#1
Quotes from the review in the West Australian daily paper
"All the elements that spell success come together in this highly entertaining and very funny homegrown production of the Broadway musical Irene. For a start there is a genuine Hollywood superstar in a supporting role, a charming and talented leading lady, a bright, youthful cast, gorgeous costumes, a set of hummable tunes and a tight-knit orchestra.
The Hollywood legend is Debbie Reynolds (yes, of Singin’ in the Rain fame), who at the age of 75 delivers a performance that is as funny as it is superbly timed and ad libbed, full of mischievous intent — mostly at her own expense. It is just about worth going to Irene for that experience alone, but there are plenty of laughs, romance and uproarious adventure from the rest of the cast, who seem to have benefited from Reynolds’ star presence.
Irene is played by the sweet-faced, vocally powerful Chrystal de Grussa, who soon convinces us she is indeed a charming, if ambitious, young Irishwoman. She runs an upholstery and drapery shop on Ninth Avenue with her too-often tipsy mother (Reynolds drinking beer is a delight to behold) in a neighbourhood of Irish immigrants...
Irene is produced in concert version, which really means a fully realised and costumed show, the only missing element being the stage sets.
Director John Senczuk, choreographer Jenny Lynnd and music director Tim Cunniffe have cleverly positioned the orchestra in the centre of the stage, neatly filling the vast spaces of His Majesty’s Theatre.
The action takes place in front of the orchestra with a few basic props as the actors swoop down several levels of steps at the sides.
It’s an idea that works wonderfully well...
Irene is a delight from start to finish, with familiar songs such as I’m Always Chasing Rainbows, Why Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For and You Made Me Love You so deliciously presented you will be singing them next day.
The lasting impression is that while this show premiered in 1919, its treatment of romance and ambition, social pretension and class snobbery, fashion and falsehood, remains fresh and relevant today. It’s the best musical this year by far."
Irene runs until February 2.
Posted: 1/31/08 at 8:42am
Quotes from the review in the West Australian daily paper
"All the elements that spell success come together in this highly entertaining and very funny homegrown production of the Broadway musical Irene. For a start there is a genuine Hollywood superstar in a supporting role, a charming and talented leading lady, a bright, youthful cast, gorgeous costumes, a set of hummable tunes and a tight-knit orchestra.
The Hollywood legend is Debbie Reynolds (yes, of Singin’ in the Rain fame), who at the age of 75 delivers a performance that is as funny as it is superbly timed and ad libbed, full of mischievous intent — mostly at her own expense. It is just about worth going to Irene for that experience alone, but there are plenty of laughs, romance and uproarious adventure from the rest of the cast, who seem to have benefited from Reynolds’ star presence.
Irene is played by the sweet-faced, vocally powerful Chrystal de Grussa, who soon convinces us she is indeed a charming, if ambitious, young Irishwoman. She runs an upholstery and drapery shop on Ninth Avenue with her too-often tipsy mother (Reynolds drinking beer is a delight to behold) in a neighbourhood of Irish immigrants...
Irene is produced in concert version, which really means a fully realised and costumed show, the only missing element being the stage sets.
Director John Senczuk, choreographer Jenny Lynnd and music director Tim Cunniffe have cleverly positioned the orchestra in the centre of the stage, neatly filling the vast spaces of His Majesty’s Theatre.
The action takes place in front of the orchestra with a few basic props as the actors swoop down several levels of steps at the sides.
It’s an idea that works wonderfully well...
Irene is a delight from start to finish, with familiar songs such as I’m Always Chasing Rainbows, Why Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For and You Made Me Love You so deliciously presented you will be singing them next day.
The lasting impression is that while this show premiered in 1919, its treatment of romance and ambition, social pretension and class snobbery, fashion and falsehood, remains fresh and relevant today. It’s the best musical this year by far."
Irene runs until February 2.
I don't care if she's 1,007 -- I love her!
