NO WAY TO TREAT A LADY
Directed by Stephen Colyer, this musical adaptation of the 1964 novel is unfortunately lackluster and provides testimony to those who find musical theatre a cheesy, melodramatic and outdated art form. Set in the rough and tumble of 1970s New York, No Way to Treat a Lady follows Christopher ‘Kit’ Gill (Jason Langley), a failed and unknown actor who turns his hand to murder in order to catch the attention of the New York Times and achieve fame. Detective Morris Brummell (Phillip Lowe) takes on the case whilst juggling the demands of a rich girlfriend (Katrina Retallick) and an overbearing Jewish mother (Julie O’Rielly). The killer takes on many guises from steamy Latin dance teacher to pizza boy in order to perform each murder. There are a few moments in which the talented cast members have a chance to shine, and the final scenes provide an injection of much needed energy and wit. However, cringe-worthy accents, monotonous tunes, loose choreography and a waffling script is, ‘no way to treat an audience.’
Until Nov 13, Darlinghurst Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point, $27-37, 9331 3107, darlinghursttheatre.com
BY ROSLYN HELPER
