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STEPPING OUT by Richard Harris 17 October to 8 November 2003 Directed by Simone de Haas Cast List Review Joyful Outing Brett Debritz - Brisbane News - 29 October 2003 There's something reassuringly funny familiar about Stepping Out. And it's not the fact that it has been performed in Brisbane several times in the past, most notably 10 years ago with television identity Jeanne Little in the lead role. The basic storyline - a group of disparate (and desperate) individuals come together and, collectively and individually, overcome great odds to achieve the seemingly unachievable - has much more recent resonances. Unashamedly from this "feel good" school of theatre, Stepping Out is very light fare, but it makes surprisingly big demands of its cast. Richard Harris' characters have all signed up for tap-dance classes at a church hall for reasons only they know. Until, of course, the ending when (almost) all is revealed. While there is a strong sense that these characters are not "real" - or, at least, not of our world - the performers work hard to flesh them out and to make us care. Some succeed more than others, but, to be fair, the script gives the others little room to manoeuvre. Brad Ashwood gets the lion's share of the laughs as the widowed, middle-aged accountant Geoffrey, who sticks out like a sore thumb among the all-female ensemble. His stage persona is instantly likeable and his stagecraft is superb. Not so loveable is the character of Glenda, the poisonous pianist who is carrying more than sheet music in her baggage. To her credit, Susan Stenlake makes the most of her very few opportunities, often drawing our attention with a clever nuance when the script fails to help. The same is true of Lyndelle Green as the calls-'em-as-she-sees-'em Maxine, and Emma Korhonen as who plays the young nurse Lynne. Janet Devlin, as well-off tidiness freak Vera, also snares a good number of laughs through her obsessive behaviour and many costume changes. Ultimately, though, she draws our sympathy in a painfully poignant moment as it becomes clear that her perfect life in not all it seems. Kym Ford's Mavis is also harbouring a deep sadness, but works through it all toward a single glorious moment in the spotlight. For me, however, the standout performance on opening night came from Julie Cotterell as Andy, a pathetic shell of a woman whose desperation becomes tragically clearer as the play progresses. The outcome of the production is pure enjoyment, thanks to a grand finale that you can see coming a mile off, but nevertheless ensures you will leave the theatre with a smile on your face. Once again director Simone de Haas and Mixed Company has pulled a theatrical rabbit out of the hat. |
