Last Catch 22 in Christchurch or the perils of being Washington Irving
March 2nd 2007 10:17
Last Catch 22 in Christchurch or the perils of being Washington Irving
Hello again
A few months ago I read a copy of the classic novel Catch 22 by Joseph Heller, interesting with it being both funny and tragic but very well written. Anyway last week I was reading the local paper and saw an advertisement by Dramasoc for Catch 22, so I thought why not.
This was the first time I have been to a production at the university so wasn’t too sure what to expect? But as a mixed and sizeable crowd started to appear as 7.30 approached, I thought to myself, got to be a good sign.
I wasn’t disappointed as first impressions of the sets and props as I found a seat were very good and I waited with anticipation for the show to start. The novel is quite hard going at times and quite a bit to it, so I did wonder how the cast were going to manage it?
But all I can say is that they were spot on, the dialogue was great, the transition from one scene to the next was very smooth and professional, and having only recently just read the novel, it was a real treat to see it acted out in the flesh.
There were 14 cast members playing between them roughly 40 characters which I would say was no mean feat to achieve as smoothly as they did. Obviously the main characters had more exposure on stage for longer periods and a couple really stood out. Henry Richardson played Yossarian and was exactly how I imagined him to be, Todd Dixon played Major Major as well as Captain Black ( ‘Eat your liver, hahaha’). Watching Todd play his roles, he very much struck me how similar he was to a younger Hugh Laurie would have acted on stage, really enjoyable and even though I have just mentioned just two of the actors, all of them performed with energy and passion which was just great to see.
A couple of scenes stuck in my mind, the first long hospital scene was great (‘I see things twice’) and then the psychiatrist scene were both very funny. There was a moment when Tex was climbing through Major Majors office window and the box he was standing slipped, which almost tipped him through it, this caused Major Major to look away and I was wondering if Todd was struggling not to laugh as it was pretty funny moment.
The show program advises that the actors have been rehearsing for almost 3 months and to be honest you can see that all their hard work has paid off, for the show was very, very good and at almost 2hrs 30mins excellent value for money.
So tomorrow night, Saturday 3rd is the last chance to see this, so if you want great value for money, excellent acting, then don’t let this opportunity pass.
You can book online, see details in the above ad.
The only comment I could make, although this seems a bit nerdy and there might be a reason for it? I could be wrong but I thought that in the book they flew B26 Mauraders or maybe B25 Mitchells, both of which are twin engined bombers, where as the main pic behind the stage looked to be a B17 Flying Fortress and the smaller pin ups where of the same?
I’ve had a quick flick through the book and couldn’t see anything so apologise if I am incorrect.
A great evening and very well done to everyone involved.
Hal
Hello again
A few months ago I read a copy of the classic novel Catch 22 by Joseph Heller, interesting with it being both funny and tragic but very well written. Anyway last week I was reading the local paper and saw an advertisement by Dramasoc for Catch 22, so I thought why not.
This was the first time I have been to a production at the university so wasn’t too sure what to expect? But as a mixed and sizeable crowd started to appear as 7.30 approached, I thought to myself, got to be a good sign.
I wasn’t disappointed as first impressions of the sets and props as I found a seat were very good and I waited with anticipation for the show to start. The novel is quite hard going at times and quite a bit to it, so I did wonder how the cast were going to manage it?
But all I can say is that they were spot on, the dialogue was great, the transition from one scene to the next was very smooth and professional, and having only recently just read the novel, it was a real treat to see it acted out in the flesh.
There were 14 cast members playing between them roughly 40 characters which I would say was no mean feat to achieve as smoothly as they did. Obviously the main characters had more exposure on stage for longer periods and a couple really stood out. Henry Richardson played Yossarian and was exactly how I imagined him to be, Todd Dixon played Major Major as well as Captain Black ( ‘Eat your liver, hahaha’). Watching Todd play his roles, he very much struck me how similar he was to a younger Hugh Laurie would have acted on stage, really enjoyable and even though I have just mentioned just two of the actors, all of them performed with energy and passion which was just great to see.
A couple of scenes stuck in my mind, the first long hospital scene was great (‘I see things twice’) and then the psychiatrist scene were both very funny. There was a moment when Tex was climbing through Major Majors office window and the box he was standing slipped, which almost tipped him through it, this caused Major Major to look away and I was wondering if Todd was struggling not to laugh as it was pretty funny moment.
The show program advises that the actors have been rehearsing for almost 3 months and to be honest you can see that all their hard work has paid off, for the show was very, very good and at almost 2hrs 30mins excellent value for money.
So tomorrow night, Saturday 3rd is the last chance to see this, so if you want great value for money, excellent acting, then don’t let this opportunity pass.
You can book online, see details in the above ad.
The only comment I could make, although this seems a bit nerdy and there might be a reason for it? I could be wrong but I thought that in the book they flew B26 Mauraders or maybe B25 Mitchells, both of which are twin engined bombers, where as the main pic behind the stage looked to be a B17 Flying Fortress and the smaller pin ups where of the same?
I’ve had a quick flick through the book and couldn’t see anything so apologise if I am incorrect.
A great evening and very well done to everyone involved.
Hal
| 49 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
