(Daisy Spencer & Rory
Booth)
Engaging and interesting production based on a valid concept. (Review
by Caroline Smart)
The P.A.R.C (no auditions
required) is a musical comedy conceived and written by well-known Durban theatre
personalities Daisy Spencer and Rory Booth. It’s an interesting concept and a
very valid one – dealing with a wannabe artist’s need for self evaluation.
It’s also an engaging and amusing production interspersed with musical
numbers, based on the devastating effect that failure at auditions can have on naive
and inexperienced performers who have a skewed view of their abilities.
P.A.R.C. stands for Performing Arts Rehabilitation Centre
and it is here that we meet Melody (Daisy Spencer), a strongly individualistic performer
who is passionate about a stage career in musicals. One slight problem. She can’t
sing. Well, she does sing – but any relationship to true pitch is completely
coincidental.
Her mother sends her to PARC to see if they can help her. Here she
meets the enigmatic Dr Doolilpersad (Rory Booth) who does his level best to get
her to analyse or recognise her faults and, later on, to acknowledge her best
talent, which is dancing.
Dr Doolilpersad has been through the mill himself so he sympathises
with her battle to accept the demands of the entertainment industry where
producers expect a particular look, body shape and vocal quality. His advice is
- if you don’t fit the norm, make your own work! The end result is that Dr Doolilpersad
is inspired to follow his dreams of working in theatre and suggests a
collaboration.
P.A.R.C (no auditions
required offers an interesting and valuable concept as so many people who go to
auditions – in whatever field - are devastated by rejection. They all need a Dr
Doolilpersad in their lives. Someone to say – “So what, you failed the
audition. You probably don’t fit the image the producers are looking for. Accept
that your skills aren’t strong enough”. Or – “Maybe you’re barking up the wrong
tree, maybe this is not where your abilities fit. Let’s look at what you can
do (in Melody’s case, dance) and focus on that.”
Both Spencer and Booth are highly experienced and committed performers
and they carry the production with their energy. I would like to see this
production developed further, with less emphasis on the scenes where Melody is
required to sing off-key and more focus on her dancing skills. Serious
attention also needs to be given to the microphones. The first night was
delayed with the unexpected enforcement of load-shedding but the audience loyally
chose to stay and wait the extra hour until electricity was restored.
The P.A.R.C (no auditions
required) runs at The Seabrooke’s Theatre at DHS until February 15 with
performances from February 3 to 8 and again from February 12 to 15. Evening
performances at 19h30, Sundays at 14h00 (extra show on February 15 at 18h00)
and extra early shows on Saturdays at 17h00. Tickets R80 (R60 pensioners and
children 10-16years). Bulk Booking Special: book for 10 people and only pay for
8.
Although actual seating is unreserved, booking is essential as the
theatre can only accommodate 100 patrons. For reservations contact Ailsa
Windsor on 083 250 2690. – Caroline Smart
NB: As the load-shedding
programme now appears to be entrenched, it is best to check on performance
times.
Posts
