The Disappearance at The New Theatre Review by: Cynthia Ning
I was lucky enough to be invited to a special staged reading of The Disappearance with proceeds going to The Actors Benevolent Fund a charitable foundation dating back to World War II.
Director Les Solomon introduces the cast and details the history of the theatre production, with an emphasis on mental health among youths and the prevalence it has today.
Gordon Vignelles provided beautiful vocals accompanied by pianist and fellow actor Liam Faulkner Dimond. They captivated the audience, setting the delicate ambience and going straight into character.
Growing up and navigating through the world as a teenager is never easy. Roger (Gordon Vignelles) has found himself teetering on the tightrope of life battling loneliness and a speech impediment. Coming all the way from America, his newly divorced parents push the wedge further between them. Roger’s persuasive yet nonchalant mother (Norah George) decides to make the extreme move to Australia without considering his feelings.
English teacher Mr Rawling (Tayman Jamae) is self-assured and never backs down from a challenge with his students, noticing Roger’s speech impediment he sends him straight to Dr Clemm’s (Katrina Retallick) office. She is the calm in the endless storm Roger finds himself to be in, providing tenderness and fierce protection over him.
The actors poured themselves into the reading, moving across the stage when called and assisting when shifting scenes, together with quick lighting changes. The focus always remained on the characters and the essential minimal props were cleverly placed and weaved wonderfully into the narration.
Few people brightened Roger’s life, such as the eccentric Peeping Tom Nenmo Newman (Nicola Bartholemew) who shared their first kiss together. Young love blossomed upon meeting his model neighbour with a heart of gold, Chris Bentley (Felicity Beale) who loved him right back. The hilarious and flirtatious fan favourite Frenchman Rogér (David Hooley) shared the same name and love for Chris. The chemistry and family dynamic was heart-warming to see and equally heart-breaking when it tragically ended.
Gordon shows an endearing and awkward Roger. Acting with a speech impediment on top of a Brooklyn accent is a difficult skill that he maintained wonderfully throughout the duration of the reading. Tayman, Norah and David also showcased their talent with convincing foreign accents. Having only prepared in a mere 8 days as an ensemble is an impressive feat which I commend the actors for their dedication to their characters and story.
The stage reading was visually effective and immersive, giving the audience an intimate glimpse into the fragile and touching life of Roger.
The supporting cast offerd their own splash of colour to his world, confronting and emotionally gripping till the very end.
This is a show you must see. Spread the word, support this production and don’t let it Disappear.
https://newtheatre.org.au/the-disappearance/
https://www.actorsbenevolentfund.org.au/
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