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The Thing About Men
Presented by: Magnormos Prompt! Musicals
Venue: Theatreworks
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 3rd July 2008
Liam
Pedersen, Laura Fitzpatrick & Chris Parker
Magnormos have followed their eclectic choice of productions, such
as Archy and Mehitabel, Flora the Red Menace and
Saturday Night, with the Australian Premiere of The Thing
About Men. Composers Jimmy Roberts and Joe DiPietro wrote
another successful Off Broadway musical which may be more familiar:
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
Unlike the collection of scenarios in ILYYPNC, The Thing
About Men has a linear narrative. It tells the story of
career-driven womaniser Tom who, in the opening minutes of the show,
leaves his wife Lucy when he discovers that she is having an affair.
Tom uncovers his wife’s lover, bohemian artist Sebastian, and moves
in with him, leading not only to a range of comic shenanigans but
also to a blossoming bro-mance that completes the love triangle
between the three leads.
 The
ensuing action is not quite as predictable as it might have been as
each of the characters are quite endearing and each of the
relationships are compelling in their own way. Another positive
aspect is that the show is not heavy-handed in pointing out the
‘Things’ about men. Rather, the foibles and strengths of men are
allowed to play out subtly as required in the story.
Chris Parker gives a star turn as Tom, the stereotypical
Porsche-driving advertising executive who slowly comes to realise
there is more to life than work and women. Parker gives a committed,
energetic performance and he sings with a quality that transcends
the material. Not to detract from this show in any way, but his
talent clearly deserves to be seen and heard in far more
sophisticated work. Hopefully this will occur in the very near
future.
Liam Pedersen & Chris Parker
The luminous Laura Fitzpatrick clearly shows why her character Lucy
has the affectionate nickname Teary Eyes, as she wells up on at
least three occasions. Fitzpatrick has the rare gift of a beauty
that grows more radiant with every year. A stunning singer and
actress, she may not have four Logies but it is a crime that she is
not headlining a multi-million dollar production in a city theatre.
 Liam
Pedersen brings a sexy, dynamic presence to the role of Sebastian,
the scruffy, spunky artist who is the antithesis of Tom. He sings
powerfully and draws us into his character’s journey as he learns to
take control of his life.
The comedy is given a huge boost by the presence of Lyall Brooks and
Nicolette Minster, who play a dazzling range of supporting roles. To
say that they nailed the comedy on each and every character is an
understatement. Highlights included the towel girl at the gym, the
mincing French Maitre d’ and the tragic country and western singer.
Musical Director Sophie Thomas keeps the show moving at a clipping
pace and has made the vocals sound deceptively simple. Playing for
the show on a gorgeous grand piano, she was joined on keyboards by
Cameron Thomas, with occasional instrumental support from Brooks and
Minster.
Director Aaron Joyner, founder and Artistic Director of Magnormos,
has assembled a top-notch cast and has fully realised the comic
potential of the show.
Fans of this type of enjoyable, light-weight comedy material will
have to wait a very long time to see it performed by a such a strong
ensemble. It is an enjoyable night at the theatre. Even if you are
unfamiliar with the show, the performance of the five actors is
reason enough to attend.
Chris
Parker
Simon has appeared in more than 30 productions over the past twenty
years. Recent roles include Uncle Henry/Guard of the Gate in The
Wizard of Oz (Catchment) and Eugene Fodor in Crazy for You (Whitehorse).
Other favourite roles include Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel, Max in The
Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint Your Wagon,
Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les Miserables.
He is also a keen audience member, having seen over 50 shows in
five weeks on a recent trip to New York and
London.
Simon is currently in rehearsals as choreographer for his school
production of Little Shop of Horrors. Simon has served on the Music
Theatre Guild of
Victoria
Committee for four years, and is currently Treasurer. |