CONSUMMATE PERFORMERS DISH UP A TREAT |
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) ConArtists: Austen Found - The Undiscovered Musicals of Jane Austen Presented by ConArtists at The Drake, Freeman's Bay, Auckland From 7 May 2009 to 16 May 2009 [1hr, no interval] Reviewed by Joanna Davies, 8 May 2009 |
It really is very exciting.
Let me say from the outset, I'm not an Austen fan. Much to my librarian Mother's horror I have never read her work and I've managed to steer clear of the film adaptations (with the exception of the dripping-wet Colin Firth scene). So ambling up the stairs to The Drake's function room, I was sceptical.
Not for long. We were warmly welcomed by the rosy-cheeked and very-excited-for-a prim-young-lady Penny Ashton, who introduced her fellow players (Lori Dungey, Stayci Taylor, Nigel Burrows and Greg Cooper). Our Austen knowledge was tested, reluctant male audience members were charmingly reassured and we were taught how to determine our Austen names (take the first name of your favourite royal and first pet's name with "ybottom" added to the end, e.g. Beatrice Pandybottom).
The audience choose the name and theme of the musical, Greed and Generosity, and then sat back, relaxed and laughed their way through the following hour without fear of being picked on.
There was swooning, romping, choreographed dancing, an enormous ball, garden strolls, passion (of the reserved English variety), scheming, meddling, innuendo, a tune or two on the pianoforte, and more laughter than I expected for my money (not being an Austen girl at all).
The entire cast did a magnificent job of capturing the essence of Jane Austen's style in their parody without offending ardent fans or losing the enthusiasm of strangers to the genre. I'm fairly certain "okay" wasn't a commonly bandied about term in the Regency Period but the troupe has certainly done their research.
Penny Ashton and Greg Cooper were stand-outs due to their command of the vernacular, their ability to take charge of a scene and think on their feet (proving Ashton is "quite bright for a girl"). Cooper in particular seemed targeted by the pianoforte player and his fitting rendition of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia" was timely and priceless.
ConArtists are consummate performers. They make improv look so easy you'll think you could get up and give it a go. Please don't. Leave it to the professionals - but go and check them out at The Drake. Whatever they dish up, you're in for a treat.
Austen Found runs for two more nights - Friday 8th and Saturday 9th. They're back next Thursday with a brand-new show. See you there!
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Comments
| Penny Ashton | posted 8 May 2009, 10:25 AM / edited 8 May 2009, 12:00 AM |
I blush.... Thanks ever so for the glowing report but I would be remiss if I did not point out that in fact, we are on for FIVE more nights. Indeed two this week plus an additional three next week with our new show playing immediately after. Yours etc... |
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| Jo Davies | posted 8 May 2009, 01:17 PM / edited 8 May 2009, 12:00 AM |
Eek! Apologies Penny, I stand corrected. You are indeed on for three nights next week with merely half an hour to change costumes for Sex, Lies & Improvise (I trust there will be a costume change although the breeches could work!). |