Reviewed by Fran Edwards
November 2012
In true community theatre style this show is a real mix of things that work and those that don’t quite make it, but all done with enthusiasm and good humour.
The story is really a vehicle to put together a few fun songs, some silly situations, some corny jokes and present it all in a dinner show. Toss in some well-drilled dance moves, colourful costumes and bright lights and you have a production.
Sure it lacked pace in places, the choreography could have been a bit more imaginative, and it needed tighter direction, but it was happy, bouncy and fun.
Some of the performers really deserve a mention, Jonathon Fitznor as Rick Darling and Freya Harding as Jane Offme both do well. The Colonels, Philmont and Carmichael, played by David Evans and Graham Todd hold the piece together, and deliver some of the corniest jokes! Andrew Minge as the very camp African Queen, Jaxon Monis as the cross dressing witch doctor and Charmaine Parham as the evil Lola add much (although Lola’s accent made her difficult to understand at times).
Both Liam Harding and Mitch Parham are youngsters who showed promise and many other cast members, too numerous to mention, delivered fun performances. Credit should go to directors Diane Minge and Karen Harding, who together with MD Heath Gladigau pulled the show together.
I should however, also, mention the behind the scenes people who cooked and served a very nice three course meal during the evening and were not individually credited in the program!
It’s nice to get out to a spot like Gumeracha and into the community spirit once in while! Well done!
