (Full Length Play):
Ian Lester (Hugh in Glide Time).
Best Actress (Full Length Play):
A tie – joint winners were Sarndra Preston (Beryl in Glide Time) and Marilyn Ollett (Peggy in Silly Cow).
Best Actor (One Act Play):
Steve Millar (Jake in Computer Pals).
Best Actress (One Act Play):
Anita Hallewas (Kate/Lucy in Curses! Foiled Again).
Best Director:
Garry Thomas (Glide Time & Hard Stuff).
Best Technical:
Jo Cherry (Stage Manager, Silly Cow & Lounge Suite).
Best First-timer: (new to Elmwood or the stage)
Steve Millar.
Best Blooper:
Stage Manager Dai being stuck in Queenstown on opening night.
Best Prop/Costume: the Angy Warhol picture in Silly Cow (graphics by Kris Vavasour).
Life Membership
The committee has awarded one life membership this year, in recognition for years of dedicated service in lighting design and operation – to Dave Cathro. Our heartfelt thanks for all the long hours and hard work Dave has put in over many, many years in two different venues.
Congratulations to you all for your contributions for our enjoyment.