15 Minutes of Fame
Sun, 9 Mar 2003, 12:52 pmWalter Plinge8 posts in thread
15 Minutes of Fame
Sun, 9 Mar 2003, 12:52 pmI've never done one of these before and I'm not really sure what to write, but this show has inspired me.
I went to see 15 Minutes of Fame at the Blue Room Last Night and i must say it was worth every minute. There were 8 monologues by eight different writers performed by eight different professional actors. (and a segway piece between each monologue)
Sounds like a long night right? Wrong. Even though each monologue is around fifteen minutes long you hardly even notice the time fly by and the subjects are hilarious, thought provoking and reminicent of actual events in the paper.
The acting alone was exceptional and the blue room has been transformed into a caberet setting which is a perfect surrounding for the subject matters.
Saying that there is always a few things that I thought could have been done differently but the transistions between monologues is fabulous and your not sure what you're going to get next.
Please go and check out 15 Minutes of Fame. Local Writers and actors at their best. and at just $18/$12 it's worth going to see how the other half live
Jo xxx
I went to see 15 Minutes of Fame at the Blue Room Last Night and i must say it was worth every minute. There were 8 monologues by eight different writers performed by eight different professional actors. (and a segway piece between each monologue)
Sounds like a long night right? Wrong. Even though each monologue is around fifteen minutes long you hardly even notice the time fly by and the subjects are hilarious, thought provoking and reminicent of actual events in the paper.
The acting alone was exceptional and the blue room has been transformed into a caberet setting which is a perfect surrounding for the subject matters.
Saying that there is always a few things that I thought could have been done differently but the transistions between monologues is fabulous and your not sure what you're going to get next.
Please go and check out 15 Minutes of Fame. Local Writers and actors at their best. and at just $18/$12 it's worth going to see how the other half live
Jo xxx
Walter PlingeSun, 9 Mar 2003, 12:52 pm
I've never done one of these before and I'm not really sure what to write, but this show has inspired me.
I went to see 15 Minutes of Fame at the Blue Room Last Night and i must say it was worth every minute. There were 8 monologues by eight different writers performed by eight different professional actors. (and a segway piece between each monologue)
Sounds like a long night right? Wrong. Even though each monologue is around fifteen minutes long you hardly even notice the time fly by and the subjects are hilarious, thought provoking and reminicent of actual events in the paper.
The acting alone was exceptional and the blue room has been transformed into a caberet setting which is a perfect surrounding for the subject matters.
Saying that there is always a few things that I thought could have been done differently but the transistions between monologues is fabulous and your not sure what you're going to get next.
Please go and check out 15 Minutes of Fame. Local Writers and actors at their best. and at just $18/$12 it's worth going to see how the other half live
Jo xxx
I went to see 15 Minutes of Fame at the Blue Room Last Night and i must say it was worth every minute. There were 8 monologues by eight different writers performed by eight different professional actors. (and a segway piece between each monologue)
Sounds like a long night right? Wrong. Even though each monologue is around fifteen minutes long you hardly even notice the time fly by and the subjects are hilarious, thought provoking and reminicent of actual events in the paper.
The acting alone was exceptional and the blue room has been transformed into a caberet setting which is a perfect surrounding for the subject matters.
Saying that there is always a few things that I thought could have been done differently but the transistions between monologues is fabulous and your not sure what you're going to get next.
Please go and check out 15 Minutes of Fame. Local Writers and actors at their best. and at just $18/$12 it's worth going to see how the other half live
Jo xxx
Walter PlingeThu, 20 Mar 2003, 12:49 am
Re: 15 Minutes of Fame
WHAT: 15 Minutes of Fame
WHEN: Wednesday, March 19 (2003)
WHERE: The Blue Room, Northbridge (WA)
I've lost track of the number of times I've read on this webpage, "Hi. I'm going for an audition and I need a good monologue. Where can I get one?" Well look no further.
15 Minutes of Fame is a collection of 8 monologues. Just like with One-Act plays, if you don't care for one, there'll be another along shortly. However, no complaints tonight. All 8, based around the concept of "Fame", were riveting.
