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Kiss Me Kate
Presented
by:
Park Players
Date Reviewed:
Friday May 16th 2008
Venue:
Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
Reviewer:
Wayne Motton
Another opening and yet another show by Park Players at the
Karralyka Theatre.
The Excitement in the foyer was overwhelming as I arrived ten
minutes before the curtain on Opening night, there was the usual
opening night crowd sipping drinks and a great many others greeting
each other warmly, all knowing it was going to be a fun night. With
great expectations we shuffled to our seats and waited for the show
to commence.
A
true theatre company is a training ground of young and inexperienced
players to learn their stage craft by being on stage, observing and
being instructed by more experienced players from within and ‘guest
leads’ who appear in various parts. Park Players is one of those
Companies who looks after there own and it’s a pleasure to watch
members improve from show to show.
Zac Brown gave us a strong lead with his usual impeccable comic
timing and his great voice.
He worked extremely well with Lilly/Katherine and made many of the
scenes come to life with his never ending energy and enthusiasm. His
songs were all well presented well, although I would have preferred
a bit more of a difference in styles between Fred and Petruchio.
Lizzie Matjacic was a fine Lilli/Katherine, possibly a little ‘too
nice’ at times but her beautiful voice and her presence on stage
made her stand out and she certainly got into the part as the
evening progressed.
Scott Reid’s voice was a standout in all his songs and he led the
other boys Gremio (Chris Jury) and Hortensio (Mark Curran) through
great songs like ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’!
Rachel Juhasz was the naughty but nice Lois /Bianca who almost stole
the show (okay, she did!) in the second half with ‘Always True to
You in my Fashion’ What a powerhouse of a performance and one of the
highlights of the night and it fully deserved the applause it
received!
The Comedy relief duo of Andrew Whiteside and Richard Martin as the
Gangsters were played perfectly as they we funny without
overshadowing the main action. Their dialogue was clear and concise
and their entrance at the start of the second half set-up the second
half very well. All this great work was undone by the lack sound in
their major song ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’ as the audience
struggled to hear the song due to a problem in the sound levels
throughout the song.
(A real shame)
The sets were very well designed and constructed, the backdrops were
of professional standard and very appropriate. The stage crew were
seldom seen, if at all! The lighting was well put together and well
executed. The sound was good when it was on, but too many times
people with radio mikes were not turned on until they had spoken or
sung a few lines and this needs attention.
The general cast can be very proud of their work as they helped to
create important scenes.
Their two main scenes of ‘Too Damn Hot’ and the Grape stomping dance
showed off their talents!
Peter Roberts has put together a very entertaining show and taken
Park Players another notch up in their standard. The show deserved
the hearty applause and good houses.
Wayne
has been involved in Melbourne theatre for almost 40 years. He
started his theatre training in the Scout Gang Shows
at the Palais Theatre in 1970. (He was dressed as a Girl Guide in
his first appearance – but don’t mention that!)
His original singing teacher was June Brunnings and he has performed
everything from Mr. Bumble for Whitehorse Theatre to
Uncle Max for MLOC and lots of bit parts in between. A lighting tech
at the Palais (okay, a spot operator) on a professional basis
for 6 years and a member of the Trevor Howlett’s rent a crew for a
few too many companies. A writer and performer in
the “bag Show” (a Pre runner to shows like the Comedy company) and
the Producer of the Two Faces Theatre Company
Cabaret and Godspell. Wayne recently retired as vice president at
Babirra Music Theatre.
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