Toy Symphony

[maxx02]

Last night we saw Richard Roxburgh in Toy Symphony. The show has a very simple premise--a writer experiecing writers block tries to break down that barrier. But the show itself was anything but simple. The name comes from a Hayden piece and just happens to be the name of the first play the character writes when he is a child. Roxburgh's character has taken up writing because his imagination is so vivid it actually brings to life anyone he happens to ponder on for more than a moment or two.

First I have to say that while I've seen Richard Roxburgh in many films I have never seen him on stage before. What a treat! He swings from child to drug addicted wastral in the blink of an eye.
While he doesn't quite have Rufus' delicate sensibility, he does have Rufus' understanding of his craft and works in a very similar fashion--emotional, evocative, volitile and expressive. There is a tremendous little scene in which his character talks to an acting student from a lecture he has just given in which he lays out the rigors of the ungratefulness of an actors (not celebs) existance. If one knows his body of work one can easily wonder if the anger and frustration might stem from some of the events of his own career.

There is a particularly lovely monologue in the guise of a phone call in the second act where all pretense slips away and we finally find out what a disaster he believes his life has been. What he believes is key here because to all outward appearances he's been quite successful.

It would be a wonderful vehicle for Rufus should they ever produce it outside Australia.

Like Rock 'n' Roll, it's a play that requires multiple viewings. If you happen to be in Sydney over the next month or so try to take it in. You won't be disappointed.

[quoll]

I will bear it in mind! At least a 3 hour bus trip is a possibility and I do like RR.

[etherealtb]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the play and Rox!

[ukelelehip]

I saw there was a great review in yesterday's Variety.

[maxx02]

admin said:

I saw there was a great review in yesterday's Variety.

could you link me, uke?


thanks-

[ukelelehip]

www.variety.com/review/VE1117935534.html?categoryid=1265&cs=1

Toy Symphony
(Company B Belvoir, Sydney; 324 seats; A$52 $45 top)
By MICHAELA BOLAND
'Toy Symphony'

A Company B presentation of a play in two acts by Michael Gow. Directed by Neil Armfield.

Nina, Lynette, Julie - Justine Clarke
Steve Gooding, Dr. Maybloom,
Headmaster - Russell Dykstra
Alexander the Great, Nick Sharp,
Daniel - Guy Edmonds
Mrs. Walkham - Monica Maughan
Roland Henning - Richard Roxburgh

Toy Symphony" triumphantly overcomes the Oz entertainment industry's constant lament -- that projects for film and stage are fast-tracked into production without sufficient development. Michael Gow's first script in a decade is superbly crafted and thoroughly textured, springing to life under the tight but playful direction of Company B topper Neil Armfield.
Focusing on a man in the grip of writer's block who attempts to come to terms with his past in order to better face his future, the play features a terrific cast, extensively utilized, and allows Company B to ends its banner year -- which included bumper profits from hit political satire "Keating! The Musical" -- on a high note.

Gow appears to have borrowed from his own life to create the story of Roland (Richard Roxburgh), a drug-addled playwright rendered professionally mute following a legal victory over a woman who accused him of plagiarism. The longtime artistic director of Queensland Theater Company, Gow won a similar battle over his last play, "Sweet Phoebe."

In therapy sessions, Roland recalls real and imagined characters from his childhood, including stern but benevolent school teacher Mrs. Walkham (Monica Maughan), who urges her young patient to channel his fertile imagination into a play, which he calls "Toy Symphony."

Gow's play jumps about -- from being bullied as a youth to becoming a bully himself in adulthood -- with numerous threads and scenes creating a full picture of Roland. If, indeed, the work is autobiographical, Gow is fearless in exposing his ugly side.

For the cast, "Toy Symphony" is exhausting stuff, with Russell Dykstra, Justine Clarke and Guy Edmonds each juggling three substantial characters plus a handful of costumed walk-throughs, such as Alexander the Great. The superb attention to detail in the performances and the character-defining costumes fill the bare gray stage more intriguingly than a fancy set could have.

More than one option(Co) Company B
(Person) Company B
Set, Ralph Myers; costumes, Tess Schofield; lighting, Damien Cooper; original music and sound, Paul Charlier; production stage manager, Kylie Mascord. Opened Nov. 14, 2007. Reviewed Nov. 20. Running time: 2 HOURS, 10 MIN.

[maxx02]

thank you!

[rufluvr]

, that sounds like a real interesting play. I would like to see that if it ever was produced in my very theater oriented hometown.

[maxx02]

rufluvr said:

, that sounds like a real interesting play. I would like to see that if it ever was produced in my very theater oriented hometown.

It was fascinating. And it was in the brand spanking new space for Company B at the Belvoir that only holds about 300 people. I really really wanted to read the script but unlike in the US and UK they don't seem to necessarily publish them. I swear I'm going to be tenacious though and check on it periodically. I've asked the Belvoir and I've targeted a major theatrical bookseller in Sydney who suggested I try in 6 months.

It's difficult to find Michael Gow's work outside of Australia and I'm wondering if anything he's written has been produced elsewhere.

Richard Roxburgh's angle on the character was strong, agressive and really screwed up in a very in-control way--like one of those people you are sure has everything in order until they cart them away for a nice long rest in a clean white room. The armor was so cracked and fragile you wondered how it held together but it managed for a good long time.

But I can see other interpretations which is why I think it would be so interesting to see Rufus play the role, because Rufus can have such a native vulnerability that it might add an entirely different cant to the character. It would be interesting to watch him rattle along, nails to chalkboard until he finally split apart.

Okay I need to stop talking about him in this role. The idea of it almost seems tangible.

[rufluvr]

Sounds like the perfect play to see in an intimate space. And 300 seating capacity is definitely intimate. Do you think it would translate well to film, Maxx? Ruf needs a new project post R & R doesn't he? (Ha)

[maxx02]

rufluvr said:

Sounds like the perfect play to see in an intimate space. And 300 seating capacity is definitely intimate. Do you think it would translate well to film, Maxx? Ruf needs a new project post R & R doesn't he? (Ha)

I can't see it on film without losing much of its magic but you never know.