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| Article: A HOUSE KEPT IN PERFECT ORDER (BRISBANE TIMES) | |
By Sommer Tothill. Reviewer Rating: 10/10 So asks The Clean House, the comical and moving new production by the Queensland Theatre Company. Written by award-winning stateside playwright, Sarah Ruhl and directed by Kate Cherry, The Clean House is utterly unforgettable and just about perfect. Rarely does a play move you to the extremes of belly-laughter in one act and tears in the next, but The Clean House pulls it off without a hitch. When bad things happen, the only thing to do is laugh. Vibrant young Matilde moves to the USA when her parents – the funniest couple in Brazil – literally die laughing. Working as a maid in the white, starkly modern house of successful doctor Lane (Sarah McNeill), Matilde finds she would much rather concoct jokes than keep the place tidy. Matilde gratefully finds a domestic ally in Virginia (Carol Burns), Lane's cleaning-obsessed sister. Plagued by morbid subconscious fears, Burns is effortlessly funny as a frustrated housewife who confesses, “I don't like to laugh out loud.” Beneath every veneer there must be fractures. Cool, orderly Lane's tyranny of order is upended when her husband admits to having fallen in love with one of his patients, a plucky and sensuous Argentine named Ana (Vivienne Garrett). In the mess that ensues we find humour, tragedy and a range of wonderful nuance. These characters are multi-dimensional and stirringly human. Vivienne Garrett is masterful as the charismatic Ana, and Sarah McNeill's performance, whilst slightly overwrought at times, is infused with moments of luminescence – and some of the funniest lines in the play. Hugh Parker as Lane's husband, Charles meanwhile reveals a wonderful singing voice and the flexibility to embody multiple characters through the recurring reverie scenes. The finest delight however is Brooke Satchwell. Who knew our erstwhile prime-time soapie darling was hilarious? Or that she could deliver jokes in confident Portuguese and pull off an utterly convincing Brazilian accent with such mirthful charm? Some thanks naturally go to voice coach, Julia Moody, but Satchwell's bag of talents doesn't end there; she delivers a tender, absorbing performance that withstands the levity of comedy as easily as the weight of grief. Costuming by Alicia Clements uses a well-considered palette which works perfectly with a simple and striking set by Andrew Bellchambers, used to maximum potential with clever projections and props. Lighting by David Murray and music composed by Ash Gibson Greig enhance without obtruding, like good effects should. Touching gently on the difficulties of cultural and class divisions, The Clean House is really a play about the importance of balancing order with chaos; staidness with humour. Discovering the importance of a universal sisterhood, the women in The Clean House at last find their united humanity in a messy house marred by tragedy. With beautiful production and a numerously gifted cast, The Clean House is theatre at its finest. The Clean House is on at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC from 28 June – 31 July. Tickets are $40 to $60 ($30 for under 30s) available through www.qtix.com.au or call 136 246. | |
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ADDED BY USER:  MARTINS1472 ADMINISTRATOR |
Article Source: BRISBANE TIMES Published: 03/07/2010 Member Rating:  5 STARS |
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| Comments: Navigation | |
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SHOWING 2 COMMENTS | |||
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| captainsplat (04/07/2010 10:28:28) |
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 CAPTAINSPLAT |
Indeed, I think that is just reflecting some people's disdain for soap actors. | ||
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| martins1472 (04/07/2010 00:59:57) |
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MARTINS1472 |
Now that's a good review and accurate in my opinion, especially about Brooke's performance. Though I wish reviewers would stop expressing surprise at Brooke's ability and referring to her as if Neighbours was the only show she ever acted in, she's proven her acting talent many times since then. | ||
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