GLORIOUS take on Screwball Comedy

MEDIA RELEASE - The Forge at The Court Theatre

GLORIOUS take on Screwball Comedy

Audiences will enjoy the unique mix of slapstick, fast-paced dialogue, and smouldering sexual tension in GLORIOUS, the new play by Richard Huber opening in The Forge on April 30.

Gloria Lord (Amy Straker) is a hurricane in high heels who wreaks her particular brand of mayhem on the life of Jimmy (Keith Adams) an aspiring writer working at one of her daddy’s cocktail parties as a waiter. After a chance meeting Gloria decides that she’s going to marry Jimmy – no matter what he says

Director Ross Gumbley describes GLORIOUS as stylish, sophisticated theatre. “Beneath the funny rat-tat-tat of 30s comedy are two sexy characters, madly in love: you long for them to get together all the while enjoying their verbal cat-and-mouse” says Gumbley.

GLORIOUS has been exceptionally well-received around New Zealand: it was first staged in Dunedin’s Fortune theatre in 2009 to rave reviews and nominated for Playmarket’s Best New Play award. “New Zealand playwriting has come of age,” says Gumbley, “Richard [Huber] has taken 1930s American film as inspiration and created a work that embraces the genre while making it his own.”

Set designer Harold Moot has created a set based on a moonlit dock – where the pair first meet – that serves as an apartment and various other locales that Jimmy and Gloria spin through as their relationship evolves. Costume designer Deborah Ward has enjoyed “stealing glamorous frocks and suits from the silver screen that ‘make the actors look stunning’ is a fantastic brief for any designer.” Lighting designer Brendan Albrey and sound designer Josh Major agree with the sentiment, a multitude of old movies and jazz records played between the two of them to find the right look and sound for the play.

Gumbley is extremely proud of the work of his cast. “GLORIOUS is a brilliantly funny script – Keith and Amy have taken it and not just brought it to life, they’ve added to the comedy. They aren’t just talented actors – they’re genuinely funny people and it’s a joy to let them rip in this play.”

GLORIOUS plays from April 30 until May 29

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Keith Adams last appeared at The Court in KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES in 2008.

Amy Straker most recently appeared in HOME LAND in February 2010. She is also a singer/songwriter and has just released a live album “Amy Grace: Backstage”.

GLORIOUS has been scheduled for a season in Auckland’s Silo Theatre in November 2010.

GLORIOUS by Richard Huber
Directed by: Ross Gumbley
Cast: Keith Adams and Amy Straker
Venue: The Forge at The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Blvd, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Performance Dates: Friday 30 April – Saturday 29 May 2010
Performance Times: 6:30pm Monday & Thursday; 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no show Sundays).
Tickets: Adults $32, Seniors $27, Tertiary Students $22, Group discount (10+) $22, 30Under-Club $15 (Mon-Wed)
Bookings: The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz

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