Don's Party
Sun, 2 Sept 2001, 11:46 amJonno4 posts in thread
Don's Party
Sun, 2 Sept 2001, 11:46 amFirst I should confess I am President of GRADS, and probably biased!
Though I have been quite involved with this show at the administrative level, I didn't get to see the full performance until last night.
What a pleasure to see it really hum along.
Grant Malcolm has done a superlative job here. The casting is absolutely spot on, which I believe to be a huge chunk of a Director's battle, and the cast are beautifully moulded into a smooth ensemble. I felt an excellent chemistry in virtually all the different scenes and combinations of interaction among the characters.
There were some technical glitches with lighting and sound, but nothing that wrought havoc, and they certainly didn't detract much from a simply hilarious evening.
Williamson's immensely "earthy" script has stood up to the test of time very well. A few references, names like Gair and Santamaria, may be a little elusive for the younger generation, but that hardly matters. Yes, there is a political commentary element to the play, but it is primarily a social commentary/comedy, and, as Shakespeare proves time and again, sharply observed stuff about humans and their emotions and inter-relationships doesn't go out of fashion.
"Don's Party" is multi-levelled. Political, social(Sociological?), to some extent a time capsule, and justifiably a "modern classic". But above all it is a COMEDY, showcasing the most colourful and unique Australian vernacular in full filthy f***in' fabulous flight; and this time very well performed. I haven't heard so much laughter in a show for ages.
Dare I mention that it's on for another two weeks, Thursday to Saturday?
6,7,8, 13,14,15 Sept. Dolphin Theatre. UWA. 8pm. Bookings 9451 3799
Though I have been quite involved with this show at the administrative level, I didn't get to see the full performance until last night.
What a pleasure to see it really hum along.
Grant Malcolm has done a superlative job here. The casting is absolutely spot on, which I believe to be a huge chunk of a Director's battle, and the cast are beautifully moulded into a smooth ensemble. I felt an excellent chemistry in virtually all the different scenes and combinations of interaction among the characters.
There were some technical glitches with lighting and sound, but nothing that wrought havoc, and they certainly didn't detract much from a simply hilarious evening.
Williamson's immensely "earthy" script has stood up to the test of time very well. A few references, names like Gair and Santamaria, may be a little elusive for the younger generation, but that hardly matters. Yes, there is a political commentary element to the play, but it is primarily a social commentary/comedy, and, as Shakespeare proves time and again, sharply observed stuff about humans and their emotions and inter-relationships doesn't go out of fashion.
"Don's Party" is multi-levelled. Political, social(Sociological?), to some extent a time capsule, and justifiably a "modern classic". But above all it is a COMEDY, showcasing the most colourful and unique Australian vernacular in full filthy f***in' fabulous flight; and this time very well performed. I haven't heard so much laughter in a show for ages.
Dare I mention that it's on for another two weeks, Thursday to Saturday?
6,7,8, 13,14,15 Sept. Dolphin Theatre. UWA. 8pm. Bookings 9451 3799
JonnoSun, 2 Sept 2001, 11:46 am
First I should confess I am President of GRADS, and probably biased!
Though I have been quite involved with this show at the administrative level, I didn't get to see the full performance until last night.
What a pleasure to see it really hum along.
Grant Malcolm has done a superlative job here. The casting is absolutely spot on, which I believe to be a huge chunk of a Director's battle, and the cast are beautifully moulded into a smooth ensemble. I felt an excellent chemistry in virtually all the different scenes and combinations of interaction among the characters.
There were some technical glitches with lighting and sound, but nothing that wrought havoc, and they certainly didn't detract much from a simply hilarious evening.
Williamson's immensely "earthy" script has stood up to the test of time very well. A few references, names like Gair and Santamaria, may be a little elusive for the younger generation, but that hardly matters. Yes, there is a political commentary element to the play, but it is primarily a social commentary/comedy, and, as Shakespeare proves time and again, sharply observed stuff about humans and their emotions and inter-relationships doesn't go out of fashion.
"Don's Party" is multi-levelled. Political, social(Sociological?), to some extent a time capsule, and justifiably a "modern classic". But above all it is a COMEDY, showcasing the most colourful and unique Australian vernacular in full filthy f***in' fabulous flight; and this time very well performed. I haven't heard so much laughter in a show for ages.
Dare I mention that it's on for another two weeks, Thursday to Saturday?
6,7,8, 13,14,15 Sept. Dolphin Theatre. UWA. 8pm. Bookings 9451 3799
Though I have been quite involved with this show at the administrative level, I didn't get to see the full performance until last night.
What a pleasure to see it really hum along.
Grant Malcolm has done a superlative job here. The casting is absolutely spot on, which I believe to be a huge chunk of a Director's battle, and the cast are beautifully moulded into a smooth ensemble. I felt an excellent chemistry in virtually all the different scenes and combinations of interaction among the characters.
There were some technical glitches with lighting and sound, but nothing that wrought havoc, and they certainly didn't detract much from a simply hilarious evening.
Williamson's immensely "earthy" script has stood up to the test of time very well. A few references, names like Gair and Santamaria, may be a little elusive for the younger generation, but that hardly matters. Yes, there is a political commentary element to the play, but it is primarily a social commentary/comedy, and, as Shakespeare proves time and again, sharply observed stuff about humans and their emotions and inter-relationships doesn't go out of fashion.
"Don's Party" is multi-levelled. Political, social(Sociological?), to some extent a time capsule, and justifiably a "modern classic". But above all it is a COMEDY, showcasing the most colourful and unique Australian vernacular in full filthy f***in' fabulous flight; and this time very well performed. I haven't heard so much laughter in a show for ages.
Dare I mention that it's on for another two weeks, Thursday to Saturday?
