Archives

For the love of theatre

By Searlina Bodden

April 23, 2004

About the article

This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.

See the article in its original context from April 2004.

Brought to you by

Open Original Page

By Searlina Bodden If your business is entertainment, any Cayman Drama Society production is going to prove a treat. For their resourcefulness, sincerity and obvious dedication the troupe is a rare find in theatre Cayman and maybe in the world of amateur theatre no divas, tantrums, over-actors or egos. Just theatre, plain and simple.

Any theatre-goer who is content to pursue their passion on-island may have to make a few concessions at a production like Dracula: Lucy's Kiss. Then again, any theatre-goer who does not know that before purchasing a ticket isn't worth their weight in popcorn. Amateur theatre quite outside of the hyper-realism of a Christopher Guest film - is about character, personality and quirkiness; all available in spades past the threshold of the Prospect Playhouse.

As a leading pair, Rick Glass and Janine Moss prove shining examples of this bohemian, earthy principle of stage performance. Moss's melodramatic conjuring of Lucy Godalming's character bled grace into the age-old role. Her feline stage presence translates perfectly the demure evil of Lucy as she prowls in search of yet another recruit to Dracula's lair.

As Dracula, Glass succeeds in channelling humanity into a dramatic role. Think Will Smith in Six Degrees of Separation; dramatically believable with a definite comic influence. A particularly powered moment sees Dracula locked in a hypnotic gaze with Mena - played by a solemn Jacinta Mohammed. Mohammed's quiet reserve lends sensuality to the part of the ill young woman and combines well with Glass's larger than life presence.

The supporting cast is strong in this one. In particular, Peter Riley as Dr. Abraham Van Helsing and Wendy Bewley as Dr. Quincy's sister Dorothy Renfield. Riley's gruff persona proves a good match for Dracula in the battle of souls that ensues. Renfield's energetic portrayal of Dorothy lends the play its strongest comic moments. Her vacant expression and tendency to eat wayward insects had the audience rolling in laughter.

Dracula: Lucy's Kiss plays at the Prospect Playhouse Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays until 1 May.