Presented by: St Jude’s Players
Reviewed: 9 November, 2023
David Williamson’s Scarlett O’Hara At The Crimson Parrot was written for Caroline O’Connor to play the title role (Scarlett O’Hara NOT the Crimson Parrot) and is somewhat of a slightly different road for him to travel down: it’s more of a modern day romantic comedy than his usual satirical look at Australian life – not a political comment in sight, although the environment and vegetarianism get a look in. The play doesn’t seem to have been performed much, especially by community theatre groups (I believe that this production is a South Australian premiere). It’s probably not because of the play itself, but the technical aspect of the show would make it fairly undoable in many eyes – because of the storyline there needs to be a working restaurant kitchen and more importantly a screen showing snippets from classic Hollywood movies interspersed with clips of the stage actors recreating some of those roles (filmed and edited well by Ben Todd). But St Jude’s Players are known for doing the ‘undoable’ and pulling it off well. They have, once again!
The story involves thirty something Scarlett O’Hara (her mother’s favourite movie was Gone With The Wind), a waitress without a boyfriend, whose main interest is daydreaming at the drop of a hat about her favourite old Hollywood films and putting herself and various males she encounters in her daily life into them.
This production is absolutely wonderful! Director Geoff Brittain has not only gathered a great cast but proves it takes a village to bring a show to life, especially this one – every detail is meticulous! Don Oakley’s impressive and highly workable set not only cleverly uses the whole stage but even flows onto the floor of the auditorium with tables, chairs, candles and menus. The majority of the actual stage is taken up with (as previously stated) an almost working kitchen, with running water, pots and pans steaming and boiling, knives, slicers and dicers, chef’s knives – you name it and if Gordon Ramsay or Jamie Oliver uses it, it’s here. Gilian Cordel’s costumes are very appropriate for all cast, especially the very authentic chef’s whites and aprons with towels correctly placed (I watch far too many cooking programs). Props are in the very capable hands of Leah Klemm and Louise Lapans – menus have the restaurant’s name on them, there are more bottles and liquid than at a stag or hen’s night, and I dare you to work out if the food is real or fake.
Brittain understands the script well and has brought out well-rounded performances from all his cast. The action is smooth throughout and his working of the kitchen staff is so realistic – they are on the go the whole time.
Speaking of the restaurant staff: they are played by Josh van’t Padje (Steve), Simon Lancione (Gary), Harry Dewar (Gordon) and Amanda Grifsas (Shelley). Van’t Padje gives Steve a nicely underplayed Ocker feel about him and comes across as a real Aussie underdog, but with an undertone of selfishness. Lancione as Gary is a prick’s prick! His performance is a study in how to do ‘nasty’ well and still be believable – plus, he makes a great Errol Flynn as Robin Hood. Dewar gives his years of experience on the stage to kitchen hand Gordon, delivering his delicious one-liners expertly. Grifsas as bogan waitress Shelley gives a very believable performance but perhaps a little too much at times – when she is shrill the audience loses a lot of her dialogue.
This reviewer will openly admit that, in the past, he hasn’t been blown away by Adam Schultz – he has tended to be a ‘hand’ actor. But in this production, as dorky, geeky Alan, he is very impressive. He does not put a foot wrong in his awkwardness and is a delight to watch. This time he has blown this reviewer sky high!
As the self-absorbed, extremely manipulative, supposedly fragile (like a Bull Elephant!) mother, Maureen, Rhonda Grill has the audience in her grip (very much like her daughter). We just watch and listen to her whenever she is on stage. As the play is an homage to Hollywood and the great film stars of the time, it seems only fitting that Grill reminded this reviewer of Bette Davis in her later roles – in particular, the one-eyed mother in The Anniversary.
In the role of Scarlett, Kate van der Horst, is worth the price of a ticket alone. She is absolutely wonderful and captivates the whole time (which is 99% of the play). She not only impresses as Scarlett, but plays many Silver Screen female legends to the hilt – her Judy Garland as Dorothy and Doris Day as Calamity Jane in particular are a hoot.
You don’t have to be a movie buff to enjoy this delightful production, but if you are, try and see how many films you recognise. Spoiler alert – there is even a salute to a late Twentieth century film classic thrown in at the very end.
This production of Scarlett O’Hara At The Crimson Parrot is highly entertaining and I guarantee you will come out with a smile on your face.
Reviewed by: Brian Godfrey
Photo credit: Les Zetlein
Venue: St Jude’s Hall, 444 Brighton Rd, Brighton
Season: Until 18 November, 2023
Tickets: Adult $25.00; Concession $20.00
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1113628
Disclaimer: Simon Lancione is part of the Glam Arts review team.
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