It was a full house at the Paeroa Little Theatre on September 13 for the matinee final show of Crazy Ladies.
Director Sara Single and assistant director Fiona Ambler greet us all one by one as we enter the theatre.
I move through a room full of chatter, past smiles and giggling to the back row, ready to breathe in what’s to come.
The best thing about sitting in the back is being able to catch the moments when people turn to their neighbour and share a chuckle, or the silent laughter people try to keep to themselves but give away with their shoulder-shakes and bobbing-heads.
When the curtains are drawn, the room falls silent.
For the first few minutes no words are spoken, but we see a few different characters pop onto the scene, which is set up as the living and dining area of a motel room.
The set is beautifully constructed and includes everything one would expect to find at a proper motel – couches, table and chairs, spare pillows for extra guests, a kitchenette.
A janitor, played by Mark Eifler, knocks on the door and wheels in a trolley of cleaning gear.
He plugs in the vacuum as if ready to work, then proceeds to sit down on the couch and read a magazine, occasionally squirting the aerosol can of cleaning spray into the air.
This is when the first load of laughs billow across the room. We all know we’re in for some silliness.
The play follows a group of five ladies who get together for a school reunion.
Stories from across their lives weave into conversation, but not without a bit of mayhem and the unveiling of secrets that are ready to burst.
Following the vacuuming scene, we meet the host of, well, crazy ladies one by one as they arrive at the motel.
Something that strikes me early on about the cast is that each of them knows how to hold the audience in different ways, every character stands out in their own right.
There’s something sneaky about Rachel Simpkin, played by Marie Reinsfield, and I know I’ve got to keep tabs on her. The way she tells a story with facial expressions and body language introduces her character perfectly.
Then there’s Dianne Bartlet, played by Trisha Fitzpatrick, who arrives at the motel with her neck in a brace and both of her arms in casts from a “skateboarding accident”. Her snazzy one-liners and matter-of-fact remarks make her the most loveable character.
We get to know Pamela Brown, played by Fiona McSherry, when she arrives first with welcome packs for all the ladies including weekend schedules and name tags.
Every friend group needs an organiser, and one with fierce and fiery focus is exactly what Pamela brings to the group.
Then there’s Sandy “the nun”, played by Rowena Buchanan, who comes across as a bit coy and secretive.
I see the heads and shoulders of people in the row in front of me shaking as Sandy strikes with her witty jests.
The last crazy lady is Kay, played by Jo Adams, who wields a good dose of attitude, a bag-full of funnies, clever quips and a gun.
The way Jo leans into her character seems so natural, like a walk in the park.
It’s not even 20 minutes into the show and I’m already feeling inspired, like I want to join the theatre.
There’s nothing quite like a good laugh and that’s exactly what I, and this room full of patrons, have been treated to.
I’m not sure I would have the confidence to act on stage, but when I look up at the cast bringing their characters to life, I can see that the stage can be a place of freedom.
I guess that’s the wonderful thing about seeing a live show.
By DAVIDDA HIKATANGATA
