OBSERVER: Twinkle Town
With expectations of a large stage and big ensemble with orchestra, that was not to be, as Twinkle Town was played out in a small intimate space at the Motley Wherehaus, in Melbourne’s CBD as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Two well-seasoned and travelled actors played out multiple roles in quick fire diverse scenarios.
With only a tinseled covered step ladder and a screened corner costume changing locker, they acted out scenes of New Yorks’ Wildcat East High School production of Twinkle Town: The Musical.
Characters Arnold played by Dean Robinson and Minnie played by Izzy Patane, both Melbourne based writers as well with performances in Midsumma, Melbourne Fringe and in Adelaide and Perth, left us in no doubt as to their ability in playing multiple roles.
More than that, with their gender changing roles adding another perspective to their repertoire.
It is the long lost East High Schools Winter Musicale, the 20th year anniversary of Twinkle Town: The Musical. So it is Arnold and Minnie bringing it to life with Arnold’s “Welcome Thespians and Lesbians”. From there they featured many hits and characters from the Disney Channel original movie, Twinkle Town.
Looking at re-enacting a love scene from West Side Story, they settled on a Romeo and Juliet’s love story portrayal. Set in 1588 with Italian Mario Monty played by Minnie and Antionette played by Arnold.
An absorbing change of gender for each that created many comic moments. Without permission to marry, their only way to spend life together was to die together.
That’s what they did with a trusty knife before collapsing to the floor. However, coming alive for curtain calls.
One comment is that in the small concrete walled space some of the amplified voice overs were not always distinct and at times somewhat muffled.
But still a captivating performance.
Until April 19 at the Motley Wherehaus.
Review by Graeme McCoubrie