Arts Review

Now and Then by Sean Grennan presented by the Centenary Theatre Group

Now and Then by Sean Grennan presented by the Centenary Theatre Group

Directed by Gary Kilger

Chelmer Community Theatre

Nov 5th-19th November 2022.

 

Dr Gemma Regan

 

A captivating production that leaves a mark on the psyche

 

In an Irish pub in Brooklyn in 1981 something momentous is about to happen to the lives of two people, they just don’t know it yet. The choices they make that night might just change their lives forever, but what would be the right one?

 

Jamie (Darcy Jay) the young bartender knows tonight is going to be one of those important moments in his life, as he closes up an empty bar after a long shift. He has his life as a musician all mapped out and is going to be one of those famous people who have an interesting Memoriam on the news about their incredible lives. He is keen to shut the bar and see his girlfriend until an older man, played by Keith Scrivens enters begging for just a quick one before closing. 

 

When Abby (Kristina Redwood), Jamie’s girlfriend turns up after a long shift in the diner all she wants to do is go home, but things become interesting when the strange man offers them $2000 to stay for just one hour and have a chat. Being young and poor it seems a bargain, but perhaps it may just cost them their lives… 

 

Director Gary Kilger is very excited about the Centenary Theatre Group’s last production of 2022. Initially, it seems to be a simple love story analysing the choices we make and how we should follow our dreams. However, Kilger is looking forward to seeing the reactions of the audience as the story unpredictably unfolds. It is a thought-provoking play which will have you second-guessing the decisions you have made in your life and contemplating, what if? 

 

The small cast of four manage the difficult role of revealing the nuances of each character to have you second-guessing as the unpredictable plot unfolds. Darcy Jay plays an innocent wide-eyed Jamie with aplomb, all fired up and ready to embark on a lifelong adventure. Kristina Redwood, as his partner Abby is also in top form, moulding a sympathetic character who evolves throughout the play. Their tender relationship is both sweet and convincing with great attention to detail whilst on stage.

 

Keith Scrivens and Rhonda Wood play mature embittered characters whose behaviour brings anything but maturity into the story. They too are well cast and have a good synergy with one another. As it is a one-scene play, the dialogue is of extreme importance and all four actors were excellent in their faultless performances.

 

The set designed by William McCreery-Rye is well planned as an American Irish-themed bar. It has a large multimedia window displaying the Brooklyn bridge which changes as the play progresses, ingeniously marking time. 

 

This is one of the most introspective plays I have seen from the CTG displaying the full gamut of human emotions felt in one lifetime. It is an enjoyable, well executed and captivating production that leaves a mark on the psyche and is a fitting choice for their final production of 2022!

Reviews

Quick Listens

Sasha Čuha: about 'Svetozar!' & electric gusle

4ZZZ's interview with Kevin Borich

4ZZZ's radio drama 'Connie' by Joel Quick

4ZZZ's radio drama 'Morph' by Kathryn Rothe

Opera at 4ZZZ with Milijana Nikolic, mezzo-soprano & Rosario La Spina, tenor

LISI + QLD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Join Forces

TWO DIVAS: Eva Kong & Asabi Goodman in Jazz meets the Opera concert

Voice acting by artist Ri McLean: radio drama 'Return' by Stephen Gale

Synthony hitting Riverstage Brisbane

Bardon Community Markets

SuburbiaSuburbia: Rock MUSIC, ART and SATIRE from the AU Suburbs

'My Gypsy Soul' show - Milijana Nikolic & Zokki Bugarski

Crowd Control: Stand up comedy improv competition

Aunty Donna interview: Brisbane show in Oct 2021

Eurovision Song Contest 2021 - review by Blair Martin

Gina Vanderpump - Miss Sportsman Hotel

4ZZZ's 45th Birthday special by Alex Oliver

Nazo Nazarian interview: music, culture & history

Opera Gala Concert in Brisbane: Life, love, passion

Oskar & Andy interview The Immigrants: 4ZZZ subscriber band

El Vito by Marina Poša

4ZZZ Interview: GLOBAL BANDEMIC: Worldwide Free Live Stream event

HOTA Takes Their Rage Online: Interview with Virginia Hyam, HOTA Head of Programming

Interview with Criena Gehrke CEO at HOTA about HOTA Artist Fund – Rage Against The V(irus)

Jack Vidgen - Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020

Jaguar Jonze - Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020

Mitch Tambo - Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020

Didirri - Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020

iOTA - Eurovision: Australia Decides 2020

Boban Markovic Orkestar on Balkan Beats Zed Digital / 4ZZZ

LIVE
100