“Fifty is my first, Nothing is my second, Five just makes my third, My fourth a vowel is reckoned.”
Bring your children to Sydney Opera House to see this world premiere production delivered in a manner that is well beyond the world of the armchair treasure hunt, with its beautiful illustrations, provided by the book.
Local playwright Kate Mulvany has lovingly adapted British author Kit Williams’ children’s book, first published in January, 1987.
Jack Hare takes us all on a fast-paced 120 minute journey, departing from his mistress, The Moon and then setting out on a mission to deliver both her message of love (a deep and meaningful riddle) and her jeweled gift, to her male paramour, The Sun.
Along his way there, Jack Hare meets the Penny-Pockets Lady, the Practical Man, and the man who plays the music that makes the world go round. He has to go through earth, wind, fire and water. Unfortunately Hare loses the gift towards the end of Act Two.
Act Three arrives after a brief interval, and its opening gambit creates further amazement and enchantment. Jack Hare now has the helpful assistance of both Joe and his mother, so The Moon’s gift will be found and then will be delivered to The Sun, whilst everyone discovers the magic power of love. The denouement of the third act is, in itself, worth the price of admission.
The production makes good use of the rotating stage of The Drama Theatre, allowing fast and effortless scene changes, plus effective presentation of the many stunning and vibrant colours and frequent dramatic images of the story. The show perfectly matches each scene from the book, featuring clever comedy and heart-felt songs and music.
Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen- Pip Branson, Guy Freer, Sam Martin and Phil Moriarty- have composed very appropriate music that they elegantly perform.
Many of the performers appear in multiple roles, and the well chosen cast of ten actors/musicians features Jack Andrew, Louis Fontaine, Pip Branson, Kate Cheel, Helen Dallimore, Nathan O’Keefe, Zindzi Okenyo. The role of Joe is alternately played between two child actors,– Jack Andrew and Louis Fontaine.
Highly recommended. A joint production by the Griffin Theate Company and State Theatre Company of South Australia, co-directed by Sam Strong and Lee Lewis, MASQUERADE is playing the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House, until the 17th January. Suitable for ages 9 and above. Running time 120 minutes with one interval. Performances Monday to Friday 6.30pm and Saturday 12.30pm and 7pm. No performances on Sundays.
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