The first act is set in a WWW-esque wrestling syndicate complete with a 20 minute pre-show pair of off the charts grudge matches feature some of the characters. The emcee is hilarious and you set you heart on the promise of a wonderful experience. A promise full-filled. By the start of the second act, the actions and the set has transformed to the Arden Woods. The wrestling ring is replaced with trees and a VW van festooned with flowers.
A fresh cast is a joy, and this one was especially enjoyable. They clearly loved what they were giving and for the minor weaknesses, joy can cover little sins. The strength of the voices was uneven. Fortunately, they belonged to actors playing minor rolls. And it might have a tech issue, certainly some of the actors knew exactly how resonate in the space. By tossing in 22 Beatles numbers, the show was long. Almost 3 hours.
Of the cast, some members really stood out. Jeff Irving as the love-struck Orlando was a thing of beauty to watch. Gorgeous, great dancing, great comic timing and rizz of the charts. Andrew Cownden in the dual rolls of Jaques/Le Beau was both funny as hell and maudlin in turn. He voice was strong and highly expressive, his rendition of "I Am The Walrus" was a show stopper. Likewise, the comic stylings of Kayvon Khoshkam as Touchstone hit the mark every time. Finally, the best vocals in the cast were offered by Chelsea Rose as Rosalind. Her voice was clear and fill of nuance and power. I had a wonderful time. What a great to bring a year of Theatre to a close.
A fresh cast is a joy, and this one was especially enjoyable. They clearly loved what they were giving and for the minor weaknesses, joy can cover little sins. The strength of the voices was uneven. Fortunately, they belonged to actors playing minor rolls. And it might have a tech issue, certainly some of the actors knew exactly how resonate in the space. By tossing in 22 Beatles numbers, the show was long. Almost 3 hours.
Of the cast, some members really stood out. Jeff Irving as the love-struck Orlando was a thing of beauty to watch. Gorgeous, great dancing, great comic timing and rizz of the charts. Andrew Cownden in the dual rolls of Jaques/Le Beau was both funny as hell and maudlin in turn. He voice was strong and highly expressive, his rendition of "I Am The Walrus" was a show stopper. Likewise, the comic stylings of Kayvon Khoshkam as Touchstone hit the mark every time. Finally, the best vocals in the cast were offered by Chelsea Rose as Rosalind. Her voice was clear and fill of nuance and power. I had a wonderful time. What a great to bring a year of Theatre to a close.
Orlando de Boyes (Jeff Irving) about to drop the hammer on Charles the Wrestler (Marco Walker-Ng), while Jaques the Referee (Andrew Cownden) looks on in amazement. In the background Dame Frances (Jennifer Lines) oversees her enterprise with her Attendant (Jennifer Copping) stands at her side.
Two of the musicians Evan Rein and Isaiah Terrell-Dobbs lead the cast in a rendition of "Help!"
Orlando de Boyes with Celia (Naomi Ngebulana) and Rosalind as Ganymede (Chelsea Rose)
Touchstone (Kayvon Khoshkam) and Corin (Jennifer Copping) reprising When I'm 64".
Celia and Oliver de Boyes (Matthew MacDonald-Bain) singing "Here Comes The Sun".
The mad-capped adventures culminate as the love-struck couples come together.
A full cast finale of "All You Need Is Love".
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