(Sharon, Nondumiso,
John, Ali & Christina)
A spectacular variety show of considerable
entertainment value. (Review by Keith Millar)
To start with, let me add a couple of qualifications
to the review I am about to write.
Firstly, my favourite performer in the whole world is
in the show. My beautiful daughter Robyn. So, if you detect a bit of bias, I
apologise in advance.
Secondly, I am unashamedly a huge fan of amateur
theatre. Staged correctly, it can play an important role in unearthing and
nurturing new talent, developing community spirit and offering a platform for
talented local performers to express their creativity.
So if you detect bias in this regard, I offer no
apologies.
As far as doing it correctly is concerned, Sharon
Watters and her entire Spot Light Production team have hit the nail on the head
and have created a spectacular variety show of considerable entertainment
value.
The Ring 2 can be
seen at the Westville Civic Centre Hall and is presented in the popular super
theatre format.
As one can surmise by the title, it is set in a circus
environment and features everything from daring aerial acts, graceful
acrobatics and puzzling illusions, to amusing comedy acts and plenty of
dazzling song and dance.
The story that links all the acts together is about
Abbey (charmingly and adeptly performed by Robyn Norris), a young circus
performer who, against her mother’s wishes, is determined to track down the
father she has never met.
The production is a sequel to Spot Light Production’s
previous circus extravaganza entitled The
Ring. Not having seen this, I was concerned about being able to follow the
plot, but there is an amiable, if rather melancholic, traditional white-faced
clown, who acts as a narrator and keeps the story moving along nicely.
The action was played out against a glittering and
colourful set with some imaginative lighting adding to the glamour. On opening
night, there were a few small problems with the sound, but I am sure these will
be sorted out in no time.
Highlights of the show include several very innovative
ensemble song and dance numbers. The choreographer is Caeley van Doorn who
certainly got the most out of her alluring dance troupe (which seems to include
everyone in cast at one point or other). She is also and engaging and confident
actress and made the most of her role as one of the Ring Masters.
Hard working director, Sharon Watters, showed off her
circus skills on a number of occasions but most notably, dressed in shocking
pink, in a net aerial act where she performs to a dramatic rendition of the Sounds of Silence, sung by Adam
Fanner.
Champion Gymnast Lauren Williams charms and astounds
the audience with her graceful and agile dance and gymnastics. She is a superstar
who lights up the stage with her personality. She is joined in an aerial hoop
act and acrobatic dance by the multi-talented Ali Dawson. Dawson also plays
Abbey’s mother Emma and shows considerable acting skill while she sings like an
angel.
Talking of multi talent - the extraordinary John Bell
seems to be able to do every circus act there is. He juggles, does acrobatics,
he is the strong man and he does a very funny comedy act on the balance bean
while wearing a tutu. Then to top it all, he joins Caeley van Doorn in a
beautiful balletic pas de deux to a
mash-up of Adele’s Hello and Justin
Beiber’s Sorry, beautifully sung by
12 year-old Christina Burrows and Robz Millar.
As amateur theatre, not all elements of the production
are as strong as others, and not all the performers are equally talented.
However, there are more than enough moments to make this a most enjoyable and
entertaining show.
The cast and crew of this production worked extremely
hard to put together this show and their passion and enjoyment while on stage
is palpable. They deserve all the support they can get, both from their local
community, and from further afield.
The Ring 2 runs
until October 29 at the Westville Civic Centre with evening performances at
20h00 and matinee on October 29. Tickets R100 per person (half price for
pensioners and children for the three matinées and on October 25). Bookings
through Sharon on 082 997 0709 or e-mail shows@spotlightproductions.co.za – Keith Millar
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