(Lisa Bobbert and Anthony Stonier)A macabre, delightfully refreshing, and politically incorrect musical mix of some of the great masters of brutal lyrics! (Review by Rosanne Hurly-Coyne)
Produced by Sue Clarence Promotions, and directed by Caroline Smart, Brutal Tunes is performed by two of Durban's most talented and versatile performers, Lisa Bobbert and Anthony Stonier. The two are accompanied (and sometimes nearly upstaged) by concert pianist, Andrew Warburton.
Although this is the third time I've seen the show performed, the performances and musical selections have changed and updated slightly, making scenes between the performers even wittier and more engaging. Bobbert and Stonier share a brilliant chemistry on stage. These two 'larger than life' performers are a joy to watch as they perform various numbers by the masters of brutal, composers including the likes of Sondheim, Noel Coward and Tom Lehrer.
Opening with an old favourite, Poisoning Pigeons in the Park, the two are marvellously wicked, followed by some very animal rights unfriendly dialogue and an array of the most dreadful collection of fur coats claiming to be of various animal origins - particularly funny even to those militant animal rightists like me in the audience!
Bobbert's interpretation of Nina from Argentina is original and quirky. Her facial expressions are magnificent. While Bobbert cleverly verges on hysteria at times, Stonier compliments her perfectly with his steady, and dry wit, not to mention his beautiful voice. Appearing at one stage in the show in the most shocking pink frock, Bobbert proves how bold and brave a performer she really is as she does a Country and Western rendition of Always the Bridesmaid. The audience on Wednesday night loved Let's do it tonight. While Bobbert enthuses, Stonier plays a terrified, working class man desperately warding off the advances of his sex starved wife to much hilarity.
Noel Coward’s I went to a Marvellous Party is a number well suited to Bobbert's style and is always well received. Ending the evening on a lighter note, with Downtown the duo mock our South African crime paranoia and leave the stage fairly abruptly.
Brutal Tunes satirises life which is often so brutal. It touches on the games society plays out, and we all endure. In this production 'no aspect of life is left unscathed in this brutal take on life.'
For Highway residents, it is pure luxury to leave a theatre and not have to drive on a freeway afterwards. I often notice lots of NU and NPN vehicles at shows in Durban. Thank you, Gary McKenzie, for bringing such a beautiful theatre venue to the Highway. There must be a need for more venues like it. Restaurant service was excellent, as always. The meal selections were varied. However, please add some sort of starch to the Vegetarian option. There is a great misconception among meat eaters that Vegetarians only eat vegetables.
This very popular show only has four more performances at Heritage Theatre in Hillcrest until April 15 (Sunday) so booking is essential. Tickets R195 pp Wednesday to Saturdays (R165 Sunday lunchtime) include a two-course dinner. Bookings through Heritage Theatre on 031 765 4197. - Rosanne Hurly-Coyne
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