Review by Shanna Provost
If it’s a well-produced classic you’re after, pop along to Free Rain’s production of the Pulitzer-Prize winning Tennessee Williams classic Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Accomplished director Jordan Best has drawn a quality ensemble together as the Pollitt family, whose power struggles and dirty linen outdo any contemporary TV soap.
The entire cast is strong, but the standouts include Jenna Roberts – her frustrated but determined and manipulative Maggie (The Cat) is believable and her Southern drawl meticulous (if only a little rushed in some scenes) and Michelle Cooper who plays Mae, Maggie’s nemesis. The power struggle between the two characters is exhilarating.
Also great counterpoints are Liz Bradley’s larger than life Big Mama, who adds the light to this oft-shady drama and Tony Turner’s Big Daddy, the patriarch whose take on life and how it should be played is a wonderful reflection of the pre-feminist ‘fifties era.
One of the strongest scenes is between Big Daddy and his much loved son Brick, played by Alexander Marks.
Set in Mississippi, the dysfunctional Pollitt family is at times tiresome and at others intriguing, and although it is a long play, the tension and interest is held by the strong performances.
Although the supporting cast does a bit of standing around watching the action between the primary characters, Cameron Thomas, Wayne Shepherd and Darren Cullerne put in good performances when it is their turn.
Cathie Clelland’s set design is simple but effective, with the entire play taking place in Brick and Maggie’s bedroom (which is just as well because ‘not much else happens in there’).
Fiona Leach has done an excellent job with costume design, with a pair of ‘y-fronts’ taking centre stage with great effect. Heads up also to the stage crew for their continued behind the scenes commitment.
The great thing about Free Rain Theatre Company is its willingness to provide Canberra with good quality classic plays that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime – and they’ve certainly delivered with Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
WHAT: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof
WHERE: Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre
WHEN: till 14 November
TICKETS: $18 – $28
BOOKINGS: 62752700
