The Sum of Us (WA) - Newspaper review

To sum up, it’s a feast of emotions Fremantle Gazette, February 12, 2008 http://www.communitynews.com.au/ePaperNowOnline/tabid/93/Default.aspx Review: Helen O’Brien I CANNOT remember when I last saw a production or a film which made me feel a wave of emotions, a surge of patriotism, and hope for a more accepting society – all in a couple of hours. Showing at the Old Mill Theatre for its final week, The Sum of Us stars Fremantle resident Alan Kennedy (as father Harry), Kensington resident Phil Barnett (as Harry’s son Jeff), Como resident Chris Thomas (Jeff’s love interest, Greg) and Cloverdale resident Joy Northover (Harry’s love interest, Joyce). This production of Australian playwright David Stevens is directed by West Leederville resident Dannielle Ashton, and Barnett. From the outset, it challenges stereotypes. First, Jeff is not your average gay man. He seems a typical Aussie bloke – a well-built, likeable larrikin who works as a plumber and loves footy. His father Harry – also seeming a typical Aussie in many ways – is not typical in his over-zealous acceptance of Jeff’s sexuality. The tolerant Harry would seem at the other end of the scale from Greg’s family – whom the audience never meets but can imagine. You have to wonder if all parents should be more like the often-inappropriate Harry. Although some of his lines will make you cringe, he is loveable and obviously well-intentioned. Happiness for Jeff is his only wish. Harry views love as being “the greatest adventure of all” and The Sum of Us is an adventure. It is great fun and makes you laugh and smile at the sincerity in the performances. But like all stories, it has to have conflict. Ironically, the love and acceptance between Harry and Jeff creates tension between Harry and Joyce, and between Jeff and Greg, unravelling the demons Joyce and Greg face. There is also the underlying tension between Harry and Jeff, apparent in the final scene, which definitely demands tissues. The Sum of Us is on at 8pm this Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Feb 14-16). Tickets are $19 ($14 concession); bookings can be made on 9367 8719. The Old Mill is on Mends Street, South Perth.