Boys' Life at Melville Theatre

LaurenW | 31/07/2010 - 10:26

Well, Melville Theatre has pulled a rabbit out of the hat with their current production of “Boys’ Life”. I went to see this show last night and was impressed with it for a number of reasons. Firstly, congratulations to Melville for staging a relatively unknown play. I don’t believe that this play has been staged in Perth before. (No doubt I will soon be corrected on that by regular contributors to this site). So many community theatres rely on the same old, same old plays. They do the rounds from one theatre to the next, (Yes, I know they put bums on seats) but how refreshing to find a new and contemporary production.
Secondly, this production has given an opportunity for a group of young actors, who are relatively inexperienced (some for the first time – one of the lead males in particular) to show us their stuff. There a no “big names” here. Sure, the inexperience shows from time to time, but so what isn’t that what community theatre is about? To give people a chance to have a go.
Finally, the play itself. Contemporary in style – no fancy sets here – in a sequence of scenes we meet Jack, Don & Phil, the 3 “boys” and their attempts – successful or otherwise- to pick up women. They display their sexist attitude to females in a very forthright manner. We find it funny because of some clever dialogue and the fact that these men are recognisable. Phil reminded me of a guy I dated - ONCE! The women in the play have smaller roles but in the end, the upper hand. Those women hold the trump card; they have what the “boys” want.
I liked the irony of the theme song, sung by Doris Day. This play is more Tiger than Doris. I enjoyed the show, it’s worth a look. Go and support these young people who we are sure to see more of in the future.

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I was also at the opening

Author: jeffhansen
Date: 31/07/2010 - 11:15

I was also at the opening night of Boys' Life.

**Disclaimer - I'm president of Melville Theatre and was responsible for lighting design of this production. Other than that, I've had no input.***

Congratulations to director Geoff Leeder and his cast for a well put together piece of contemporary theatre. Geoff seems to have developed a habit of presenting little known, but intriguing pieces of theatre. For example, last year's The American Plan, which was very well received.
He has again come up trumps.

I agree with Lauren's review above. It is great to see some new faces on the stage at Melville, and kudos to Geoff for taking a chance with some new to the stage. This surely can only be a good thing for the future of our clubs. We always seem to be casting around, trying to scratch together a cast, so lets hope we see these faces again. At times, there was an obvious gulf between the talent/experience of the performers, and for this reason, some scenes shone, whilst others tended to fall flat.
Whilst Boys' Life doesn't yet have the polish of The American Plan, it is an entertaining night out, and well worth the trip to Palmyra.

www.meltheco.org.au

Rabbits, Tigers and Turkeys

Author: stinger
Date: 31/07/2010 - 23:25

The testosterone was certainly flowing onstage tonight at Melville. Director Geoff Leeder has banked on his track record to bring to the Palmyra stage a show that he, as a theatre artist, really wanted to do. Artistically, I think he has succeeded. Unfortunately, Perth audiences tend to shy away from theatre that threatens to make them think as well as laugh.
I have no issue with actors of different skill levels performing together. In my view, stage presence is what counts and these three 'boys' all had it. The more experienced actors tend to find more in the script of course, but sometimes less is more - and just as good.
Ultimately, this is not a play for 'blokes'. (For that matter, it is not even a play as such - more a series of vignettes). It is really a 'chick play'. Plenty of beefcake and male stereotyping, encased in a soft, subtle envelope of strong female characters, delivered by strong female actors.
And in case you are wondering - no, there is no actual turkey-slapping in this play. We are in the middle of an election campaign after all!

Ssstinger>>>

Correction from a less-than-regular contributor

Author: osullivankate
Date: 31/07/2010 - 23:36

Not meaning to take anything away from the reviews being poured out here (and as a member of the cast, enjoying reading them) but I feel the need to point out (as Lauren intimated someone would) that the director came across the play when the WAAPA showcase some years ago presented some scenes from it. I do not, however, know if it has been performed in WA in its entirety.

Another Review

Author: Labrug
Date: 13/08/2010 - 12:20

This is a review that has decided to hide behind the curtains...

http://www.theatre.asn.au/theatre_reviews/boys_life_melville_theatre

Absit invidia (and DFT No no no )

Jeff Watkins

Looking for an Agent? Read this first!!

Boys' Life at Melville Theatre

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