Cosy foyer
I hang my head in shame! Having lived for years on the West Coast I have never set foot in the Milnerton Playhouse–although I have driven past there hundreds of times. Last Saturday we decided to try it and went to see Aunt Zelda’s Painting there. Weii, it’s like stepping into another world. One could be in a small English Village out to see some rep. Lovely locals buzzing around, a complimentary drinkie to get you started and off you go. They also have a dinner special with a place on Woodbridge Island, so give that a try as well–good value. The place is charming.
Making it work
Oh the play? Well that was a light romp featuring a priceless painting, some inept relatives and the star of the show, an angry upset cat. It was directed by veteran director, Judith Herbig, a light – hearted, one – act comedy. Written by Emily McClain, Aunt Zelda’s painting, tells the story of Olive (Tania Lemme) who finds herself saddled with more than she bargained for when she is named executor of her Aunt Zelda’s estate. To deal with the clean-out of her aunt’s cluttered home, she enlists the help of her ne’er-do-well brother Max (Chad Emslie), who brings along his less-than-helpful girlfriend Diana (Laura Singh), who hires a somewhat-shady pawn shop owner Anthea (Beryl Eichenberger), who brings her shady associate Zeke (Chris Doran). But Aunt Zelda’s house proves to be full of more than just doilies and faux antique furniture. When their cleanout uncovers a priceless piece of art, their true natures are revealed….
And somewhere, in all the clutter, lurks a very mean,
very hungry, very scary cat…
The cast of experienced thespians welcomed Laura Singh, who was persuaded to leave her sound and lighting desk to make her debut on stage! She turned out to be suitably aggravating–as her character was supposed to be, and I never realised Beryl Eichenberger had such a shady side.Casting the cat was another story as no-one mean or scary enough auditioned but trust me – she was in there somewhere.
Watch out for their next production–bound to be fun