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Fringe 2009 Reviews (49)
Unknown Album
By Fred Gordon
Chris Payne Productions
Underbelly
***
As hard as we may try to ignore it, we are surrounded by music of all
descriptions and this forms the soundtrack of our lives. This quirky
play introduces the audience to four characters all linked by one song
and examines the relationships of the characters thereof. With moments
of humour and certainly a joint shiver of recognition for the audience
this is an engaging piece performed with confidence.
The decision to use split stage is largely successful as we are constantly
aware of the presence of grieving Helen (Holly McLay) and the use of
voice over by Piers (Finlay Gall) adds more layers to the already complicated
onstage relationships. This could easily have become a saccharine plot
but this production will no doubt shock or surprise audiences for not
quite sticking to the 'happy ever after' pop lyric ideal.
Amy Yorston
The Garden
By Zinnie Harris
The World is Too Much
Traverse 2
****
The Garden is something of a skeleton that requires its viewers
to put flesh on its bones.
It is set in an overheating America, in a fifth floor apartment occupied
by Lewis Howden's Mac and his wife Jane (Pauline Knowles).
Mac is a scientist more interested in office politics and committees
than his project, while Jane is a housewife who has been suffering from
a degree of mental fragility probably caused by a personal tragedy.
The focus of the 40 minute drama is a bump under the lino that, despite
the climate change about which ineffectual Mac and his colleagues can
do little, is revealed to be a burgeoning plant. This eventually brings
to the fore unspoken family issues.
The Garden is intriguing and gently amusing, so it would be
interesting to see a fuller version in due course.
Philip Fisher
Woody Sez
The words, music and spirit of Woody Guthrie
Devised by David M. Lutken with Nick Corley
Underbelly's Pasture
*****
Be prepared to smile and sway your way through this fantastic overview
of the life and times of Woody Guthrie in a heart-warming and utterly
slick show that's designed for everyone to enjoy. With narration between
songs and the cast of four representing all of the characters from his
life it won't matter if you are familiar with Woody as long as you appreciate
storytelling and good music.
The multi talented cast of David M Lutken, David Finch, Megan Loomis
and Helen J Russell clearly love performing this show and thrive on
the friendly atmosphere that they create. Many moments of emotion, whimsy
and fine harmonies combine to make this a pitch perfect show.
Amy Yorston
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