Wedding Games
Wed, 9 July 2003, 05:46 pmWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Wedding Games
Wed, 9 July 2003, 05:46 pmWHAT: Wedding Games
WHEN: Thursday, July 3
WHERE: Garrick Theatre (Guildford, WA)
Sorry for the delay.
The publicity material proudly proclaims that "Wedding Games" is the sequel to "Lipstick Dreams". Never having seen the latter I would never have known - this production stands on its own. It's a sweet little play about four women in a small Australian town. Two of the girls work in a hairdressing salon, and this is where almost the entire play is set.
Jo (Sarah House) owns and runs the salon and is currently planning her wedding. Best friend Jen (Leanne Page) is a little envious but eager to help. The local real estate agent, caterer, travel agent, events planner, jack-of-all-trades Jan (Dale James) insists on making the wedding the biggest event in the town's calendar. Amongst all this, wandering school friend and aspiring rock star Jess (Kylie Isaia) returns to her hometown and friends.
My goodness, I felt like I was watching an Aussie version of Steel Magnolias. It had its laughs and heartbreaks, but at least everyone hung around for the final scene. :-)
In a true ensemble piece it's a bit naughty to single anyone out, but Leanne Page was a riot. Think of Linda from "Becker", then hype her up on caffeine. Clumsy, manic, forgetful - she had the audience in stitches - and it was great to see her get the last laugh. Plus Leanne has the most beautiful smile - it makes you feel good just to watch her. In comparison, Sarah was overshadowed a bit, playing the straight, sensible character. However, since it was her wedding they were all planning, she held the focus and drove the play despite the antics around her. Dale James chewed the scenery, as she did in "I Hate Hamlet", but not to distraction. She was clearly a force to be reckoned with in this small Aussie town, but cared about her friends when it came to the crunch. Returning home is KylieÂ’s character, Jess, the local girl who went to the big city for fame and fortune. In addition to the wedding preparations, Jan decides to organise a concert to showcase JessÂ’s talents.
Suffice to say, not all goes to plan.
ItÂ’s a short, relaxed play - I think it finished just on 10pm - with likeable characters and a homegrown plot. My biggest complaint was the lack of house music. The theatre really did seem a bit cold before and after the play, and the complete silence during the frequent scene changes seemed to be begging for a few bars of covering music.
Speaking of music, Kylie has a lovely singing voice (as we all know) but it seemed as though she might have been holding back a little in the tiny Garrick theatre. I look forward to seeing her Ain’t Misbehavin’ concert at the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre (August 16 at 7.30pm, $18; and August 17 at 2pm, $15, tickets on 9252 0123 - plug, plug, plug - can I have my commission now?) where I’m sure she’ll really belt ‘em out.
The costumes were great - particularly in the final scene. I think the show is in its final week and itÂ’s worth the price of admission alone to see Kylie wearing a backless dress back-to-front, combined with fishnet stockings. Thanks to Garrick Theatre and director Norma Standing.
JB
WHEN: Thursday, July 3
WHERE: Garrick Theatre (Guildford, WA)
Sorry for the delay.
The publicity material proudly proclaims that "Wedding Games" is the sequel to "Lipstick Dreams". Never having seen the latter I would never have known - this production stands on its own. It's a sweet little play about four women in a small Australian town. Two of the girls work in a hairdressing salon, and this is where almost the entire play is set.
Jo (Sarah House) owns and runs the salon and is currently planning her wedding. Best friend Jen (Leanne Page) is a little envious but eager to help. The local real estate agent, caterer, travel agent, events planner, jack-of-all-trades Jan (Dale James) insists on making the wedding the biggest event in the town's calendar. Amongst all this, wandering school friend and aspiring rock star Jess (Kylie Isaia) returns to her hometown and friends.
My goodness, I felt like I was watching an Aussie version of Steel Magnolias. It had its laughs and heartbreaks, but at least everyone hung around for the final scene. :-)
In a true ensemble piece it's a bit naughty to single anyone out, but Leanne Page was a riot. Think of Linda from "Becker", then hype her up on caffeine. Clumsy, manic, forgetful - she had the audience in stitches - and it was great to see her get the last laugh. Plus Leanne has the most beautiful smile - it makes you feel good just to watch her. In comparison, Sarah was overshadowed a bit, playing the straight, sensible character. However, since it was her wedding they were all planning, she held the focus and drove the play despite the antics around her. Dale James chewed the scenery, as she did in "I Hate Hamlet", but not to distraction. She was clearly a force to be reckoned with in this small Aussie town, but cared about her friends when it came to the crunch. Returning home is KylieÂ’s character, Jess, the local girl who went to the big city for fame and fortune. In addition to the wedding preparations, Jan decides to organise a concert to showcase JessÂ’s talents.
Suffice to say, not all goes to plan.
ItÂ’s a short, relaxed play - I think it finished just on 10pm - with likeable characters and a homegrown plot. My biggest complaint was the lack of house music. The theatre really did seem a bit cold before and after the play, and the complete silence during the frequent scene changes seemed to be begging for a few bars of covering music.
Speaking of music, Kylie has a lovely singing voice (as we all know) but it seemed as though she might have been holding back a little in the tiny Garrick theatre. I look forward to seeing her Ain’t Misbehavin’ concert at the Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre (August 16 at 7.30pm, $18; and August 17 at 2pm, $15, tickets on 9252 0123 - plug, plug, plug - can I have my commission now?) where I’m sure she’ll really belt ‘em out.
The costumes were great - particularly in the final scene. I think the show is in its final week and itÂ’s worth the price of admission alone to see Kylie wearing a backless dress back-to-front, combined with fishnet stockings. Thanks to Garrick Theatre and director Norma Standing.
JB
Re: Wedding Games
Mon, 21 July 2003, 09:56 pmI managed to catch Wedding Games on a fly in visit to Perth - and I did see the prequel - Lipstick Dreams at the Garrick Theatre some years ago - it was fabulous - i enjoyed this show just as immensely as Lipstick Dreams, and managing to keep some of the original cast was fantastic. Leanne Page was sensational! I agree with Jarrod in that the show could stand on it's own, if you hadn't of seen Lipstick Dreams you wouldn't have been kept in the dark, another new tale for the girls.
Congratulations to Norma Standing - with only five weeks to put the production together - an excellent job!!
Finally, on a personal note- i had the best night catching up with you all, not having seen the majority of you for a number of years - too many!!
Back in Kalgoorlie now after having a taste of home!
Thanks
Until next time
Melz
:-)
[%sig%]
Congratulations to Norma Standing - with only five weeks to put the production together - an excellent job!!
Finally, on a personal note- i had the best night catching up with you all, not having seen the majority of you for a number of years - too many!!
Back in Kalgoorlie now after having a taste of home!
Thanks
Until next time
Melz
:-)
[%sig%]