Witches to the rescue
Hearty congratulations to the production team at Porirua Little Theatre who brought the citizens of Eastwick alive on stage in a stunning gala opening night performance of John Dempsey and Dana P. Rowe’s musical comedy, The Witches Of Eastwick.
Director Stuart James and choreographer Clinton Meneses have made excellent use of large and small acting spaces created by Anna Lowe’s exciting set design.
Lowe has allowed many opportunities for the New England village of Eastwick to revolve around the almost handsome Darryl, played by David Bramwell-Cooke (what a bloke, I too could have fallen for his fickle charm) and Janelle Pollock, Katie Evans, Eryn Street, the scheming, irresistible ‘‘witches’’ he tries so hard to woo.
All turned in great performances, dancing, singing, flirting and having fun on stage.
John Mahan and Colin Brown’s ever-changing lighting plot keep Eastwick lit up night and day and deserves special mention, as does stage manager Russell Nelson’s band of trusty set movers.
My favourite moments were when the Phantom Orchestra, playing off stage behind the almost seethrough back-drop, could be fleetingly glimpsed . . . shadowy figures under the shadowy baton of musical director Hayden Taylor.
Here’s hoping the creme de la creme of Greater Wellington’s arts and theatre community will support this production in Porirua Little Theatre’s temporary venue, the Pop-Up Theatre in central Porirua, on loan from Porirua City Council.
Support and money go together, and it is money that the Little Theatre now needs to help save its home of many years in Titahi Bay.