‘House Of Rot’, Hayes Theatre, Potts Point, is a stunning piece of cabaret by Dino Dimitriadis and Victoria Falconer. Inspired by the documentary, ‘Grey Gardens’, about an aunt and cousin to Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis. These two wealthy women suffer a dramatic decline from wealth to poverty and become eccentric recluses. Paul Capsis and Adam Noviello have a blast playing these two lost souls. Capsis is Big Edie and Noviello is little Edie.
The opening number doesn’t feature the two protagonists. Victoria Falconer gives a beguiling rendition of ‘Windmills Of Your Mind’. What a voice! Her vocal skills and piano playing panache have the audience in wonder. ‘Windmills’ also closes the show. It’s such a poignant song for this cabaret. Falconer shines again when she performs a violin solo piece, which is deeply evocative.
Capsis and Noviello talk at the audience a lot. It’s their theatrical trick. This technique is particularly effective for their banter. When Capsis utters “that he misses boredom”, everyone erupts with laughter. Capsis’ comic timing is a skill to behold.
This cabaret has an eclectic mix of songs. ‘I Touch Myself’ ( a nude Noviello playing piano), ‘Tea For Two’, ‘Young And Beautiful’ and ‘I Am What I Am”. When the Capsis and Noviello combination really soars is when they perform a duet of Sondheim’s ‘Send In The Clowns’ and The Cranberries’, ‘Zombie’. It’s such a daring duet that works. Noviello is very tall and slim. (A contrast to the small, stockiness of Capsis). He glides across the stage in a haunted, rebellious fashion. When Adam sings, one can tell that he loves to really launch his voice. It’s powerful. Capsis does more than match this younger performer. It’s obvious these two actors know how to bring the best out of each other.
‘House Of Rot’, is a special production in a special space. The set with it’s black chairs, black walls and black floor, is striking. The actors are dressed in stylish black ensembles, as well. It all looks very slick.
Hayes Theatre in Potts Point, is quickly establishing itself as the place to be in Sydney. It’s a cosy theatre, which is perfect for the claustrophobic existence of these two recluses. Loneliness, aging and isolation are all put under the microscope.
Any time Paul Capsis goes on stage, there is an expectation that the show will be world-class. Being able to get up close and personal with the performers on this show, is thrilling.
‘House Of Rot’, is a 70 minute romp. The time frame doesn’t make you feel cheated. Quality triumphs over quantity every time. I’m sure Paul Capsis gets a standing ovation whenever he struts his stuff. He did his best to look genuinely surprised when the audience rose as one to salute him, Noviello and Falconer. I love Hayes Theatre too, for its intimacy. Musical theatre is joyous in a cosy space. The acting fraternity feel the same. At every Hayes performance, it’s easy to spot actors in the audience. They adore the place.
You’ll have to be quick to grab a ticket. This production will sell-out. ‘House Of Rot’, provides one of the most amazing theatrical experiences of the year.
To book tickets to House Of Rot, please visit https://hayestheatre.com.au/event/house-of-rot/.
