Presented by Guy Masterson’s Centre for International Theatre in association with Theatre Tours International and Absurdum International
@ Higher Ground, Main Theatre
FRIDAY 24th February (until Mar 18)
Imperial Fizz (penned by American playwright Brian Parks) is described as part Noel Coward, part Oscar Wilde, with a helping of Samuel Beckett to finish off. In the theatre world, such comparisons are not lightly undertaken. This is a big call. Is it really possible to recreate the sparkling, rapid-fire banter of a Wilde or Coward play, or the absurdist turns and twists of Beckett? Parks’ play manages to pay tribute to these masters of the theatre, and his play is delightfully brought to life by director Guy Masterson.
The writing and direction of this play will remind you of those fantastic 1930s black and white screwball comedies, where every sharp, humorous line has a fast and witty comeback. Instead of Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant, Beth Fitzgerald and David Calvitto play the two leads – the Woman and the Man. They appear onstage, drinking and trading sometimes snide remarks about the past together and, eventually, allusions to a particularly final evening. Strangely, their eveningwear is singed and torn. The conversation flying back and forth between the couple at first seems to be a recount of their lives togethe but slowly gives way to reveal they are waiting for an important guest and life (or what seems to be) is not quite right…
Higher Ground’s intimate theatre space gave an added edge to the performance, bringing the audience right up close to the Man and the Woman, the tale of their lives together and the gradual unfolding narrative of what happened on that fateful night. Praise must go to both of the leading actors, who sing, dance and use a range of American accents. The dialogue of this play is fast and at times you have to really pay attention to catch the lines. Light laughter and giggles punctuated throughout the audience on the night – this is a play that will have you smiling with amusement, rather than rolling on the floor in laughter.
David Calvitto has played this role before in 2010, and his performance is still fresh. However the standout performer on opening night was definitely Beth Fitzgerald. Her performance as the Woman was spot on, and she brilliantly performed the changes from a droll and witty society lady, to a slightly manic woman, fearful of the guest she and her husband are preparing to greet. Both performances were enhanced by the simple, yet effective lighting choices, which created an added element of drama at the crucial moments.
The late start (audience members were kept waiting 20 minutes for doors to open) and a few slight stumbles in the fast paced dialogue (we can surely put this down to opening night nerves) aside, Imperial Fizz is a lot of fun, although the constant banter does get a little tiring towards the end – was everyone expected to speak like this in the 1930s? It must have been exhausting. This is a play that will mainly appeal to older people, if the opening night crowd was anything to go by, most likely because they may be more familiar with the material that has influenced the story. Yet this should not deter bright young things from checking it out. It is a throwback to times gone by, and a reminder that no matter how light and wonderful things seem on the surface, there is often something dark lurking underneath.