6,7,8, 13,14,15 Sept. Dolphin Theatre. UWA. 8pm. Bookings 9451 3799
Walter PlingeMon, 3 Sept 2001, 11:53 am
RE: Don's Party-Bloody hoot!!!
Firstly, I'm more than a little embarrassed to admit that up until Friday night, I'd never seen this truly classic play! Hang thy head in shame woman!!!!! However, I have now, and here goes.
I was interested to see if it would "travel" well, considering it is so very topical and set on the night of the Federal Election in 1969. It does transcend time though. It is essentially about how people become jaded as time passes. How we are so full of great intentions and grand plans when we are young, and how these change and fall away, the older we become. It's about friendships and the bullshit we feed each other all through our lives together, and friends pointing out that we are not necessarily QUITE the Revolutionaries we think we are.
But even though these serious facets of our humanity are explored, they are done with wonderful humour and exceedinlgy colourful language! I've one of the foulest mouths around (thanks to 12 years in the Catholic Ed system) and even I was impressed! The play wouldn't be quite the same without it though.
Grant has done a marvellous job of this show. The set is terrific, although I couldn't help think there could have maybe been a little more Kitsch (still can't spell this!) crap about, it just felt like it's missing SOMEthing, maybe ducks flying up the wall......
The costumes were divine. As I was not even born in 1969, did anyone look good? Ever? Simon and Kerri, I'm looking at YOU!
The cast is superb. It is a joy to watch seasoned and experienced actors working together as a cohesive unit. They really made me feel like I was a fly on the wall at a REAL party. The movement of the actors around the stage was also brilliant. Again, it felt like a bunch of "friends" at a real party. Great direction.
The stand out performances for me were Matthew Kiely as "Don", a very natural performance, and he gave great "drunk";
Leah Maher as "Jody", a lovely transition from Uptight Bitch to Emancipated Flirt; AND Michael Dunbar as "Simon" GOD he is a SCREAM!!!!! Finally onto Kerri Hilton's "Jenny". The lovely Kerri was my Drama Teacher in high school, and I've been waiting 15 years to see her act, and then give her a really hard time about it. I was rubbing my hands together in anticipation of "Reviewing" her, but know what? She's really good! Bugger. Her portrayal of "the hostile bitch in the corner" was spot on. Her lines, some of the best in the play, were delivered with perfect comic timing and dripping in that wonderful sardonic Aussie Wit, we all know and love.
This is a PISS funny show y'all, done exceptionally well. Go see it! It's a snapshot of who we were and who we have become. If you are offended by very strong language, don't be so @!#$ wet and go anyway!
Well done to Grant and the cast and crew!
Julia
I was interested to see if it would "travel" well, considering it is so very topical and set on the night of the Federal Election in 1969. It does transcend time though. It is essentially about how people become jaded as time passes. How we are so full of great intentions and grand plans when we are young, and how these change and fall away, the older we become. It's about friendships and the bullshit we feed each other all through our lives together, and friends pointing out that we are not necessarily QUITE the Revolutionaries we think we are.
But even though these serious facets of our humanity are explored, they are done with wonderful humour and exceedinlgy colourful language! I've one of the foulest mouths around (thanks to 12 years in the Catholic Ed system) and even I was impressed! The play wouldn't be quite the same without it though.
Grant has done a marvellous job of this show. The set is terrific, although I couldn't help think there could have maybe been a little more Kitsch (still can't spell this!) crap about, it just felt like it's missing SOMEthing, maybe ducks flying up the wall......
The costumes were divine. As I was not even born in 1969, did anyone look good? Ever? Simon and Kerri, I'm looking at YOU!
The cast is superb. It is a joy to watch seasoned and experienced actors working together as a cohesive unit. They really made me feel like I was a fly on the wall at a REAL party. The movement of the actors around the stage was also brilliant. Again, it felt like a bunch of "friends" at a real party. Great direction.
The stand out performances for me were Matthew Kiely as "Don", a very natural performance, and he gave great "drunk";
Leah Maher as "Jody", a lovely transition from Uptight Bitch to Emancipated Flirt; AND Michael Dunbar as "Simon" GOD he is a SCREAM!!!!! Finally onto Kerri Hilton's "Jenny". The lovely Kerri was my Drama Teacher in high school, and I've been waiting 15 years to see her act, and then give her a really hard time about it. I was rubbing my hands together in anticipation of "Reviewing" her, but know what? She's really good! Bugger. Her portrayal of "the hostile bitch in the corner" was spot on. Her lines, some of the best in the play, were delivered with perfect comic timing and dripping in that wonderful sardonic Aussie Wit, we all know and love.
This is a PISS funny show y'all, done exceptionally well. Go see it! It's a snapshot of who we were and who we have become. If you are offended by very strong language, don't be so @!#$ wet and go anyway!
Well done to Grant and the cast and crew!
Julia
Walter PlingeTue, 4 Sept 2001, 11:30 am
RE: Don's Party-Bloody hoot!!!
Julia
If you're looking for more kitsch, may I suggest for the sixties you go for the copper pictures or string art, not ducks on the wall which were way out of fashion by then! Maybe orange or geen laminex too - which I may add is, or has been back 'in' again.
Sounds like the show is good and I will definitely look at going to see it!
Regards
Pam
If you're looking for more kitsch, may I suggest for the sixties you go for the copper pictures or string art, not ducks on the wall which were way out of fashion by then! Maybe orange or geen laminex too - which I may add is, or has been back 'in' again.
Sounds like the show is good and I will definitely look at going to see it!
Regards
Pam
Walter PlingeTue, 11 Sept 2001, 04:15 pm
RE: Don's Party-Cheers Pam!!!
Thanks a bunch for that!! You can never go wrong with laminex.....
Do see it, it's well worth the effort!
J
Do see it, it's well worth the effort!
J