Your Name Means Dream

Your Name Means Dream

Your Name Means Dream Rating

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Wow. I am going to put this front and centre: if you love seeing high-quality acting and theatre, go and see ‘Your Name Means Dream’ at Red Stitch Actors Theatre. What a phenomenal play and performances by two outstanding actors.

This brilliantly written play by the highly acclaimed Oscar nominee and Obie Award-winning playwright José Rivera (famous for ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’) has hit the shores of Australia for the first time at Red Stitch Theatre in Melbourne.

The cast of two give stellar performances, which should not be a surprise with their extensive backgrounds on both screen and stage. Caroline Lee takes on the role of ‘Aislin,’ a disgruntled widow in her mid-sixties who lives alone in her run-down apartment in New York in the not-so-distant future. Lucy Ansell plays the role of ‘Stacy,’ an advanced robot sent by Aislin’s son, Roberto, to be Aislin’s live-in caregiver and companion.

The play opens with the first meeting of the two characters. Aislin, having settled into a dreary and solitary life after the death of her husband and estrangement from her son, shows resistance to this new form of caregiver sent by her son, Roberto.

Stacy is programmed to assist Aislin in living as long and healthy a life as possible while learning from Aislin along the way. She also yearns to learn as much as she can about humanity from Aislin, wanting to get as close as she can to that point within the limits of being a robot.

 

You will walk away from this play contemplating themes including the future of technology with artificial intelligence and machine learning, family, relationships, what it means to be human, health, loneliness, quality of life, death, and grief. All of that in the space of a couple of hours. What a journey!

There is so much lovely comedy intertwined within the dialogue of this play. Caroline and Lucy really carried these comedic moments, having the audience switch from laughter to tears and back again in the blink of an eye.

It was an absolute joy to watch these two actors work together. Caroline and Lucy both portrayed their characters with so much depth, nuance, and humanity—yes, even the robot! The accents were flawless, and subtle characterisations were well-engrained into each character. Lucy’s quick switches between Stacy the robot and Roberto were mesmerising to watch.

The staging was perfect for what this play needed. A nice, simple set was more than enough to still have the audience buy into the world of Aislin and Stacy, with the entire play taking place in the living room of Aislin’s very drab and dilapidated apartment. This really is a play not to be missed.

Your Name Means Dream is on at the Red Stitch Actors Theatre from October 26 to November 24. Tickets may be purchased @ https://www.redstitch.net/your-name-means-dream-2024

Photographer: James Reiser

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Hard Truths: British Film Festival

Hard Truths

Hard Truths Rating

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Set among the lush gilded halls of the Palace Cinemas in Como begins this year’s British Film Festival here in Melbourne for 2024! Upon arrival, I was guided towards a table filled with glasses, offered a glass of wine (which, of course, I take), and then showed towards Cinema 1. Whilst my heart is beating fast from almost running late and my feet are throbbing from not choosing the comfiest shoes to run almost late in, all this is left at the door as I am welcomed by a plush chair and ample foot space (thank goodness).

As an audience, we are officially welcomed to the Media Night of the British Film Festival and shown some trailers of upcoming movies (many of which look incredible) before the movie starts. I highly suggest checking out the program as this year’s running has such an intriguing mix of stories to view by some promising, talented, established directors and actors.

And then, the movie starts. As an audience, we follow the story of Pansy, a short fused woman who appears to be in a deep hole of depression, frustration and anger. Pansy, played by Marianne Jean-Baptiste and directed by Mike Leigh (All Or Nothing, Happy Go Lucky) plays a character whose emotions are on her sleeve and affect those around her to a detrimental point.

Now, while this movie does have a somewhat linear plot, I still came away a little confused. It felt a bit like the movie was trying to follow all of the main characters but, in the end, left so many loose ends. I suppose if the movie was trying to mimic real life, then this approach feels very realistic. However, the ending felt abrupt.

