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| Adrian Flor and Company Photo: Michael Moore |
Presented by
Phoenix Players.
ANU Arts
Centre until 26th May.
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
Technical
problems involving erratic lighting which constantly left cast members in the dark
and noisy set changes marred a triumphant opening night for Phoenix Players’
highly entertaining production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying”.
First time
director, Richard Block, has devised an imaginative, fast-moving production,
enhanced with attractive costumes, clever settings, and a fine robust orchestra
augmented by pit singers and conducted by Alex O’Sullivan, to do justice to Frank Loesser’s terrific
score and capture the fun and witty satire of this delightfully tuneful
musical.
As the
opportunistic window-cleaner, J.Pierpoint Finch, Adrian Flor gives a star
performance, singing and dancing confidently, nailing every nuance and
capturing every laugh on his way to becoming the President of World Wide
Wickets. As his loyal fiancé/secretary, Rosemary, Vanessa De Jager, with her
pretty voice and deft touch for comedy, is a delight.
Wayne
Shepherd charms in a beautifully judged comedic performance as Mr. Biggley,
while Zack Drury is hilarious as the odious mummy’s-boy, Bud Frump. Michelle
Norris, drop-dead-gorgeous as Hedy La Rue, David Cannell, appealing as Mr
Twimble, and Hannah Wood as Smitty, all contribute memorable performances.
Miriam
Rizvi’s imaginative, eye-catching ensemble routines, especially for the male
ensemble, add greatly to the spectacle, although her tendency to
over-choreograph the principal’s numbers proved rather distracting.
However, despite
the technical problems, this is a production worthy of a “not to be missed” recommendation.
(An edited version of this review appears in CITY NEWS May 16 - 23rd)