Trying to keep it short:
Melissa Cantwell opened the evening with her portrayal as the archetypal Aussie Sheila. She grew up in a house where cricket wasn't just a sport, it was a religion. And the most famous person on the field was the inevitable streaker. With absolute mastery of the pregnant pause and the knowing look, Melissa took us back to those glory days, re-establishing this once proud tradition.
Paul Goddard had his work cut out for him with an involved, multi-character-laden tale of schoolboy legend. Keeping control of the speech patterns and mannerisms of the several boys, and the often frenetic pace of their journey to The Dark Side, Paul enlightened us as to how Simon McKinley earned his fame (and cool nickname) during the Great Gnome Heist of 1983.
I don't want to say too much about the third monologue, suffice to say that I don't think I've ever been so unnerved by a piece of theatre. Speaking mainly from the shadows, we barely saw Shirley Van Sanden, but, Dear Lord, did we hear her. Truly great theatre engenders feelings and emotions you don't soon forget.
This was quickly followed by another stunning performance, this time by Helen Burgess as a nationally syndicated amnesiac astrologer (for want of a better description). She was famous - but didn't know it. Sat with notebook in lap, Helen barely moved but we were absolutely transfixed by her performance. She communicated the difficult, non-linear, often non-verbal script with body language, facial expressions and faltering speech. Shades of Memento. Never boring and indeed mesmerizing to watch. PS: Ulan Bator.
After the interval, Tina Musumeci brought to life a piece from today's headlines dealing with unwanted fame. At first I though she was a politician or actress, but as she delivered her "statement to the media" we soon realised who she was. You get a totally different perspective when you hear a story from the person's mouth, rather than hearsay and misquotes in a newspaper....
Back to comedy with Yoshitaka, God of Meadows and Streams. Haven't heard of him? Well he's been around for years. Centuries even. He used to be famous, along with many other Gods, until one guy (nice enough fellow) cornered the market on worship. Now Yoshitaka takes what he can get and, in return, gives us something to think about. The man of many secret identities, Ethan Russ, gives us cause to laugh and ponder.
Renee Newman-Storen hit fame when she gave birth to pentuplets. A Current Affair, New Weekly and Who Magazine can't get enough of her and her family. Five children cost a lot to maintain though, so the money from those interviews has to keep coming. In that case, so too do the stories, and you'll have to admit, five babies can generate some pretty amusing anecdotes. But is hubby taking it all that well? Is there are darker subtext behind the hyper-bubbly facade? Is fame a two-edged sword?
Mike Frenchman is the eighth performer. What he does is, well, it's sorta hard to describe. And it is getting late. Trust me though, he's bloody good with what may be the hardest role(s) of all.
Three more performances and that's it. Well worth a couple of hours of your time and it's certainly worth supporting the local writers and cast. As I said before, ALL of the pieces were great (running out of adjectives). I don't know if any of the pieces got their so-called 15 minutes - I was too engrossed to pay attention to the time. Spooky, funny, thought-provoking - a wonderful mix. Congrats and thanks to directors Jen Moffat & David Ryding.
JB
WHEN: Wednesday, March 19 (2003)
WHERE: The Blue Room, Northbridge (WA)
I've lost track of the number of times I've read on this webpage, "Hi. I'm going for an audition and I need a good monologue. Where can I get one?" Well look no further.
15 Minutes of Fame is a collection of 8 monologues. Just like with One-Act plays, if you don't care for one, there'll be another along shortly. However, no complaints tonight. All 8, based around the concept of "Fame", were riveting.
Trying to keep it short:
Melissa Cantwell opened the evening with her portrayal as the archetypal Aussie Sheila. She grew up in a house where cricket wasn't just a sport, it was a religion. And the most famous person on the field was the inevitable streaker. With absolute mastery of the pregnant pause and the knowing look, Melissa took us back to those glory days, re-establishing this once proud tradition.
Paul Goddard had his work cut out for him with an involved, multi-character-laden tale of schoolboy legend. Keeping control of the speech patterns and mannerisms of the several boys, and the often frenetic pace of their journey to The Dark Side, Paul enlightened us as to how Simon McKinley earned his fame (and cool nickname) during the Great Gnome Heist of 1983.
I don't want to say too much about the third monologue, suffice to say that I don't think I've ever been so unnerved by a piece of theatre. Speaking mainly from the shadows, we barely saw Shirley Van Sanden, but, Dear Lord, did we hear her. Truly great theatre engenders feelings and emotions you don't soon forget.
