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M*A*S*H
Presented
by:
Phoenix
Theatre Company Inc.
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 17th
May - 8pm
Venue:
Mahon
Theatre, Aquinas College, Ringwood -
Till Saturday
May 24th
Reviewer:
Bill
Connellan
Hawkeye,
Radar, Hot Lips, Father Mulcahy - all names that have been familiar
to T.V. audiences for over 30 years and still featuring today in
re-runs of one of the most successful series of all time. How then
do you transfer such well known and loved characters to the stage?
Based on the original book by Richard Hooker and adapted by Tim
Kelly, this production returns to its roots while still presenting
the characters that have become household names. Director Anne Dewar
is to be congratulated for her casting and direction and the manner
she has presented this Australian Premiere production to the
audience. Rather than trying to avoid comparison with the T.V.
characters she has embraced them, and I believe, used visual props
to strengthen the mental image present in the majority of the
audience. From Col. Henry Blake and his hat covered in fishing lures
to Radar and his teddy bear or Hawkeye and his Hawaiian shirt there
are constant prompts to the memory that are most effective.
This idea works well in theory but to carry it off you need the
right actors to complete the picture, and in most respects I believe
this was achieved very well. The biggest complaint I heard regarding
the major characters was that Hawkeye Pierce and Duke Forrest were
so similar in build and looks that it took a while to tell them
apart.
As Hawkeye, Michael Parsons played his part with the self assured
confidence and touch of insanity that the character demands, and
gave a most convincing performance in the pivotal role. Glenn Hill
took on the role as Hawkeye's sidekick Capt. Augustus "Duke "Forrest
and combined perfectly with Michael with neither upstaging
the other in their scenes.
As Col. Henry Blake, Robert Morrison presented a stronger character
than seen in the later T.V. adaptation but closer to the original
movie version, and maintained this character well. His tolerance of
Hawkeye and Duke and their constant pranks as a trade-off for their
surgical skill was well presented and captured the essence of the
reluctant commanding officer.Nick Gibbons gave a wonderful portrayal
as Corp. Radar O'Reilly with a blend of youthful innocence and
worldly understanding. Playing the straight role with skill beyond
his years he gave a most entertaining and enjoyable performance.
The hardnosed Major Margaret "Hotlips" Houlihan was played by Janet
Parsons and given just the right edge of regular army toughness that
the role demands. Maintaining the military bearing throughout she
gave a most convincing performance. Craig Maloney in the role of
Capt. Walt Waldowski, the manic depressive company dentist, gave a
performance reflecting his years of experience and the monster mash
was an unexpected highlight.
A special mention must be made of Brenton Van Vliet who apart from
doing sound and lighting design stepped into the role of Capt."Ugly"
John Black on less than 24 hours notice. From the audience
perspective he never missed a cue and if there were any dropped
lines I didn't notice. A great example of the old adage the show
must go on. Congratulations on a flawless performance. Katrina
Packer as Lt. Janice Fury, Linden Compassi as Capt. Frank Burns,
Norman Coleman as Father Mulcahy and David Campbell as Sergeant
Divine all gave enjoyable performances that helped tie the story
together. Often it is these smaller characters that do not get the
attention they deserve and the whole production can suffer as a
result. That was not the case here, well done.
I liked the idea of projecting the credits at the start over the
iconic soundtrack but felt they were unnecessary at the conclusion
of the evening when the cast had already taken their bows and left
the stage. This is a lengthy play with a lot of scene changes that
perhaps could have done with some editing, but overall this is a
most enjoyable night’s entertainment performed by a cast that are
obviously having fun.
To Producers Janet Parsons and Renee Maloney, Director Anne Dewar
and all the cast and crew, congratulations on presenting such an
enjoyable version of this well-known story.
Bill Connellan has been involved in music theatre for over 25 years
performing with a number of companies including
Babirra Music Theatre, Gilbert & Sullivan Society, Savoy Opera,
Loyola and others. He has also directed several productions,
designed sets, done corporate work and appeared in film and
television.
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