Presented by St Jude’s Players
Reviewed 27 Apr 2017
Definitely not the opera but based on real events which mirror, in part, the story. A French diplomat in Beijing carries on an affair with a singer from the Chinese Opera, who is in fact a spy, for many years, finally being accused of treason and imprisoned. A winner of a Tony Award, this play has created controversy over its examination of the relationship and the inclusion of nudity and suicide.
This production is a brave move by St Jude’s Players, out of their comfort zone and they should be commended for taking the plunge. This play is long and despite some great moments it is slow and uninspiring in the first act. Mainly some sections lack pace, but there are some great performances.
As the French diplomat, Rene Gallimard, James Whitrow owns the stage; he is totally believable, completely in love and obsessed by an illusion. In the role of Song Liling, his lover, James Edwards gives us a wonderful performance. This role could so easily have been overdone, slipping into almost drag but he maintains the illusion and is transformed without his costume.
As Helga, Gallimard’s wife, Kyla Booth does well to maintain the normality of her character, the diplomat’s wife who goes with the flow. Chanelle Le Roux plays several roles, as Rene, Gallimard’s affair, a partygoer and a magazine pinup, managing to present defined characters. Kristin Telfer also plays several parts, servants and Chinese police. Telfer gives us some lighter moments with her portrayal and understanding of the roles.
Martin Wong and Fiona Chen fill many of the other parts particularly as dancers. Benjamin Orchard and David Rapkin also take more than one role. Orchard does a good job as Consul Sharpless, but is less successful as Marc, Gallimard’s school friend. Rapkin is let down by his French accent but provides believable characters especially as the Judge.
The set gives a good atmosphere for the prison scenes and works well but does not reach Don Oakley’s usual standards. The use of the soundtrack from Madame Butterfly is appropriate but is a little quiet in places and I am confused by the choice of pieces. However this is a theatre production worth putting on your list of shows to visit. Another good St Jude offering.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: St Jude’s Theatre
Season: 21 -29 Apr 2017
Duration: 3hr
Tickets: Adult $20 Conc $16 Child (12 & under) $12
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/book/sessions?eid=261657&ses=771894
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