NODA
- Critique
There were some very nice moments and clever ideas in Tricia
Richardson’s fast moving production of Pinocchio. The inclusion of the “Oh no
it isn’t, Oh yes it is” routines gave this family entertainment the feel of a
traditional pantomime, (although I feel it was overdone at times).
This was a very good choice of show for this well supported society
Once again the set was designed to make maximum use of the very limited
space and there were some clever innovations (e.g. hanging a “tent” on the cyc
to simply change the set for the Funland scene). The set was effectively
painted and overall scene changes were smooth, (with the exception of the final
scene change which was very long and noisy).
Too much smoke was used on Thursday night, causing some members of the
audience to cough The ultra violet underwater scene was excellent, but although
effective the chase with strobe lights went on too long. (I was pleased to see
strobe light warnings in the auditorium). The three little fishes was another
enjoyable scene.
The opening of Act Two was very good. The four clowns with their superb
masks looked absolutely wonderful and Razzle Dazzle ‘Em” was an excellent piece
of theatre. I loved the scene inside the whale (what a superb depiction) and
the use of material waves when Pinocchio was swimming was a good innovative
idea.
The costumes were extremely good, and with a couple of exceptions the
make up was good.
The children were excellent, singing with gusto, performing all their
routines well and generally paying attention to the action around them and
obviously enjoying themselves. All their costumes were very effective. The
grouping was especially good after “Give a Little Whistle”
Anne Pinkus made an excellent Pinocchio. Her small stature made her the
ideal candidate for the part but she acted so well, with clear diction and
faultless timing, jerky movements and childlike voice were just right. I loved
the way she first stood up when the log was transformed to a puppet (this
transformation needed more spectacular lighting). Her costume was excellent.
Throughout the show Pinocchio reacted well with Lampwick, superbly played
by Sarah Jayne Bottrill. She also created a splendid childlike character and
has very good projection and timing. The audience quickly warmed to her. Their
transformation to Donkeys was cleverly achieved and their actions very good.
Initially Joe Heusen seemed somewhat hesitant as Gepetto, but as the
evening progressed he relaxed into the part, and gained the sympathy of the
audience for the loss of his son He maintained his cod Italian accent well.
Another very positive performer was Jennifer Heusen, who played the blue
fairy. She created a very lovable character. Her costume and sparkly shoes were
ideal.
Wendy
East was impressive as Mr. Cricket. Although soft, her American accent was
ideal for the part and she delivered her lines with meaning (the use of the
wrong initial letter was very funny). Her clothes and make-up were ideal and she used her eyes
well. She demonstrated good stage presence.
With such experienced actresses
as Wendy Marchant and Jo Halkett
to play the Fox and Cat it
is no wonder they made such an impact (they were also a very useful addition to
the chorus when not in animal mode). The lighting was very effective for their
first entrance.
I liked Simon Phillips portrayal as the somewhat creepy coachman but
thought he would have looked better with a more definite (perhaps white based)
make up. He had a very good ”mummerset” accent, but he could not be heard over the recorded music when singing.
John Oglesby was very positive playing the Fire Eater and elicited a
good response from the audience, but his character would have benefited from more spectacular, perhaps red, lighting.
Lisa Heusen looked superb in her Ringmaster’s costume She spoke clearly
and all her words could be heard but I felt she needed to portray a more
dominant character.
Paul Instrall is a very good comedy actor and he was the ideal choice to
play Antonio, rapidly moving about the stage. He was the perfect jesting
partner for Gepetto.
The two puppets Harlequin and Columbine (Sue Harvey and Amber Bottrill
or Alice Phillips) were very good. I liked the way Columbine held her arms out
in front of herself.
What a marvellous cameo we had from Bill Callcut. His delivery and
timing were very good for the Judges song and he was a positive character
whenever he appeared on stage.
The horse (Rob and
Overall the music was very well chosen with a good variety of
appropriate songs, not only ones traditionally associated with Pinocchio. The
two musicians worked hard all evening, but some of the recorded music was too
loud for the singers, and at times they were out of time with the music, (a
musician would have been able to adjust the tempo).
The children were on stage after 10 p.m.
Overall it was a very good fun evening and the audience were certainly
appreciative.
Thank you all for your hours of hard work rehearsing and preparing for
the production, and for a very good evening’s entertainment.
With best wishes
Lennie Self - NODA