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THE GIGLI CONCERT
Review

THE GIGLI CONCERT

By Whitney Fitzsimmons
April 10 2014

THE GIGLI CONCERTDarlinghurst Theatre and O'Punsky's Theatre at The Eternity Playhouse, 4 April - 4 May Photography by Wendy McDougall. Above: Maeliosa Stafford and Patrick Dickson; right: Patrick Dickson and Kim Lewis

BY WHITNEY FITZSIMMONS

Of all the existential questions posed by this production the one that resonated the most was, "Can O'Punksy's The Gigli Concert survive without actor Patrick Dickson?" Dickson's performance as the worn, shell of a man JPW King who still has enough zest for life left in him to eke out an existence is such a touching tour de force that it eclipses the other two cast members Maeliosa Stafford (The Irishman) and Kim Lewis (Mona).

It must be said that Patrick Dickson is one of Australia's finest actors. He is in such control of his craft it is mesmerising to watch. But it must also be said that one performance doesn't an entire production make and therein lies the issue with The Gigli Concert.

Tom Murphy's story is one of what could have, should have or would have been. It's a look into the mirror of life revealing the reflections of those who have become brittle or wilted or wistfully disappointed with how their lives have turned out.

THE GIGLI CONCERT

But at the same time Murphy manages in that classic Irish sense to lace his script with well written moments of humour and optimism. There are some really wonderful sparks particularly the inter-play between Stafford as the puffed-up ever knowing Irishman and Dickson's well meaning JPW King. However, like many plays of this genre it can lag and there are moments where the pace does simply trudge along. This is something that perhaps Director John O'Hare should consider in the future. Spinning around in circles can actually make a point. But doing so many times over can also leave an audience shifting restlessly in their seats, which unfortunately was the case this time.

Gordon Burns' set design was a beautifully detailed version of a dilapidated room which physicalised the sad and desolate nature of the story. The rumpled fold up couch as a makeshift bed. The filing cabinet used as a cupboard for King's meagre supply of food and the new stereo supplied by The Irishman which routinely played Gigli all combined to paint a very clear picture.

At three hours The Gigli Concert is on the longer side, but if you can handle it there are some definite moments which make it worthwhile especially Dickson's performance.

 

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