 

On the flip side, this does not diminish the acting ability of the actors in this film. Each character felt deeply thought out, thoroughly lived in and exciting to watch. Jean-Baptiste acted with such a tangible sense of rage and grief that it was so easy to get caught up in it all. I laughed at a few of her insults (almost rivalling Shakespeare in their wit) and cried along with her too. But it was hard to view such a continually confrontational character which did break my immersion for longing to psychoanalyse her right then and there. Instead of focusing on the story, I wanted to focus on the character of Pansy as that seemed more directly interesting to me.

Some other honorary mentions go to both Michelle Austin (who played Chantelle) and David Webber (who played Curtley). Austin’s portrayal of a tender sister (and tender character all round) who coaxes her sister slowly out of a deep hole of grief had me longing for a sister of my own. And Webber playing Curtley shows a stark contrast to the other people in his life, consistently withdrawn, quiet, a human doormat for Pansy to walk all over. I felt bad for this character, but it was also really hard to watch Curtley not stand up for himself. He was so in his shell and, as an audience, it was really difficult medicine to take knowing that almost everyone has someone like Curtley in their life and yet don’t always know how to help.

In summary, this film has a tremendous array of portrayals of the British middle class, but also accesses a confronting amount of emotions which are hard to sit with whilst watching the story unfold. I wish it made more sense to me, but perhaps I am in the minority. I think it would be worth a rewatch just to see what I potentially missed. I will, however, be looking at the rest of the program for the British Film Festival and attending what I can as there are a large number of films in it that pique my interest. This festival is on until the 6th of December and is worth checking out even just for the ambience of the Palace Cinemas!

The British Film Festival 2024 runs from Nov – Dec 8.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/ for session and venue details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Falling into Place: British Film Festival

Falling into Place

Falling into Place Rating

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Set against the stark backdrop of a bleak Scottish winter, “Falling into Place” invites viewers into a world where two lost souls briefly collide in a bar, igniting a day filled with fleeting joy and profound connection. Directed and written by Aylin Tenzel, who also stars as the film’s emotionally troubled protagonist, the narrative explores the depths of despair and the search for solace in unexpected places.

Tenzel’s character is an artist grappling with the aftermath of a painful breakup, her self-worth at an all-time low. She isolates herself from her family, terrified that revealing her struggles will expose her vulnerabilities. Tenzel embodies this emotional turmoil with a raw honesty that resonates deeply, showcasing her talent as an actress and storyteller.

Opposite her is Chris Fulton, known for his roles in “Outlander” and “Bridgerton,” who plays a man equally enshrouded in grief. His character battles the aftermath of his sister’s suicide attempts and a relationship that has long since soured. Together, Tenzel and Fulton create an intense chemistry that pulses through the film, offering a glimpse of hope amidst their mutual pain. Their connection is not one of idealized romance but rather a bond forged in shared suffering—a recognition of their own self-destructive tendencies.

What sets “Falling into Place” apart is its unflinching portrayal of mental health issues. The film does not shy away from presenting its protagonists in an unflattering light; rather, it embraces their flaws and struggles, allowing audiences to empathize with their journeys. This authenticity is refreshing in a genre often dominated by idealized relationships.

While the film’s pacing may feel slow at times, the emotional weight it carries makes the eventual payoff worthwhile. Tenzel’s directorial debut is a powerful commentary on the healing power of shared experiences, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate intimate, character-driven storytelling.

The British Film Festival 2024 runs from Nov – Dec 8.

To book tickets to this or other films click https://britishfilmfestival.com.au/ for session and venue details.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Sweet Charity – Closing Days

Sweet Charity

Sweet Charity Rating

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Firstly, ‘Sweet Charity’ is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by the legendary Bob Fosse and based on the screenplay for the 1957 Italian film Nights of Cabiria. A show so rich in big name history is no easy feat to pull off and the team at the Mountain District Musical Society currently playing the show at Karralyka Theatre in Ringwood have done an outstanding job.

‘Charity Hope Valentine’ is a taxi dancer, a dance partner-for-hire at a seedy dance hall in New York City. Though the job may be decidedly undesirable, Charity’s hopeful romanticism and unfailing optimism lift her out of her circumstances and help her reach for a life beyond. In the past, she’s been strung along and hung out to dry by a series of bad relationships and lousier men. When she meets Oscar, a neurotic, shy actuary seemingly from another world, will she finally find true love at last?

