There is much in this expertly adapted Goldoni play to ensure success with an audience. The extensive performance history of The Venetian Twins as crafted by Nick Enright and Terence Clarke is testimony to its content and appeal. Mistaken identity, slighted loves, contrast of classes and the theme of city versus country make for a meaty musical comedy indeed.
The latest production of this musical comedy is an honest portrayal of its core concerns. A strong cast unravels the plot and helps us identify with many stock characters of the Italian improvised tradition. Timing is good, and momentum is excellent. The quick changes between the twins’ personae by Jay James-Moody dazzle on more than one occasion.
The show is a visual treat. Costumes and make-up succeed in swathing and classifying the larger than life characters. A set which easily suggests a temporary comedia dell’arte style stage frames the action and decoratively houses the band practically in the space available.
Villainy is in fine hands anytime Dean Vince’s Pancrazio appears in the show. His gestures, dialogue and voice are all precise and exciting. Marissa-Clare Berzins delivers much hilarious melodrama and a silver lining of no-nonsense coloratura in her scenes as the slighted noble lover.
James-Moody manages a clean knife edge of difference between the twins Tonino and Zanetto, separated at birth and constantly confusing the characters on the busy Veronese day in question. His accents and comic timing are brilliantly effective. Like Pancrazio, James-Moody always handles with well-projected voice the challenges of Nick Enright’s lyrics and Terence Clarke’s deceptively complex score. This is a quality at times not displayed consistently by the entire ensemble in some individual lines.
However, in this version of a classic Australian adaptation, the strong ensemble work tirelessly well together as the tale of two brothers hurtles successfully towards its dénouement. The audience is constantly entertained on many levels by well-realised characters.
This production is well worth watching. You will see much more than double that pleases.
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
The Venetian Twins
By Nick Enright and Terence Clarke
Based on the play by Carlo Goldini
Directed by Mackenzie Steele
Musical Director: Mark Chamberlain
Costume Design: Alice Morgan
Set Design: Sean Minahan
Lighting Design: Matthew Marshall
Choreographer: Matt Young
Assistant Director: Lara Kerestes
Assistant Musical Director: Andy Peterson
Dramaturg: Dom Mercer
Cast: Stephen Andersen, Marisa-Clare Berzins, Debra Bryan, Meagan Caratti, Peter Flett, Jay James-Moody, Zac Jardine, Andy Johnston and Dean Vince
New Theatre, Newtown
13 November – 15 December
