By Peter Kemp
Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s production of Cosi
Set in the time of the Vietnam protests, the story is about university student Lewis who is set to direct a play at a Melbourne Mental Institution. He asks the future cast what play they would like and Roy, a manic-depressive and lover of theatre insists on Cosi Fan Tutte.
The story of Cosi opens in a burnt-out theatre. Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre did a wonderful job of building the set, so realistic you could just about smell the burns.
Your correspondent was a little disappointed with the opening couple, Josh Mitchell and Natasha Mikulcic. Their voices were a little quiet and the presentation could have been a little better. Mikulcic as Lucy and Justice did improve over the course of the play but as Justine, the social worker, she wasn’t as good as Lucy, Lewis’ girlfriend. Lewis, played by Josh Mitchell presented well but vocally was not too clear and as the audience was in the older age group it was rather hard to hear.
Lewis’s friend Nick was played by Mark Calle with a good presentation and a clear voice.
Roy was played by Mark Crowe who captured the essence of such a character with finesse, adding to the enjoyment of the evening.
Doug, the pyromaniac, was given a good interpretation by Tom Fitzgerald. Henry the quiet older inmate was skilfully portrayed by Robert Clark. Cherry, a food obsessive and very jealous was amusedly well played by Adrienne George. Ruth, the obsessive counter who could not distinguish reality from fiction, was given a good performance by Jennifer Pacey. Julie, the young lady on drugs, was given a good interpretation by Jacqui Moore. Zac, the drugged-out musician who only wanted to play Wagner, was well played by Matt Phillips.
Overall not a bad evening of theatre but not one of Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s best.
