Debbie does IRENE in Australia

[wildcat]

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.

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:08am

Thanks so much for posting this!

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 11:44am

I saw her do this on Broadway in 1973, and she was 107 then!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 12:00pm

PalJoey, you crack me up!! My parents saw this at the Minskoff in the 70s. I remember seeing the sovenir program which Debbie Reynolds happened to autograph for them.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 12:51pm

PalJoey, you liar. She was 102-103 TOPS.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 2:07pm

She lies about her age.

[lildogs]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 2:10pm

Even I couldn't handle 102 tops.

You go Debbie!

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 2:57pm

Yay for Debbie!

[MCfan2]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 4:15pm

Go Debbie! I don't care if she's 1,007 -- I love her!

[alterego]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 8:19pm

Would love to see this, but alas it would be a very expensive exercise. Updated On: 2/1/08 at 08:19 PM

[emo_geek]

Posted: 1/31/08 at 9:23pm

Debbie has always been a sweet heart to me. I recently got the cast recording to Irene and enjoy most of it...

[Urban]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 3:55am

I am a little suprised. Perth, even with the fact it has WAAPA (which as always been much more pro-musical theatre then NIDA) just seems a little to... regional to get a big name like Debbie Reynolds.

[bohemianqueen]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 6:59am

too 'Regional'?? It is STILL a capitol city in Australia with some fantastic Performers and Theatres, Directors and Musical Directors - Debbie Reynolds doesn't seem to have a problem with it. It just seems the rest of Australia feels snubbed because she chose Perth and not Sydney or Melbourne where things usually go!

What's wrong with things being in Perth?

[bohemianqueen]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 7:01am

and she deosn't lie about her age......she is 75

[Urban]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 7:27am

Nothing is wrong with Perth, but it is rather in the middle of nowhere and it has a much much smaller population then anywhere on the East Coast. Thus less of a base to bring bums-on-seats, which is especially important if you bring in a headliner like Debbie.

Heck I am originally from Brisbane, and I'd say the same thing about Brissie if it was the case (okay Brisbanes problem is its lack of culture - which I am pained to admit).

But please don't get me wrong, I think it is fantastic Perth is getting stuff like this. Heck, I am jealous you have WAAPA. And all glory on the people that got her over for this production.

[bohemianqueen]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 8:02am

The producers of the show just happened to be based here and they also produced her tour 18 months ago.

There have been a few people who have actually flown in to see her - lucky them that can afford it and it has been a sold out season! It's just nice that Perth finally gets something the Eastern States doesn't. So many shows and artists don't tour here or if they do it takes ages! And there have been quite few comments from people in the Eastern States about Perth and snubbing it - easy for us to get offended when those of us who live here love it:)

No offence intended towards your post Urban!

[rosscoe(au)]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 8:07am

Have seen some wonderful theatre in Perth, wish i could have gotten over there to see this. But did hear a rumour that this show might appear in the Eastern States later this year!
But saying that, it came from a source who has been wrong more times than right!

[alterego]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 8:18am

On her last tour 18 months ago she was presented by John Frost.

[Urban]

Posted: 2/1/08 at 8:25am

bohemianqueen - If it wasn't for the fact I have way to many bills to pay at the moment, heck I'd book a short holiday to co-inside with the show (and it is scandelous that it is cheaper to get to New Zealand on some flights then Perth from here!)

[bohemianqueen]

Posted: 2/2/08 at 1:31am

I know! It's ridiculous how expensive it is to fly within Australia!

The guys who run Peach Productions also produced her tour, they are personal friends of hers.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 2/2/08 at 3:37pm

... and to believe a 17-year old Carrie Fisher was in the chorus of Debbie's 1973-74 Broadway revival. She also played the Debutante.




Updated On: 2/2/08 at 03:37 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 2/2/08 at 4:37pm

Is (was) Reynold playing the parat Patsy Kelly originated in NY?

[WSS2]

Posted: 2/2/08 at 5:09pm

Loved her on Will & Grace

[alterego]

Posted: 2/2/08 at 8:30pm

Yes Dollypop she is playing the role of Mrs O'Dare (Patsy Kelly).

[Theatrical Landladies]

Posted: 2/4/08 at 4:54pm

Does anyone know if they are using the version of the score which came to London (originally from Austraila). This included I CAN DREAM CAN'T I and UP THERE ON PARK AVENUE? Or is it the Broadway version from the 70's?