THE VENETIAN TWINS
Nick Enright and Terence Clark’s iconic Aussie musical adaptation of Carlo Goldoni’s I Due Gemelli Veneziani is back, this time directed by Mackenzie Steele at the fittingly quaint New Theatre in Newtown. The Venetian Twins steers away from the 18th century commedia dell’arte classic with added innuendo, partial nudity and general naughtiness.
Beginning somewhat tentatively, the production eventually managed to woo its audience, especially brilliant star player Jay James-Moody, who portrays identical twins Tonino and Zanetto with hilarious slapstick and comic timing.
In this refreshingly silly piece of theatre, everything that could go wrong does in the case of mistaken identity and confused love affairs. The live music is quite camp, as is notable Dean Vince as seductive villain Pancrazio, who the audience take joy in hissing at as they are instructed to.
Marisa Berzins is thrillingly terrifying as poor, beautiful Beatrice who goes mad when seemingly rejected continuously by Tonino/Zanetto, with her fabulous voice and that striptease definite highlights of this glorious production.
Until Dec 15, New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown, $17-30, 1300 347 205, newtheatre.org.au
