Up for Grabs (script review)
Wed, 16 June 2004, 02:07 pmWalter Plinge2 posts in thread
Up for Grabs (script review)
Wed, 16 June 2004, 02:07 pmUp for Grabs
By David Williamson
Published by Currency Press (in same volume as Corporate Vibes)
Cast 3M, 4W
As there seems to be a dearth of new reviews popping up on this board, IÂ’ve decided to start reviewing the new plays IÂ’ve read, not just the ones IÂ’ve seenÂ…
Up For Grabs is the play that was performed on the West End with Madonna in the lead role of Simone. Having now read the play, it makes sense that she would choose this play, and also that they would have to change some of the references.
The lead character is an aspiring art dealer who manages to get the contract to sell a Brett Whiteley, through the course of the play she plays the three contenders for the sale one off each other, selling her dignity and her ethics off at the same time.
The play is very raunchy, with at least two very kinky (to the point of perverted)sex acts referred to in graphic detail, while at the same time being hilariously bawdy.
Not one for the faint-hearted or the less than totally broad minded.
The sydnocentric referencing of the play, while not being a problem performed any where else in the region, would certainly limit this playÂ’s attraction overseas without some minor rewrites, set in London, for example not Sydney. But as an Australian play, it serves the universal theme of greed in a way that can be readily absorbed by all.
Actually, thinking about it, how many of the sins are covered by this play?
Pride, check. Lust, oh definitely, Avarice (Greed), without a doubt. Envy, check. Wrath, yep. Gluttony, if we talk drink not food then yes. Sloth? Hmm donÂ’t knowÂ…
So on the sin-o-meter thatÂ’s a six out of seven, not bad!
This is definitely a play of (bad) manners, and a good analysis of how wealth and power can corrupt the arts.
From an actors point of view, the women come off the best. There are three very strong female roles and two male roles that, while being juicy to play, are less than flattering portrayals (and have some MAJOR sexual problems to boot). The last two characters, SimoneÂ’s husband and MannyÂ’s wife can basically be dismissed as good supports, you know the sort of role: well written, requiring a lot of good acting, but if the audience notices you too much, then you have done something wrong.
While there are few clubs in Perth that could confidently perform this show without half of their membership having a heart attack, it is one that it would be a shame never to see on the Perth stage.
It also contains one of my all time favourite Williamson lines:
“I never wanted to live in Sydney. Gay f***ing centre of the universe.”
“But Manny, your son is gay.”
“Only because he grew up in Sydney!”
If you have a sense of adventure, and like Williamson, try and track this one down if you can.
How would I rate this one? (out of five)
Actor satisfaction – **** would be a hoot to perform
Audience satisfaction - Trendy ****
Audience satisfaction - Family *
Box office potential – ** a show to do if you really don’t need to make money on that season, or you can guarantee getting the trendy end of the market.
By David Williamson
Published by Currency Press (in same volume as Corporate Vibes)
Cast 3M, 4W
As there seems to be a dearth of new reviews popping up on this board, IÂ’ve decided to start reviewing the new plays IÂ’ve read, not just the ones IÂ’ve seenÂ…
Up For Grabs is the play that was performed on the West End with Madonna in the lead role of Simone. Having now read the play, it makes sense that she would choose this play, and also that they would have to change some of the references.
The lead character is an aspiring art dealer who manages to get the contract to sell a Brett Whiteley, through the course of the play she plays the three contenders for the sale one off each other, selling her dignity and her ethics off at the same time.
The play is very raunchy, with at least two very kinky (to the point of perverted)sex acts referred to in graphic detail, while at the same time being hilariously bawdy.
Not one for the faint-hearted or the less than totally broad minded.
The sydnocentric referencing of the play, while not being a problem performed any where else in the region, would certainly limit this playÂ’s attraction overseas without some minor rewrites, set in London, for example not Sydney. But as an Australian play, it serves the universal theme of greed in a way that can be readily absorbed by all.
Actually, thinking about it, how many of the sins are covered by this play?
Pride, check. Lust, oh definitely, Avarice (Greed), without a doubt. Envy, check. Wrath, yep. Gluttony, if we talk drink not food then yes. Sloth? Hmm donÂ’t knowÂ…
So on the sin-o-meter thatÂ’s a six out of seven, not bad!
This is definitely a play of (bad) manners, and a good analysis of how wealth and power can corrupt the arts.
From an actors point of view, the women come off the best. There are three very strong female roles and two male roles that, while being juicy to play, are less than flattering portrayals (and have some MAJOR sexual problems to boot). The last two characters, SimoneÂ’s husband and MannyÂ’s wife can basically be dismissed as good supports, you know the sort of role: well written, requiring a lot of good acting, but if the audience notices you too much, then you have done something wrong.
While there are few clubs in Perth that could confidently perform this show without half of their membership having a heart attack, it is one that it would be a shame never to see on the Perth stage.
It also contains one of my all time favourite Williamson lines:
“I never wanted to live in Sydney. Gay f***ing centre of the universe.”
“But Manny, your son is gay.”
“Only because he grew up in Sydney!”
If you have a sense of adventure, and like Williamson, try and track this one down if you can.
How would I rate this one? (out of five)
Actor satisfaction – **** would be a hoot to perform
Audience satisfaction - Trendy ****
Audience satisfaction - Family *
Box office potential – ** a show to do if you really don’t need to make money on that season, or you can guarantee getting the trendy end of the market.
It Grabs Me!
Thu, 17 June 2004, 02:05 pmWalter Plinge
Paul
What a great idea! Between all else it's hard to find time to read or even to research what to read so thanks buddie! This is truly interesting and informative and I hope you will continue to provide your valuable insight.
Jen
What a great idea! Between all else it's hard to find time to read or even to research what to read so thanks buddie! This is truly interesting and informative and I hope you will continue to provide your valuable insight.
Jen