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Rating Guide
None = Unmissable
= Unwatchable
Page number refers to the Fringe programme
Do Black Patent Shoes Really Reflect Up? (page 108)
American High School Theatre Festival
Drams None
Company Guerin High School
Cast Brandon Smith (Eddie Ryan); Diana Runge (Becky Bakowski); Megan
Lynch (Sister Lee); Tim Myer (Father O'Reilly)
Music and lyrics James Quinn and Alaric Jans
Venue Church Hill Theatre (Venue 137)
Address Morningside Road
Reviewer Mairi Anderson
This show is an absolute must-see for anyone with a Catholic education and
a well developed sense of humour.
Music and lyrics are by James Quinn and Alaric Jans, based on a novel by John
R. Powers. The key strength of this show is in the power of the writing and
the keenness of the observations. It captures succinctly how it felt to grow
up in the Catholic education system of yesteryear. If you also shared that experience,
I'm sure you too will appreciate the many authentic touches in this show. You
will find skirts rolled up at the waist to shorten them; headscarfs hiding that
truly dreadful haircut that made you want to run away; and very humourous yet
touching portrayals of the terrors of confession and the rivalry to be holier
than thou.
Many serious points are made amid the humour, often quite poignantly. It is
genuinely shocking to observe the guilt put on children as young as seven, the
negativity surrounding sexuality, the racism of the "Black" or "pagan
babies" and the unthinking brutality which was just accepted as the norm
in the average classroom.
However, for the most part the points are made with humour and gentleness. All
of the cast give a very professional performance. Brandon Smith in the lead
role of Eddie Ryan has presence and the sensitivity required to get the most
from the more serious pieces. His strongest song is Late Bloomer and
his voice improved in strength as the show progressed. He has the right qualities
to play the romantic lead. Diana Runge shows strong acting ability in the female
lead role of Becky Bakowski and gives an engaging performance.
Megan Lynch as Sister Lee captures the spirit of the nuns well. She is strict
and a little intimidating, but can also be compassionate and wise.The song It's
the nuns is a very witty and wicked jibe at the less endearing aspects of
the behaviour of some of the "religious". Catholic school pupils may
well recognise these. Tim Myer's portrayal of Father O'Reilly is a good one,
though a little more sharpness might be more accurate. In contrast the scene
where the nuns all dance shows the more human side very well.
Sets are clever and adaptable. Costumes are excellent, particularly the vestments
and habits and little touches such as the holy communion veil and the lace mantillas.
Musically the cast are strongest in full chorus. The orchestra perform well
and with enthusiasm, though occasionally a little loudly!
This show starts well and develops into a thoroughly entertaining experience.
It made me laugh and at times it was so evocative it made me cry. The finale
is fitting, ending with the song (I'm not that young any more) Thank God
- and so say all of us!
© Mairi Anderson. 4 August 2003 - Published on www.EdinburghGuide.com
Run continues Aug 6 12:15; Aug 7 20:15; Aug 9 14:15
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Everyone Loves Me. (Page 108)
Drams
Venue C. (Venue 34)
Address Chambers Street.
Reviewer Fiona O'Hanlon.
It's official - Carol Smillie is the new Marilyn Monroe! Although it
seems an unlikely comparison, in the 21st Century long-term media
success is only achieved by those who can adapt to the
ever-changing entertainment environment.
Such adaptability is precisely what the characters in
Everyone Loves Me
endeavour to attain when faced with a TV world in which confrontation is the new
gunge and therapy the new confrontation. The audience watch as Richie, a chat
show host stuck in the Noel Edmonds' mould, and his stifled assistant Tamara attempt
to achieve the childhood dream of fame and fortune. The characterisation of
the cocky, crude and common Big Brother evictee Daisy provides a satirical take
on reality TV, whilst the portrayal of the aspiring producer Charlie gives the
audience an insight into the world behind the lens.
Strong performances from all four actors enable the only prop - a red
leather seat - to be convincingly and comically applied to many
well-known media situations. Excellent vocals, flawless choreography
and sharp costume choices make this a musical to remember.
Fame, it's an addiction, it's the new religion, it can even define one's
existence...but is it truly
worth it?
Go, and decide for yourself!
© Fiona O'Hanlon, 3rd August 2003 - Published on www.EdinburghGuide.com
Runs to 24th August at 23.00, not 12th.
Company – The Chain Reaction Theatre Company.
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