Review-Ring-a-Ring-o' Rosie-Theatre Group GUMBO and Hatch Theatrics
22-2-14
By: Cindy Kim
Gobriel is an angel sent from heaven and as she puts it: “Making humans happy is my job!” And the best way to do her job is to team up with the vampires at “Peaceful Hospital”, devoted to helping humans get better.
Why? Because nowadays our blood is so polluted with chemicals, disease and stress, it is no longer palatable for the vampires who drink it. Their solution to this is to help the blood get better and, by extension, the humans. The premise was an intriguing one so when I sat down in my seat I had no idea what to expect for the next hour and a half.
This play was exceptionally bizarre but overall had quite the charming effect.
I have to give major credit to the costume designer. The costumes struck a great balance between showing their recognizable origins as medical gear whilst adding that touch of flair that screams “I’m a vampire!” The giant, embellished medical instruments decorated with little bat wings looked especially like they belonged in their characters' hands.
With a setting as intimate as the Underground Fringe Club, there was absolutely no need for microphones. The loud volume of the cast coupled with their enthusiasm and accents resulted in their words wavering in and out of incoherence at some points but I didn’t have to strain to understand what was going on. Not because of the accents, anyway.
The dramatized systematic stylized removal of every major organ in a character's body was the highlight of the night. It was positively obscene. Another time, right before my eyes, a patient was diagnosed with high blood pressure and dilated their pupils like something out of Sesame Street in a strange union of child and adult interests.
I honestly would recommend this for all ages. Magic tricks and songs keep the children entertained and the unexpectedly thought-provoking questions the show raises on human mortality and our modern way of life keeps the adults occupied. The on-set sound effects were a great accompaniment to the physical gags. The actors aren’t particularly exceptional singers but covered, in frequent musical interludes, a remarkable range of genres with great enthusiasm and physical co-ordination. This production has a great energy; it would be a shame to miss it.
Ring-a-Ring-o Rosie is playing at the Fringe Club through Saturday, February 22nd. For more information, click here.
Comments
Errrin
Went last night, completely agree with the critic that the mics were unnecessary and hurt the show.
23 February 2014