This was quickly followed by another stunning performance, this time by Helen Burgess as a nationally syndicated amnesiac astrologer (for want of a better description). She was famous - but didn't know it. Sat with notebook in lap, Helen barely moved but we were absolutely transfixed by her performance. She communicated the difficult, non-linear, often non-verbal script with body language, facial expressions and faltering speech. Shades of Memento. Never boring and indeed mesmerizing to watch. PS: Ulan Bator.
After the interval, Tina Musumeci brought to life a piece from today's headlines dealing with unwanted fame. At first I though she was a politician or actress, but as she delivered her "statement to the media" we soon realised who she was. You get a totally different perspective when you hear a story from the person's mouth, rather than hearsay and misquotes in a newspaper....
Back to comedy with Yoshitaka, God of Meadows and Streams. Haven't heard of him? Well he's been around for years. Centuries even. He used to be famous, along with many other Gods, until one guy (nice enough fellow) cornered the market on worship. Now Yoshitaka takes what he can get and, in return, gives us something to think about. The man of many secret identities, Ethan Russ, gives us cause to laugh and ponder.
Renee Newman-Storen hit fame when she gave birth to pentuplets. A Current Affair, New Weekly and Who Magazine can't get enough of her and her family. Five children cost a lot to maintain though, so the money from those interviews has to keep coming. In that case, so too do the stories, and you'll have to admit, five babies can generate some pretty amusing anecdotes. But is hubby taking it all that well? Is there are darker subtext behind the hyper-bubbly facade? Is fame a two-edged sword?
Mike Frenchman is the eighth performer. What he does is, well, it's sorta hard to describe. And it is getting late. Trust me though, he's bloody good with what may be the hardest role(s) of all.
Three more performances and that's it. Well worth a couple of hours of your time and it's certainly worth supporting the local writers and cast. As I said before, ALL of the pieces were great (running out of adjectives). I don't know if any of the pieces got their so-called 15 minutes - I was too engrossed to pay attention to the time. Spooky, funny, thought-provoking - a wonderful mix. Congrats and thanks to directors Jen Moffat & David Ryding.
JB
crgwllmsSat, 22 Mar 2003, 09:03 pm
Re: 7 1/2 Minutes of Fame
I'm afraid I only watched half of this production, but it wasn't because I walked out halfway - it's because I walked in!
I didn't have any other nights available, and I had just come out from seeing "Skin Tight" at PICA (see other review) when I realised it was interval at the Blueroom...they were kind enough to let me see the second half of monologues for half price.
So my apologies to the cast of the first half...I heard great things.
I really enjoyed the cabaret/floor setting, and the atmosphere of strange characters sitting around me. I believe free entry was allowed to anyone who dressed as someone famous...this gave the effect that I had no idea whether or not these characters were about to step up and perform, or were actually in the audience.
Tina Musumeci's monologue was handled quite well, but it was the least favourite of the ones I saw. Partly because I have no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra Hindley), and there is nothing intrinsic in the script to let me know that it is based on the true story of a character who's evidence was called into suspicion, I feel there were layers to the story that weren't fully realised. I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on. Tina believably took us through the events, but I felt it only skimmed the surface, and didn't really reveal why she had to justify herself. Perhaps also her physical presence looked too composed and glamourous to believe she was an outback backpacker. A difficult one, and partly because of the script, I wasn't really taken on a journey.
I really liked the casual way Crispian Chan (who's Ethan Russ, Jarrod?) made himself at ease with the audience, with the philosophical comedy of being a forgotten God. A great idea, well scripted, and Crispian embodied the character with an all-knowing, self-effacing charm that really highlighted the wry irony of a powerless immortal.
The best characterization of the night for me was Renee Newman-Storen's portrayal of the aussie battler housewife who was trying to manage the fame from being the mother of pentuplets. Renee's character was quite far from her own, and while bordering on a cliche never crossed into caricature. She played the outward, neighbourly, cheerfully harassed new mother with a wonderful hidden subtext of sorrow and doubt for her relationship and the future. A natural and well embodied performance.
