Love Song

The play is a humourous, touching story about the need for love in modern society. Beane is an outcast from life, his sister Joan and her husband Harry try desperately to help him but have started to run out of ideas. But when his flat is robbed by a robber who has problems of her own, his outlook on life changes and neither his sister nor brother-in-law can understand how or why.

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‘Love Song’ – a review by Peter Cox
The Wagga Wagga School of Arts Community Theatre’s production of ‘Love Song’ opened this weekend at the comfortable Basement Theatre. Like visiting an old friend, the Basement Theatre is always ready to greet you with good memories of interesting theatre. Sunday afternoon’s matinee was no exception.
 
‘Love Song’ written by John Kolvenbach and ably directed by Michael Mitchell is a clever study of love and relationships in their often comic and complicated forms. The dialogue is witty and contemporary while at times slightly repetitive. There were only a few moments when I felt, “OK, got the point, let’s move on now.”
 
It must also be said that the dialogue was ideally crafted for actors as witnessed by Michael Mitchell’s young and energetic cast utilising it to perfection. The timing and delivery was impeccable as they weaved and parried their way through the many funny barbs within the script.
 
Cameron Croker’s, Harry ranges from the nit picking husband to the supportive lover throughout the play. Cameron once again showed Wagga audiences his fine characterisation and sharp comic timing in this production. His vocal work is also a feature of his performance which continues to develop and impress.
 
Harry’s wife, Joan is played by the highly engaging Monique Phillips. Monique is able to show a deft variety of emotions for her character. Her ability to change from the impetuous workplace tyrant to the caring wife and sister was cleverly conceived and at times quite moving. The ‘playing hooky’ scene with Cameron after Interval was a gem!
 
Another CSU acting graduate, Travis Handcock, was again most adept at   developing his characterisation from the amusing, eccentric Beane to the empathy arousing and lonely Beane. His vocal work was also a highlight of his performance while his timing within some scenes was a standout.
 
Narada Edgar’s, Molly is a strange and imaginative persona who gives a somewhat provocative edge to the piece. While her early scenes indicated a certain lack of confidence, her performance developed well through the play, climaxing in that extraordinary ‘meeting’ scene with Travis early Act Two.
 
Michael Mitchell has directed this play with fine detail and clear understanding of the text. He has created a seamless movement of setting and time through his use of Greg Wardrobe’s very practical set and Joe Cox’s simple yet effective lighting design.
 
Congratulations must go to SOACT for bringing this play to fruition on stage in Wagga Wagga. Accolades must also go to them for giving this fine young group of actors, director and production crew, the opportunity to hone their already substantial skills in open forum.
 
Love Song continues to run Thursday to Sunday this week at the Basement Theatre. So if you are up for some thought provoking, intelligent comedy with a dash of the risqué don’t miss this one.
 
Peter Cox