Presented by University of Nevada
Reviewed Saturday 5 March 2011
http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
http://www.thegarageinternational.com
Venue: NACC, rear of 176 Tynte Street, North Adelaide
Season: 6 & 12 March at 7pm & 8 March at 8.30pm
Tickets: $20.00/$15.00 Cheap Tuesdays: $15.00
Duration: 50 mins
Bookings: FringeTix 1300 FRINGE (374 643) or http://www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Be quick to catch this enjoyable comedy that mimics the golden age of radio. Allison William’s play is well acted, quirky and a lot of fun. The hot young cast is tightly directed by Todd Espeland and supported by three musicians who also take on minor roles and provide live sound effects.
Radio star Steve Powell (Ken McCloud) plays Frank Grayson Private Eye in a weekly series that is on the verge of losing its major sponsor. When Powell becomes entwined in a real life murder mystery however, his years of playing a detective lead him to investigate and solve the crime.
McCloud flips easily between his characters Grayson and Powell, narrating his own story much to the bemusement of the others. He works it as both a noir gumshoe and an insecure actor.
Songstress Melody Wilson plays herself as an entertainer, giving a beautiful a capella rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, and also portrays both Sally & Barbara Mitchell, the latter being a sexy young heiress who may have witnessed the crime.
As the radio announcer and hobo Mitchell, there’s a lot of talent in actor Tyler Hastings, showing a surprising amount of depth and subtlety in his performance; all the more unexpected given the nature of this show.
Kitty Carangelo is delightful as blonde bombshell Penny. She’s joined by Alex Lum, Austin Perry, Corene Peltier and Rachael Hayner to complete the stellar cast.
The comical action is supported by great live sound effects and music by Perry, Peltier and Charlie Gott, both for the ‘radio show’ snippets and the ‘real’ murder mystery. Four dancers vary the entertainment during sponsor breaks: Jesus Alejandro, Anna Fazio, Rachael Hayner and Alex Lum.
Alex Lambert’s costumes are spot on, and Devin Scheef’s simple set of the radio studio is an effective backdrop to a thoroughly enjoyable Fringe debut.
Reviewed by Rod Lewis, Performing Arts Critic, Glam Adelaide.
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