OBSERVER: Cruise
I had never heard of talented performer Fraser Morrison – now I will never forget this artist or his extraordinary performance in Cruise.
For 100 minutes Morrison had the audience captivated in this solo show. Morrison ‘plays’ over 20 characters (some fleeting), there is barely a moment when he is not speaking, rarer the times when he is not moving.
He charges across the stage with its levels telling the story of more than one character, not skipping a beat or forgetting one of the many, many lines.
He changes accent, vocal range, body language all throughout, making each character more than not, distinct, almost dispelling my view that a play needs more than one actor – almost.
Whilst Morrison was incredible, I think the writer Jack Holden’s concept would have greater universal appeal with more actors, particularly for scenes involving dialogue.
It was challenging for the audience at times to differentiate who was speaking – this concentration led to some audience fatigue. Obviously this is a personal view as the show still works well with a flexible actor like Morrison starring.
Presented by Fruit Box Theatre at Theatre Works, Cruise is set mostly in Soho London in the 1980s, ‘paying tribute to a generation lost to the AIDS crisis.’
The emotions of the time really hit. Whilst this is a one man show the production is an ensemble with a variety of crew working to put it all together, led by director Sean Landis.
This includes an interesting functional set design by Ruby Jenkins and Chelsea Wheatley, strong movement moments directed by Jeremy Lloyd, striking lighting setting the tone by designer Tom Hicks.
As well as singing, acting, dancing Morrison makes connections with the audience.
He is an award winning performer very deserving of his standing ovation.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel