Review: Pepa Wolfe
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Sylvia By A.R. Gurney Directed by David Bell With: Karla Deane, Michael Civitano, Natasha Kapper, Jill Brocklebank, Kate Hawkins. There was a decidedly pleasant mood at the Brisbane Arts Theatre on Saturday, as people gathered for the opening night performance of A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia. Promoted as a comedy about the relationship between Man and “Man’s best friend”, the play’s title character is in fact a dog – a precocious little mut, played by Karla Deane. |
Disillusioned with his work, and feeling emptiness at home, Greg (Michael Civitano) meets Sylvia in the park and the two feel an immediate, undeniable connection. Greg decides to keep her, much to the dismay of his wife Kate (Natasha Kapper). With her kids grown and her career just taking off, Kate feels her dog rearing days are over. And therein lies the initial conflict.
It’s a great concept, the personification of this lovable but trouble-making dog, and an interesting way to present some simple truths – our need to feel inspired, fulfilled and loved. But the play fails to really grapple with the deeper implications of modern disconnect and a relationship in trouble. The script seemed to wander, lagging in parts, yet the exuberance of the cast and director David Bell’s inclination for comedy still made for an entertaining evening peppered with surprising and memorable moments.
Civitano’s earnest performance as Greg, plays in contrast to Kapper’s comic dead-pan, while Deane exhibits the frenetic energy of a puppy, as well as the stubborn streak many dog owners will instantly recognise.
Surrounding the central trio is an odd assortment of characters on hand to give their own special brand of insight. Jill Brocklebank does double duty, playing both Kate’s old friend Phyllis, curious and frankly spoken, and later the couple’s psychologist, the purposefully androgynous Leslie. And then there’s fellow dog lover Tom, in this instance played by a young woman, Kate Hawkins. An enjoyable performance (despite the distraction of the cross-gender casting and the drawn-on stubble) Hawkins’ delivery, the accent and rhythms of speech, was wonderful and complimented the comic timing required for Tom’s somewhat bizarre yet passionate theorizing.
The characters were all likeable, despite their various flaws – a credit to the cast. And while the play never really reached the heights of dramatic tension, the audience was quite responsive, laughing out loud in parts and buoying the actors during the funnier moments. Special mention goes to Natasha Kapper, whose wonderfully dry “villain” Kate, was engaging throughout.
The costuming was bold and purposeful, making good use of contrast and enhancing the devolution/evolution of Greg’s and Kate’s professional lives, as well as the various stages of Sylvia’s colourful escapades.
Complimenting the plays jovial mood, the Front of House staff were warm, welcoming and eager to please, and with the refreshments at affordable prices there was a happy crowd filling the courtyard at interval.
It’s been a bumper season for the Brisbane Arts Theatre this year, with Sylvia coming hot on the heels of their production of Tennessee Williams’ Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. The company continues to challenge itself, producing a wide array of material. The result – Sylvia is a fun addition to the current season.
Supported by Positive Response Dog Training this production is not only sure to get a knowing chuckle out of Brisbane dog lovers, but is an opportunity for local theatre lovers to enjoy something a little different.
Sylvia runs until October 9th.
Review: Pepa Wolfe
Book online at www.artstheatre.com.au
SYLVIA – Cast: KARLA DEANE, MICHAEL CIVITANO, NATASHA KAPPER, JILL BROCKLEBANK, KATE
HAWKINS. Production Team: Director- DAVID BELL, Stage Manager- KYLII HOBSON, Musical
Director- EMILY KLAPPER, Set Design & Construction- RICHARD HUNT, Set Assistant- JULIA KROHN,
GRAHAM MCKENZIE, Costume Design- FRANCES FOO, Costume Assistant- ROBYN EDWARDS,
Lighting Design- ELLIOT PRICE, Sound Design- LAWRENCE DIXON, LX/Sound Operation- KAREEM
CRAYSON, SEAN MAILANDER, Publicity- AMANDA GARSKE, Photography- JODIE HARRIS, Poster
Design- MICHELLE ATKINSON.
Related:
Sylvia – at the Brisbane Arts Theatre from 11th September 2010