And Mike Frencham. Mike, Mike, Mike.. Very funny, very well observed and portrayed characters. I wish I'd seen the development of his character in the first half, what I saw was terrific. His monologues were more like hearing one half of a dialogue, by a character in the middle of a bizarre situation, and his timing and natural delivery transported you right into the moment. From what I've seen of Frencham's performances, the guy's got no fear, and he has a terrific grasp of comedy and how to relate to an audience.
Thanks, and once again, sorry I couldn't see the rest.
Cheers,
Craig
[%sig%]
I didn't have any other nights available, and I had just come out from seeing "Skin Tight" at PICA (see other review) when I realised it was interval at the Blueroom...they were kind enough to let me see the second half of monologues for half price.
So my apologies to the cast of the first half...I heard great things.
I really enjoyed the cabaret/floor setting, and the atmosphere of strange characters sitting around me. I believe free entry was allowed to anyone who dressed as someone famous...this gave the effect that I had no idea whether or not these characters were about to step up and perform, or were actually in the audience.
Tina Musumeci's monologue was handled quite well, but it was the least favourite of the ones I saw. Partly because I have no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra Hindley), and there is nothing intrinsic in the script to let me know that it is based on the true story of a character who's evidence was called into suspicion, I feel there were layers to the story that weren't fully realised. I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on. Tina believably took us through the events, but I felt it only skimmed the surface, and didn't really reveal why she had to justify herself. Perhaps also her physical presence looked too composed and glamourous to believe she was an outback backpacker. A difficult one, and partly because of the script, I wasn't really taken on a journey.
I really liked the casual way Crispian Chan (who's Ethan Russ, Jarrod?) made himself at ease with the audience, with the philosophical comedy of being a forgotten God. A great idea, well scripted, and Crispian embodied the character with an all-knowing, self-effacing charm that really highlighted the wry irony of a powerless immortal.
The best characterization of the night for me was Renee Newman-Storen's portrayal of the aussie battler housewife who was trying to manage the fame from being the mother of pentuplets. Renee's character was quite far from her own, and while bordering on a cliche never crossed into caricature. She played the outward, neighbourly, cheerfully harassed new mother with a wonderful hidden subtext of sorrow and doubt for her relationship and the future. A natural and well embodied performance.
And Mike Frencham. Mike, Mike, Mike.. Very funny, very well observed and portrayed characters. I wish I'd seen the development of his character in the first half, what I saw was terrific. His monologues were more like hearing one half of a dialogue, by a character in the middle of a bizarre situation, and his timing and natural delivery transported you right into the moment. From what I've seen of Frencham's performances, the guy's got no fear, and he has a terrific grasp of comedy and how to relate to an audience.
Thanks, and once again, sorry I couldn't see the rest.
Cheers,
Craig
[%sig%]
Walter PlingeSat, 22 Mar 2003, 10:11 pm
Re: 7 1/2 Minutes of Fame
crgwllms wrote:
>
>
> Tina Musumeci's monologue was handled quite well, but it was
> the least favourite of the ones I saw. Partly because I have
> no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra
> Hindley).... I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on.
Was hers really based on Myra Hindley? Or does it make more sense that Shirley van Sandens's piece entitled "Myra" (first half) based on Myra Hindley?
>
>
> Tina Musumeci's monologue was handled quite well, but it was
> the least favourite of the ones I saw. Partly because I have
> no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra
> Hindley).... I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on.
Was hers really based on Myra Hindley? Or does it make more sense that Shirley van Sandens's piece entitled "Myra" (first half) based on Myra Hindley?
crgwllmsSun, 23 Mar 2003, 01:52 am
Re: 7 1/2 Minutes of Fame
alison wrote:
>
> crgwllms wrote:
>
>>Partly because I have no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra Hindley).... I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on.
>
> Was hers really based on Myra Hindley? Or does it make more
> sense that Shirley van Sandens's piece entitled "Myra" (first
> half) based on Myra Hindley?
WHOOPS ! Sorry, as I said...didn't see the first half, didn't get a programme, and I didn't have any knowledge of the character Tina was portraying.
I've obviously gotten the name mixed up from the conversation after the show....Tina's was based on a true story, and whoever that name was, that's the one I meant.
Thanks, alison, for the correction.
Craig
>
> crgwllms wrote:
>
>>Partly because I have no prior knowledge of the character she was portraying (Myra Hindley).... I only discovered this later in the bar when I was told who it was based on.
