Stinker by Starlight

Heh, heh, heh. That got your attention. Actually, I enjoyed Irish Theatre Players' production of "Stella by Starlight", playing its final week at the Irish Club in Subiaco. Not quite the non-stop laugh-fest of Noel O'Neill's previous production, "Stella by Starlight" bounces between hilarity and poignancy. However, once again ITP puts on the best half-time spread of any Perth theatre group. Congratulations and thanks!

Putting forward my two cents worth, I'll say that acting overall was good. Projection was fine (not something I can say about every play) but there were occasional instances where I didn't fully believe the characters, where I thought a bit more could have been put into it. Anyway, that's just me, and for the most part the play rolled along nicely.

Dean Schulz is an excellent actor, but portraying a character obsessed with staring through his telescope and taking photographs, requires about as much acting talent as the ITA President playing an arrogant, unfunny English twit. First a slimy lawyer (sorry, is that a tautology?) and now this: it would be interesting to see Dean broaden his scope.

Jackie McElhinney took well to the role of Stella, who has finally, FINALLY gotten tired of being pushed around and walked all over. It's nice to see a mousey character belt out a vehement monologue.

Corey Jones and Justine Rowe played the uncomfortable guests well. During DramaFest, Corey was described as being a cross between Michael Caine & Hugh Grant; now he seems to have a bit of Pierce Brosnan thrown in. Brown is, unfortunately, an unflattering colour for lingerie - even if trimmed with bronze and gold lace trim, and with Justine's wonderful complexion and gorgeous dark hair, coupled with her plans for her husband... well, I would have chosen a scarlet negligee, or, of course, nothing beats traditional black silk (all the better to disguise the black underwear). Who knows, perhaps someone else in the cast has one available...?

Catherine McStravick and Tim Crow rounded off the cast: Catherine with an energetic - and loud - performance (once again) and Tim giving a wonderful understated piece which could all too easily have been overplayed.

The script had its deficiencies. One potential moment arose when two of the characters were sat together on the couch. A suggestion was placed and, for a moment, the play stood poised to change direction into uncharted territories... raising audience expectations... and then the moment passed and the chance for experimentation was lost. However, this is not the fault of the actors.

ITP has the advantage of the wonderful upstairs bar, and if you ask nicely, I'm sure Yvonne will tell you all about her personal life. Repeatedly. In highly graphic detail. Probably using diagrams. Don't plan on an early night. (Well, that about sinks me ever getting into the Irish Club again). Sorry this isn't a well constructed review which highlights the strengths of a production, but there have been so few reviews lately and it's the busiest time of the year!!

In conclusion, it's always difficult to determine one single odour in a pub-atmosphere after the show, but, during those special, last few moments in the parking lot, I have to admit that, Dean, if you don't change your aftershave, this show is going to be nicknamed "Stinker by Starlight".


JB