Friday, October 23, 2020

Play review - "Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot" by David Williamson (2009)

 To my knowledge David Williamson has never written a musical, which is a shame when you consider his work ethic and gift for structure, but he came close with this piece, written as a vehicle for Caroline O'Connor. She plays a mid thirties ditz who works at a restaurant and dreams a lot, particularly of movies; I've seen this character before a few times (Play it Again Sam was one) but you can imagine O'Connor would be terrific in the lead.

Most Williamson plays you read it's easy to imagine them on stage; this one is more theatrical, involves more imagination - there is back projection, fantasy sequences, clips from films. It's more broadly theatrical which I think is great. Simon Phillips directed it and I'm sure he would have done a solid job.

There are some familiar Williamson types (alpha cook, sex-mad waitress, nerdish guy) but there is a genuine sense of camraderie among people at the restaurant. I also enjoyed the scenes with Scarlett and her mother - Williamson had a gift for characters of his parent's generation. This was quite a warm and fun play; in a minor key but sweet.


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