>
> Was hers really based on Myra Hindley? Or does it make more
> sense that Shirley van Sandens's piece entitled "Myra" (first
> half) based on Myra Hindley?
WHOOPS ! Sorry, as I said...didn't see the first half, didn't get a programme, and I didn't have any knowledge of the character Tina was portraying.
I've obviously gotten the name mixed up from the conversation after the show....Tina's was based on a true story, and whoever that name was, that's the one I meant.
Thanks, alison, for the correction.
Craig
Walter PlingeSun, 23 Mar 2003, 03:30 pm
Re: 7 1/2 Minutes of Fame
No worries...
I might add my two (15?) cents worth...
I thought the marketing for this show was fabulously clever, which is why I decided to see it... Overall, thought it was a great show. Loved the seating setup (always a surprise when seeing a blueroom show; I've started a tradition whereby I take bets on how the seating will be arranged) and a really ingenious performance style. When Crispian started his monologue, I seriously thought he was just voicing his opinions on the previous monologue rather loudly and audibly...
Downsides: not seeing the final monologue in part one (she didnt show up); the patron who shall only be known as "waapa girl" leaving at interval, never to return; and me thinking that staying in the bar chatting till midnight would be a good idea - my 9am lecture the next morning was interesting
I might add my two (15?) cents worth...
I thought the marketing for this show was fabulously clever, which is why I decided to see it... Overall, thought it was a great show. Loved the seating setup (always a surprise when seeing a blueroom show; I've started a tradition whereby I take bets on how the seating will be arranged) and a really ingenious performance style. When Crispian started his monologue, I seriously thought he was just voicing his opinions on the previous monologue rather loudly and audibly...
Downsides: not seeing the final monologue in part one (she didnt show up); the patron who shall only be known as "waapa girl" leaving at interval, never to return; and me thinking that staying in the bar chatting till midnight would be a good idea - my 9am lecture the next morning was interesting
Walter PlingeMon, 24 Mar 2003, 12:16 am
Re: Cover blown!
> crgwllms wrote:
>
>I really liked the casual way Crispian Chan (who's Ethan Russ, Jarrod?) made himself at ease with the audience, with the philosophical comedy of being a forgotten God.
"Ethan Russ" was the name listed in the programme. A pseudonym carefully chosen and used by Crispian to protect his friends and loved ones. Oh well, Crispy, back to the Witness Protection Program, I suppose. Thanks, Craig. Thanks a lot.
My interpretation of Tina Musumeci's monologue was that she was portraying (or at least representing) Joanne Lees. That's not to say I was correct in this....
JB
>
>I really liked the casual way Crispian Chan (who's Ethan Russ, Jarrod?) made himself at ease with the audience, with the philosophical comedy of being a forgotten God.
"Ethan Russ" was the name listed in the programme. A pseudonym carefully chosen and used by Crispian to protect his friends and loved ones. Oh well, Crispy, back to the Witness Protection Program, I suppose. Thanks, Craig. Thanks a lot.
My interpretation of Tina Musumeci's monologue was that she was portraying (or at least representing) Joanne Lees. That's not to say I was correct in this....
JB
David RydingMon, 24 Mar 2003, 06:26 am
Re: 15 Minutes of fame
Thanks for all your constructive comments.
Especially enjoyed the depth to which people have discussed the performances but just wanted to remind everyone about the writing.
All (except two) were specifically written for this production. Two (Belief and Simon McKinley) were the first theatre scripts by their respective writers, as was Mike Frenchams wonderful "Fall and Rise of the Star" his first writing for stage.
Thanks again for the comments and to those who came and saw it.
Oh and Helen Burgess didn't just "not show" on the Thursday she had an unavoidable appointment and had arranged to not be there. Sorry about that.
Especially enjoyed the depth to which people have discussed the performances but just wanted to remind everyone about the writing.
All (except two) were specifically written for this production. Two (Belief and Simon McKinley) were the first theatre scripts by their respective writers, as was Mike Frenchams wonderful "Fall and Rise of the Star" his first writing for stage.
Thanks again for the comments and to those who came and saw it.
Oh and Helen Burgess didn't just "not show" on the Thursday she had an unavoidable appointment and had arranged to not be there. Sorry about that.