Romanoff and Juliet |
........... |
The School has always been proud of
its annual play production and with good reason,
because it has aquired, not only a reputable
history, but a standard of presentation
approaching that of first class amateur societies
indeed some of the more flattering patrons press
a professional status upo the Society 1 This year
there were ripples of excitement and apprehension
as it was learnt that the play was to
incorporate, not only female characters but real
female actors. Gone were the days of attempting
the nigh impossibe feat of creating a coy,
blushing maiden from the rugged, lusty material
contained in a third or fourth year boy.
Naturally with a mixed group of actors and
actresses, the choice of play was less restricted
and the producer selected] Ustinov's
"Romanoff and Juliet". The movement
away from traditional "school plays"
has been an encouraging feature of drama at
P.G.S., but the attempt to create real theatre
within a school obviously makes terrific demands
upon both producer and produced. Initially the great
concern was, despite the interests of the popular
press, to remove all notions of a gimmicky
production and this was successfully
accomplished. The audiences immediately accepted
the strange sight of girls from P.G.G.S. treading
the boards of the Spencer Briggs Hall with skill
and enthusiasm.
|
........... |
 |
........... |
It is never easy to be selectively
critical of members of a cast, because the
overall impression taken away by an audience is a
fusion of all the individual roles plus the
visual effects of set, lighting and makeup.
However, it would be remiss not to mention the
most impressive split-level, open- fronted set,
incorporating two embassies and a town square
with a clock-tower. The attempt at creating depth
with the use of lighting and backcloth came over
well, as did the use of the entire width of the
stage. This setting was an original, designed and
built for this production, and was not cribbed
from the professional stage. Against this
ambitious set, the characters played out their
modern fairy-tale of East-West politics. Steven Jones, as the
General, was quite impressive and brought a
sensible interpretation to the script. Barry
Jonsberg (Hooper Moulsworth) maintained his
American accent and had a powerful delivery,
whilst Philip Ashton (Vadim Romanoff ) was rather
stiff and formal , using gestures perhaps beyond
the bounds of the character. Tony Stein (Igor
Romanoff) gave a sound portrayal in spite of his
lack of stage experience, but as the tender
scenes with Juliet (played very capably by
Barbara May) developed, he lapsed somewhat as the
strain told. John Robinson (Spy) was far tod
conscious of the presence of the audience and
played the part for laughs - almost waiting for
audience approval before delivering his
"punch-lines". Carol Quirk (Beulah.)
was just right as the demanding and dominant
American wife, but Janet Longman as the Russian
equivalent, needed a little more liveliness to
quicken the pace. Derek French (Freddie) had
difficulty with his accent, and his wooden stage
gestures Left something to be desired. George
Wood (Archbishop) was a remarkably decrepit
person, and brought a degree of relevance to the
part .
|
........... |
|
........... |
If we are to judge the presentation
oy professional (or good amateur) standards, then
the makeup was below par, but even so it was most
acceptable and is sure to improve. The fact that
mistakes are made is inevitable, but the
important thing is that there are more and more
boys involved in back-stage work. If these
comments are harsh, remember the members of the
Society want to be judged in "real
theatre" terms.
To the Producer, Mr. Roberts, all the cast and
the technical staff ; congratulations for giving
the citizens of Prescot and district an
interesting theatrical experience. On a wider
scale, the Dramatic Society is conscious of its
responsibilities to encourage the appreciation
and enjoyment of stage-work, and plans are in
hand for many new developments next year. |
........... |
CAST LIST |
|
........... |
First Soldier
...................... John Saunders
Second Soldier .................. Dave Robinson
The General ...................... Steven Jones
Hooper Moulsworth ......... Barry Jonsberg
Vadim Romanoff .............. Phillip Ashton
Igor Romanoff .................. Tony Stein
Juliet Moulsworth ............ Barbara May |
The Spy
.................................. John Robinson
Beulah Moulsworth ............... Carol Quirk
Evdokia Romanoff ................. Janet Longman
Marfa Zlotochienko ................Elizabeth
Rogers
Freddie Vanderstuyt .............. Derek French
The Archbishop ...................... George Wood
Clock Figures ......................... R.Burns,
I.Harrison J.Gardner, R.Barton |
|