Manic Mayhem at the MASH 4077
2nd May 2008
By Melissa Trickey

I must confess that the reason I took on this article is that I’m a huge, HUGE, totally obsessed Mash fan. I have all 11 seasons on DVD, my friends and family think I’m a total loser but I think that’s a small price to pay. Major Margaret Houllihan is my idol, and if I saw Alan Alda on the street, I would throw myself at him screaming “play Doctor with me Hawkeye!”

This article isn’t just to share my patheticness with the world though. Phoenix Theatre Company will present to us the Australian Premiere of the play Mash, based on the original book by Richard Hooker detailing his experiences as a doctor in the Korean War of the 1950’s. To find out more about taking Mash from screen to stage, I spoke to Anne Dewar the Director, or the Commanding Officer in Mash talk!

“I jumped at the chance to direct Mash, as I just love the comedy and characters in the TV series,” said Anne. “The script is hilarious, non stop mayhem. I have directed Musicals before, but this is my first shot at directing a comedy play. But I have to say MASH is a bit unique in that it's not just a play, it does actually have a few surprise musical numbers in it, yet it is not a full on musical production either! The fact that it does have music in it though was part of the attraction to direct it I think.

“The characters in the play are actually based on the book by Richard Hooker and the story line on the 1970 movie MASH. The TV series which eventuated from the movie is so great because of the characters and style of comedy; it's one of those shows that you can view again and again and still laugh. It is on our TV screens every weekday; so when casting the show we decided to cast as per the characters on the TV show as I believe that is what people will expect to see.

“The style of comedy is the same but the TV show is different from the play in the sense that the play introduces us to some lesser known but yet still lovable characters from the original book who are not in the TV series; including an Aussie character commissioned to serve at the 4077th called Captain John "Ugly" Black. "They call me Ugly 'cause I'm so good looking, understand?" is one of his lines. He is a real Aussie larrikin with a typical Aussie way of talking and I am fortunate enough to have the multi-talented award winning Shannon Pincombe playing "Ugly" and he is just perfect for it, the audience will love him!

“I have brought from the TV show the stereotypical characterizations of Hawkeye, Hotlips, Radar etc. Because I believe that is what the audience and fans of MASH will expect when they come to see the show.  Also a few familiar props like "The Still" have been added as it was a big part of Hawkeye's life in MASH - to go into the Swamp tent and grab his Martini from "The Still". Also Radar's Teddy Bear was a must have.”

And now it’s time to pick the favourites! “There are so many great episodes to choose from, I don't know that I really have a favourite, but we have incorporated several bits and pieces from some of the really funny episodes including Radars Mail Call - very funny episode, and the song ‘The Tennessee Waltz’ which was in the episode ‘Movie Tonight’.”

Could Anne possibly pick a favourite character?!? “They are all my favourites! I love them all and I have an exceptionally talented cast to portray them. It is the sort of show where nobody stands out, everybody is a fantastic character in their own right on an even level. It is a real team show; but with over 30 characters to choose from audience members are bound to have their favourites.

Michael Parsons as Hawkeye and Glenn Hill as Duke make a great comedy team and are a hoot to watch, Hotlips played by Janet Parsons looks like she just stepped out of the TV screen, she's hilarious and cracks me up at every rehearsal. Radar (Nick Gibbons) again looks as if he stepped out of the TV screen and is a very talented young man, Father Mulchahy (Norm Coleman) and Trapper John (Craig Dewar) are great character actors and Colonel Blake (Rob Morrison) and his sidekick Boone (Karl Sarsfield) have the best comic timing I have ever seen! A crowd favourite is sure to be the Bonwit sisters who come to entertain the MASH troops, Mitzi (Michelle Sargeant Ross), Fritzi (Laura Parker) and Agnes (Jessie Oliver), are talented girls and play dumb cute blondes so convincingly well, their scenes with the MASH boys are hilarious and their rendition of "Give My Regards to Broadway" is a gem. Then we have outrageous actors with Walt Waldowski the crazy Dentist (Craig Maloney) Sgt Devine (Dave Campbell) and luscious Latino Pvt Lopez (David Young) who shall we say is probably related to Klinger from the TV series with his dress sense....say no more! I am very lucky to be working with such a wonderful cast! Everybody else I haven’t already mentioned is funny and fabulous and putting in 100% every rehearsal! The cast are having a great fun time with it and it shows in their performance. Being able to actually rehearse on the set in the hall is an added bonus.”

Favourite Hawkeye quote? “There are many but taken out of context one of the best Hawkeye quotes would be when told that crazy Walt is depressed again Hawkeye replies with "But he had his months depression last week. He's not due for another depression for three more weeks!" ...typical Hawkeye way of thinking. Quite funny when put into context of the scene.”

So in closing, what can we expect to see? “Phoenix's MASH is very entertaining with non stop comic action but with one or two dramatic scenes. I have tried to get across the fact that most of the doctors drafted to serve in the Korean War really didn't want to be there. It was a terrible place to be and to save themselves from going crazy dealing with all the trauma of war they created laughter and created situations to keep themselves sane which makes for wonderful audience entertainment.


The production crew and I have tears of laughter every rehearsal, so going on that hopefully someone seeing the show for the first time should be completely entertained.

“As I said the cast is superb, the costumes by Stephanie Harvey look fabulous and are authentic and detailed; some items worn have actually come from the USA and are Korean War authentic, as are some of the multitude of props used. Stephanie has done an amazing job on a tight budget.

The set by professional set designer Yoon Kim is wonderful and clever, awesome lighting and sound effects added it is shaping up to be as near a professional show as I can get it and as I consider myself a perfectionist I wouldn't settle for anything less! The audience will certainly get their money’s worth and MASH fans definitely will not be disappointed! You don't need to be a MASH fan though as it is a family show that anyone from 4yrs - to 94yrs will enjoy, one that you can walk away from feeling good. What more could you ask?”



 

So sign the forms you’re supposed to initial, initial the forms you’re supposed to sign, ok your signature with your initial and your initial with your signature, copy it in triplicate and send one to HQ, one to the Adjutant General’s Office and keep on for the company files, grab your Hawaiian shirt and head down to the Officer’s Club at the Mahon Theatre in Ringwood for some mischief and mayhem!

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