Whanganui theatre group put on challenging show

TENSION: Lynn Whiteside as Janet (left), and Talia Annear-Kjoss as Annabel in Motel.PHOTO/LIZ WYLIE

Motel, the 2013 smash hit from playwright April Phillips, began its Whanganui run at the Amdram with a gala opening Thursday.

Directed by Joan Street, an experienced cast brings Phillips' work to life in the modern pathcom of four interlocking stories laced with dark pathos and comedic tension.

Chris McKenzie, as the manager, introduces each scene, all set within the ubiquitous double room with en suite (tea and coffee making facilities included).

His character crosses the line between worldly cynic and awkward loner, with a dash of innocent bystander each side.

Mel Hawkins as Jenny and Chris McLaughlin as Ben kick off the play proper with a fumble among the sheets and emotions. What starts of as a mere passing in the night, segues into an unexpected something that might just be a long-lasting love.

Mike Street plays devoted husband Harry to wife Pearl, played by director Mrs Street no less. Their poignant act of desperation raises an uncomfortable issue that gets a head-start on current unfolding politics by mere hours on this particular night.

Paul Keene is Elvis, award-winning travelling salesman who up-ends the manager's aloofness over a couple of beers, with a naive display of pride and dedication. But being the salt of the earth that he is the manager regains his composure and foils back with blunt advice and lurid implications.

Lynn Whiteside, as Janet, and Talia Annear-Koss, as Annabel, go head to head with a slow-building I-know-what-you-did-last-summer encounter.

Janet as old dog teaches Annabel a thing or two about men, and indeed about the two women themselves.

Motel is a work teeming with suspense, and Ms Phillips did not have to look too far for inspiration. As with all good art, she has pilfered the dramas of life to bring this foursome of a play to the stage.

This aspect of familiarity allows the audience to empathise and understand the dynamics going on with the characters and their situations. Not surprisingly, there are no saints in this show.

Review by Aaron Potaka