‘Pleasures’ witty

Press, 19 August 1981, Page 6

‘Pleasures’ witty

“Fresh Revolving Pleasures,” written by A. K. Grant, composed by Philip Norman, and directed by Elric Hooper for The Court Studio Theatre. August 18 to September 12. Running time: 8.15 'p.m. to .10.25 p.m. Reviewed by Gerrit Bahlman. “Fresh Revolving Pleasures” is an : adult musical with' themes ‘ of .the New Zealand version of love, marriage, and divorce and is yet another example of The Court’s ability to promote opportunities for local talent. While one might be tempted to dismiss the New Zealand marriage-divorce story as well,worn, the original score and script are worthy of attention and provide an emjoyable evening’s entertainment. - ’ . • ‘ The production is ■- characterised by a. light, satiric treatment which is clearly designed to ’amuse- b.ut to some extent limits/.thd; real- ■ isation of the potential ,of the script and. score? Moments in ? the production were starkly out of .keeping with the.sendup treatment, to ■

The transitions were too abrupt and disrupted the attempts at seriousness and poignancy. A small point: the upstairs back light used during several upstairs songs is too low and most annoying.to members of the audience left front row.

The highlights of the production are many and can be attributed 1 to the clever script and witty score which capitalised beautifully on the lyrics. *

Norman’s music is at its best melodically when he uses counterpoint to evoke . the most exciting of textures. Some of his songs, derived from a Blues tradition, were subtle, sensitive, and yet tinged with satire. The musical pursues the fresh revolving pleasures of Sally (Yvonne Martin) and Kate (Annie- Whittle)' as they enter ahd ' leave their first marriages jand; then begin it again. Both Misses Whittle and Martin jiaife immaculate voice control, enabling , them to deal wfththe .often difficult . rhythms .. and melody lines. Bruce'PHllips. as their

lawyer, was less secure vocally and this became particularly apparent when all three sang together. Mr Phillips’s portrayal of the lawyer was, however, superb and captured magnificently the pedantic; legally loquacious, and obviously fecund Hutchinson. ‘ Annie Whittle’s. Kate, whose keenness to get married is overshadowed only by her pursuit of adultery and enthusiasm to leave the blessed state of matrimony, was great fun, Yvonne Martin’s Sally more than satisfied the credibility of the audience but was too prim and efficient to be entirely j consistent with the scripted behaviour.

Over-all, the production provided, fun, music and entertainment, with some delightful music and witty dialogue - which? gained, much from Its parochial colour and expression, > ? ' ' ■ The A. K. Grant and Philip Norman team shows much • potential, and, it is hoped, will -be .encouraged to produce again.? -