Images - Not Finished With You Yet 2023
is fresh off the ranks enjoying its world premiere at
Alex Theatre,
1/135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda (03) 9964 0918. The season runs from
Saturday 11 March to Sunday 2 April 2023 with performances at
7.30pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays and
matinee performances on Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 1.30pm and 6pm. The
show runs for 110 mins, inclusive of a 20 min interval and includes risqué content, innuendos and physical actions that may not be suitable for children.
Presented by
Dickie Productions, on Opening Night, the leading man and lady were played by real-life husband and wife duo Christie Whelan Browne and Rohan Browne.
Christie Whelan Brown - Kate a uni professor married to Rupert
Rohan Browne - Rupert a primary school teacher
Alexia Brinsley - Maria, Kate's single sister & accountant
Lauren Gunson - Ella, Rupert & Kate's 15 yr old daughter
Matthew Hamilton - Dan, Betty's slightly boorish husband
Cristina D'Agostino - Betty, Kate's unfiltered best friend
Matt Heyward - Anthony, former school co-captain/used car dealer
Leah Zilberman - Lacaysia, unhappily married to Anthony
Dinesh Mathew - Lance, Kate's gay friend desperate for a child
Rebecca Cullinan - Ms Taylor, a prosecutor & female lawyer
Alec Gilbert - Judge and third man
is Written and Composed by Dick Gross AM and Directed by Kim Anderson with Martine Wengrow the Musical Director and Victoria Horne - Costumes. The stage is warmly lit with large white panels littered on stage and used as backdrops for images of a host of loving couples and marriages in a variety of settings and cultures. Suddenly, breaking news! After months of debate, the government has passed the mandatory divorce law package - meaning, after 13 years of marriage, divorce is compulsory. It is reasoned since life expectancy has grown from 35 to 85, 50 yrs longer than in the past, it's unfeasible for a marriage is endured for that long. The government sees it as a winning situation for them as it frees up the courtroom of bickering divorces.
However, it's not good news for Kate and Rupert who are more in love than ever, much to the chagrin of their friends. They plan to fight the system and put their case forward, even though it could mean losing everything and serving a sentence. Evening comes and everyone gets ready for their 25th high school reunion which seems to be filled with false appearances. Everyone there welcomes the new law mandating divorce - happy to get out of their less-than-loving unions. Their fears for Kate and Rupert are realised when the court case turns out to be a catastrophe for the loved-up couple. Deep-seated secrets are exposed, hearts are broken and chaos reigns. In line with the premise of the story, dwell for a moment on the point of a stale union, or a lasting marriage that is merely supported by inertia and sloth.
The whole show is not as depressing as it sounds. In fact, this musical is quite the opposite. It's filled with great vocals and twenty appropriate songs that explore the journey. It's saucy, funny, and deeply entertaining from start to finish. It's not afraid to be outrageous or risqué, and the costumes complement the character of every personality on stage. Well scripted, and wonderfully performed, it's the musical to see! It's amazing the talent we (Australians) have on stage, each one surprising you with their great vocals. Perhaps the biggest surprise is the big vocals of young Lauren Gunson who plays 15 year old Ella. For one of the numbers, her voice effortlessly rises melodically high above the two male vocalists, as it should, for a particular number.
The inappropriately outspoken Leah Zilberman as Lecaysia and the unfiltered personality of Cristina D'Agostino as Betty in my opinion had the most fun roles that allowed them to go large, and they filled those shoes with aplomb. The rest of the cast played their parts well, with Matthew Hamilton, Matt Hayward and Alec Gilbert given a joyous performance moment that had them down their pants in the loo; the backdrop complete with images of danky, skanky, filth all over the walls. Those white panels did a fantastic job and were a very clever addition as props. If you're a lover of the Arts, this is one show to watch and support our local talent and live performances. For a fun night out, seriously, this is the one! Treat yourself and get your
tickets here.
