REVIEW - Ruthless the Musical
Tue, 10 Nov 2009, 11:46 amAndrewG6 posts in thread
REVIEW - Ruthless the Musical
Tue, 10 Nov 2009, 11:46 am"Ruthless - The Musical" presented by Playlovers was in one word "a great success". OK, so thats three words but Playlovers have definitely stepped up to the mark on this production. I had not heard of Ruthless until the company had decided to put it on, and I am glad because I am more than sure that I would have missed all of the funny - yet subtle jokes that are written into the marvellous script.
As usual, the feel of Hackett hall is immediately noticeable as you enter. The well decorated foyer sparks mood and feel, and gives an insight into what to expect of the production. The posters in the foyer were amazing, congratulations to whoever designed them all. Basically they are rip'offs of the original Broadway posters but with small details changed to suit the story of Ruthless. They were a great touch, and had me wondering what to expect from the production.
Who was Ginger?!
Tyler Jacob Jones has done an amazing job of directing this show. He deserves the biggest of congratulations, as this is his first time directing - but if you didn't know that, you wouldn't have guessed it. Tyler has produced a cast of strong actors who were believable in their roles and who were definitely unafraid to tackle the farcical script which they had at hand.
The functional set which (was used amazingly might I add) was well designed and gave a 50's feel that was well complimented by the stunning array of sequins that must have been tediously sown into the various costumes! Lighting was great, however at times we loose a few key moments of the action as the various cast members step out of the light. This is something I would expect to be fixed by the next show.
There were memorable performances in the production, with the standout performances by Breeahn Jones and Kimberley Harris. What set these members apart from the rest was their amazing ability of comedic timing. "Ill get it!" They also had a great ability to pick up their cues quickly and this is important for such fast show that can quite easily drag if people are not snappy with their lines. So well done to the both of you!
All in all the team have put on a great show, and I highly recommend that you go and see it
I had never heard of this
Fri, 13 Nov 2009, 11:46 amWalter Plinge
I had never heard of this show before and didn't know what to expect when I went to see it last night - I was very pleasantly surprised! An incredibly funny and enjoyable show, tightly structured, well performed and neatly directed.
Bree Jones gave a star performance as an innocent housewife-turned-diva, undergoing a wonderful transformation throughout the show. She sang well and acted with earnest energy, nicely contrasted by Kristen Twynam-Perkins' dry, martini-swilling talent agent Sylvia St. Croix. we saw Maddie Shaw playing the role of Tina Denmark, the murderous child at the show's centre, and she was fantastic, a sweet singing voice that eerily complemented her true evil nature!!!
The rest of the cast were all very strong - special mention must of course be made of the palm tree. You'll know what I mean when you see it.
The set was very interesting...it started in Black and white, but elements turned to colour as the show went on...keep an eye out for the subtle changes...very clever, I just wish there had been a little more to carry the idea through.
The direction served the show very well, making the most of the jokes and using the whole stage, even the floor. The lighting design was fantastic, but a few of the actors had trouble finding the light - faces were always lit, but we lost limbs and the tops of people's heads sometimes.
I loved the puppets that made a cameo appearance in the show, and the items hanging up in the foyer really caught one's attention and made them wonder what relevance they had to the show.
All in all a fantastic effort from Playlovers and Tyler Jones (an impressive debut!) that this reviewer highly recommends. The house wasn't even half-full last night, so I urge you to go along and see the show if you want two hours of laughter and enjoyment.
AoM