The award-winning Perfect Arrangement makes its Australian debut at the Roxy Lane Theatre, bringing wit, heart and a timely message to the stage.
Set in the 1950s, the play draws on the early days of the American gay rights movement during the “Lavender Scare,” when LGBTQ+ people faced severe persecution. Against the backdrop of the “Red Scare”, when a climate of intense anti-communism and political paranoia had everyone living on a knife’s edge, playwright Topher Payne explores themes of fear and the weaponisation of identity. Themes that are still strikingly relevant today.
Within this unsettled landscape, two gay couples maintain a delicate façade to protect their careers in the U.S. State Department. Bob and Nora appear to be living the picture-perfect suburban dream with their devoted spouses. In truth, they are each married to the other’s partner. As the story unfolds, shifting politics and personal desires collide with the cost of keeping up appearances becoming painfully clear in the play’s heart wrenching climax.
This production marks the directorial debut of Samuel Farr, who has done a wonderful job bringing the story to our stage and stars Kylie Caldwell (Kitty Sunderson), Keri-Anne Mulley (Norma Baxter), Siobhan Fowler (Millie Martindale) Sean Wcislo (Jim Baxter), Cade Smith (Bob Martindale), Greg Hopson (Theodore Sunderson) and Ellie Cee (Barbara Grant).
With an exceptional production team at the helm, the stage design perfectly captures the period, brimming with thoughtful vintage touches that bring the story to life. The clever use of the closet (no spoilers) is a creative touch and integral to the set’s charm.
The play moves at a steady pace, its comedic beats landing with precision. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances full of charm and nuance, engaging the audience from the opening scene. What begins as a sharp rom-com style comedy gradually deepens into something far more poignant, culminating in a haunting final act that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Smart, funny, and unflinchingly human, Perfect Arrangement is both an entertaining period piece and a reminder of the courage it takes to live authentically, in any era.
The Roxy Lane Theatre is an award-winning community theatre tucked away in Maylands, and special mention has to go to the fantastic front-of-house staff. Everyone is fun, friendly and welcoming, creating an atmosphere of friendship and most importantly – community. It is always a pleasure attending shows here.
Perfect Arrangement runs until August 15, 16 21, 22 and 23 at 7.30pm. Sunday matinees held August 10, 17 and 24 at 2pm.
Tickets: $23 Adult, $19 Concession Groups of 10+ $18 each
To book tickets to Perfect Arrangement, please visit https://www.TAZtix.com.au/roxylanetheatre/.