With a laugh-a-minute script by the incomparable, the audience is destined to fall in love with Charity’s limitless spirit, as she lives life “hopefully ever after.” This exuberant, groovy, hilarious musical comedy includes hits such as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, I’m a Brass Band and Baby, Dream Your Dream.

 

So, having read and seen many a Sweet Charity production before, my expectations are quite high. The “just want to be loved” leading lady Charity is bright and bubbly as played by Madeleine Magetti with an excellent authentic accent from New York. According to the program, this is her dream role, and what a role; this show is all Charity! Madeleine brought to the main character a sense of longing for the audience to feel for her situation, and laughter of course, but we also knew that Charity was seeking even more than love; for acceptance of who she is and the future she dreams of.

‘Oscar’ played by Leigh Roncon was just sooooo much fun, what a talent in comedy! The elevator scene cannot be beaten with claustrophobic Oscar and the upbeat positive Charity trying to hold him together and not panic; it’s professional quality from both of them in this extensive scripting.

There’s LOTS of dancing in the show and LOTS of great musical numbers, the orchestra is a simply amazing; one of the best I’ve heard in an amateur production for sure.

‘Big Spender’ always packs a punch and that theme (that is impossible not to like) is played throughout the show – I loved watching all the girls act it up in their own personality, all of them different but giving the same story to their men visitors “open for business” LOL.

My favourite group rendition was definitely ‘Rhythm of Life’ with Daddy Brubeck played by Jason Sainsbury-King taking over the stage with his band of new age church hippies under the bridge. If you grew up in the 60s you’re going to tap your feet, sing along and enjoy everything about this and the spot-on costuming, full of flower power; I didn’t want it to end!

 

A standout solo for me was sung by Vittorio played by Julian Campobasso with ‘Too Many Tomorrows’ and the Beehive & Blonde duet ‘Baby Dream Your Dream’ by Nickie and Helene, played by Nicole Kapiniaris-Anson and Hayley Wooten, was only one part of a show filled with their incredible talents as Charity’s two best friends in the dance hall.

The dance hall scenes are great by all the cast and the ensemble too in this show got plenty of shine time, especially in ‘I love to cry at Weddings’ where I think they were able to ad lib and did such a good job.

Bonus points on clever use of the set, the fountain lake, the big window in the apartment and the props and clothes with the line “hide in the wardrobe” – I couldn’t even tell Charity was there in plain sight as she disappeared into the rack.

The supporting cast bounced well off each other. Both my friend and I felt the enthusiasm and love between them all on stage, and the way in which everyone makes up the finale bows was a fabulous finish with tons of applause for all:

Herman: Michael Gibson
Ursula: Ella Miatke
Carmen: Ellen Lane
Rosie: Jessica Clark
Suzanne: Amber Orchard
Betsy: Gaynor Borlase
Frenchy: Stephanie Vienet
Elaine: Jade Bishop
Alice: Olivia Poggi

Ensemble: Katherine Gloss, Samara Trimble, Ainsley Thomson, Steve Atkinson, Talwyn Gibson, Mark Curran, Nick Toovey, Kyah Pritchard.

Congratulations to Director/Choreographer Di Morgan, Musical Director Vicki Quinn and your production team. We loved it – a happy night out with a bestie who also loves musical theatre.

The Karralyka Theatre in Mines Rd Ringwood is one of the best suburban venues – easy to get to, easy parking, comfortable seats and very reasonable ticket prices. Ticket link: https://www.karralyka.com.au/Theatre/Touring-and-Community/MDMS-Presents-Sweet-Charity

The program is great, too. Give whoever put that together for this show a clap. Make sure you get one. I often think amateur theatre programs are better than professional ones. It has lots of information and pictures of everyone in the cast and creative team.

SWEET CHARITY is playing the rest of this weekend until their Sunday, 27 October matinee – ‘you should see it now’ and note in your diary Mary Poppins in June 2025: https://www.mdms.org.au/

Photo credit: Gavin Andrew

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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