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Review of Phoenix Players Over The Moon by Ros Hollands
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| Phoenix Theatre |
Moon Over Buffalo opened at London's legendary Old Vic starring Joan Collins and Frank Langella, under the title Over the Moon. Confused - I was too. I have to say I did some research on this play, presented by the Phoenix Players at the Arts Centre this week, mainly because I hadn't heard of it.
The writer Ken Ludwig also wrote the book for the musical Crazy for You. One critic when the play opened absolutely slated it, calling it unfunny and many other derogatory things.
All I can say is that who ever they were they must have had a bad day. It was a witty, clever, farcical play which in the hands of Phoenix Players was quite a triumph.
I laughed until I cried especially at the comic genius of Dennis Breakspear who spent most of the play the worse for wear on the demon drink. Acting of course. This is often portrayed very badly, but Dennis did it without a problem. He was very believable and never over the top. Amazing, as it is one of the most difficult things to portray well.
This was a very special cast. Margaret Price played Charlotte Benson, the ever suffering wife, as only she can. Brilliantly. Nicholas Gratton, Wendy Skane, Mark Harris, Jackie Maguire, Daphne Breakspear and Colin Wilkins were the others in excellent principal roles.
In the fast pace of the play they were completely on top of their game. Farce is never easy to play or direct but these guys and director Sandra Gilbert managed to make it look easy.
A very good stage set, wonderful costumes, lighting and music rounded of a very entertaining evening.
I went away wanting more. Now that's what I call good theatre, be it amateur or professional.
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10:18am Friday 25th January 2008
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