Same Time Next Year

Congratulations to the entire production team for kicking off the 2010 season for Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company in style. ‘Same Time Next Year’ was an enjoyable night out that provided the perfect showcase for a pair of talented comedic performers…who clearly loved every minute of it.

‘Same Time Next Year’ is classic comedy by Bernard Slade. Written in 1975, it enjoyed a long and very successful run on Broadway before being adapted into a film featuring Ellen Burstyn and Alan Alda. The story focuses on the relationship between two people – both married – who have a one-night stand at a motel in 1951….and return every year on the same weekend to continue their affair. The play highlights their encounters every 5 years, and tracks the progress of their own lives, their marriages and children and the rapidly changing world around them. The impact of politics, war and ideological changes cannot be avoided…even in a seemingly random inn, somewhere in Northern California.

I should probably admit up front that I’m not a huge fan of the premise of the play – as beautifully as it is written, I guess I just don’t find the concept of extra-marital affairs overly hilarious…even though it is a well used set-up in many a farce. That aside, the play provides a great vehicle for a great comedic pairing – in this case, two well known performers from the company who were warmly received by the ever-faithful Lilydale audience.

John Shelbourn has created a lovely set that captures perfectly a random motel / inn room in the states during the 1950’s. Very little changes over the 30 year period (besides a bedspread), but he has created a space that is not only functional but very interesting to watch (and well utilised by the cast). The multiple changes within each set were managed really effectively by the use of music, multimedia (newspaper clippings on the digital screen) and a stage-hand dressed as a hotel maid.

With such a small cast you would think the task for the wardrobe team would be relatively easy, but the multiple time changes within each Act made it a very big ask for Sylvia Carr, Margaret Bayley and Jackie Baker. Each of the time changes was captured appropriately and the costumes really helped to take the audience back to the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. My only criticism would have to be George’s wig for the first Act – I hate to say it, but I found myself really distracted by it. Congratulations also to the small army of dressers backstage, who worked to ensure that all of the scene changes were incredibly efficient. Well done.

Even without having seen the past productions that they have worked on together, it was clear to me that Alan Burrows (Director) and his cast have a strong creative bond. His direction of George and Doris over the course of their relationship was natural and believable….even with some of the craziness that unfolded. I was particularly taken in by the progression of the physicality of each of the characters over the years as they each matured, suffered loss or encountered a new and diverse perspective on life. As much as the set is stuck in the 1950’s throughout, I was really pleased to see that Burrows’ direction was able to make the space seem fresh and new with each passing decade.

The only challenge with this piece – from an audience perspective – was the pace of the dialogue. While I was able to keep up, it certainly had a few people shaking their heads. The couple next to me resorted to explaining events / phrases to each other throughout….rather loudly….in fact, I’m amazed it didn’t distract the performers! The accents were at times a little hard to understand – which for me was more to do with the pace rather than the pronunciation. There was an issue with the consistency in some parts – a few moments where George sounded a little more English than American. I would have liked this to be a little more consistent, but a very minor point in the grand scheme of things.

The production featured Angela Glennie as Doris, and David McLean as George.
There is nothing more enjoyable for an audience than to watch such a natural and genuine chemistry between two performers, and I thought the rapport that they developed between their characters was really enjoyable to watch. They had the audience at ease throughout, and demonstrated effortless comic timing.

Angela Glennie was terrific as Doris, and was totally believable in her transformation from a simple young wife to a strong willed and independent woman. I really enjoyed watching Doris reappear every 5 years and reveal another step in her evolution – you weren’t sure what to expect each time the door opened….although you assumed at the very least another hairstyle. David McLean was a loveable and very enthusiastic George. His introduction as the bumbling and guilt-ridden husband was in stark contrast to the many challenges that life threw at him, which provided McLean with ample opportunity to showcase his talents. While I wasn’t overly convinced by his piano playing, I didn’t care. The only real issue I had with his characterisation was the build up to the dramatic moment in the second act where he speaks about his son. I really wanted to believe it and be swept up in it, but I wasn’t. Overall though, I felt that both characters were beautifully developed.

Congratulations once again to the entire cast and crew – a lovely way to kick off the 2010 season at Lilydale. Chookas for the remainder of the season.