RAW: Fringe
RAW: Mark Trenwith – ‘Fun’
Feb 27th
At the opening, Adelaide native Mark Trenwith made his show’s ethos clear – laughter enjoyed for it’s own sake.
Shortly afterwards, this ethos materialised as chuckling front row audience members came to terms with the reality that they had been left alone to wash dishes and dust the stage.
Offering unusaul impersonations, prop-based jokes, footage of his bold public antics, and a collection of stories based on his attempts to create more fun out there in the world – Mark’s enthusiasm for taking the piss sparkled with national potential.
Now that Rove is gone, who knows?
Kryztoff Rating: 3.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Animals, Aliens & Vegetables @ Ambar Lounge
Feb 27th
Pity some shows dont run on time. Faced with incredible crowds in the Garden for a later show, I was forced to abandon Animals, Aliens & Vegtables a half hour after it was meant to start and I was still waiting, being told that the show was ‘being set up’.
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: My Sweet Specter – Star Theatres
Feb 26th
Anna McInerney’s ‘My Sweet Specter’ is another ambitious project this Fringe pitting looming, young Adelaide talent against a tough assignment. But for the most part, she and her cast and crew pull it off.
In Nicole Miller’s play and the Film Noir tradition of the Prohibition era, Miss Scarlett (Shaez Mortimer) comes to Chicago to make her name but quickly gets embroiled in some foul play and deception with the nightclub moguls the Blacks – Vivian “Vixen’ (Joanna McGovern) and John (Peter Enright) – for which her own shady past is well prepared. As the story develops dance scenes break out, led seductively by Rebecca Plummer and Madison Kuerschner (amongst the girls) and the stylish Joel Anderson. There is a lot of the musical style of Chicago in this and the players are up to the multiple roles of actor, dancer and singer with both Mortimer and McGovern giving stand out performances.
Thomas Phillips’ choreography and Krysia Vucic and Shannon Adams’ costumes are great for a performance on this scale but it has to be said the show at times suffered for its amateurish bits – the lighting (especially front of stage) was weak and for a theatre the size of the Star the use of microphones depreciated the performances.
But overall, great fun and entertainment and here’s to hoping McInerney brings more shows together and that dancing on this scale and high level can also get a regular guernsey in town. If her future shows are as well patronised as this, then any company Anna forms will have a strong following to support it.
Kryztoff Rating 4K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe
RAW: Circus Oz – Barely Contained
Feb 26th
Circus Oz was all the delight it promised to be. Fast paced acrobatics, innovative routines, multi-talented performers that together were both awe inspiring and immensely entertaining for all ages. In the air-conditioned big top on the Parade Grounds, local girl, Eli Green, as Vanessa, hosted the show and led the dominant female contingent. The by-play between circus strong woman, Mel Fyfe and diminutive Emma Hawkins was great fun that continued all show. If anything the first half is more compelling than the second but opinions may well be divided on this.
A show such as this naturally draws comparison with Circus Soleil. This is a much simpler show that loses nothing for not having the glitz of the other troupe. It is perhaps its more egalitarian approach to performing that not only stamps it generally but also as a truly Australian production. Simple everyday objects for props (glass bottles, wooden chairs, a toaster) and a consistent and effective intermingling of audience and performers makes the show very welcoming.
Great entertainment and it is also great to have Circus Oz back in town for this year’s Festival.
Kryztoff Rating 4.5K
>> Check out more interviews, videos, feature articles and polished previews in our latest Fringe Guide, http://www.kryztoff.com/fringe