Presented by Therry Theatre
Reviewed 21 August 2021
Set in Northern California long before the Civil Rights Act and just before the second World War this classic play by John Steinbeck has been directed by Geoff Brittain carefully on a beautifully designed Ole Wiebkin set which looks solid but is moved smoothly by Stage Manager Ushmo’s crew. The detail is well done and is continued by the costuming by Gilian Cordell and Sandy Faithfull. The fight scene, choreographed by Jethro Pidd, was well handled and convincing. Lighting, by the ever-reliable Richard Parkhill completes the feel and enhances the look.
The first act was a little slow to get going but established the two main characters well. Leighton Vogt as George, a smart man doing the best he can in the Great Depression and Lennie, his companion who is intellectually limited, a big man who does not know his own strength. Vogt displays the affection George has for Lennie and the frustration of dealing with his inability to remember simple instructions, coupled with not knowing how to behave appropriately. Stuart Pearce manages to show all Lennie’s childlike qualities giving a convincing master class in characterisation.
The characters are varied. The Boss, played by Robert Donnarumma, and his son Curly (Adam Schultz) are less than welcoming. Donnarumma is fine as a man trying to balance his property during difficult times. Schultz does well but needs a little more rise and fall in his anger. As Curly’s wife, Ashley Bell manages to convey a flirty manner with a touch of innocence. John Rosen (Carlson) and James Fazzalari (Whit) deliver good performance as other workers. Kym Clayton (Slim) plays with experience, a character who is sympathetic and understanding whilst not getting involved. The oldest worker Candy is portrayed with much senescence by Philip Lineton with his (almost real) old puppet dog by Ana Judith Giraldo.
Newcomer Christian Best gives a sensitive performance as Crooks the worker who lives alone in his room due to ethnic prejudices. The scene between Lennie and Crooks is particularly thought provoking showing the similarity of treatment of these men, one due to his lack of intellect, the other the colour of his skin. A fascinating story with a glimpse into a past era.
Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds
Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: 19-28 August
Duration: 3hrs
Tickets: $14 – $29
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/BMGYS or phone: 0411 924 566 at times below
Mondays and Tuesdays from 12 noon until 5 pm
Wednesdays to Saturdays from 12 noon until late
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