THEATRE: RHINESTONE REX & MISS MONICA

This gutsy, intelligent play tackles a worn-out premise – opposites attract – with the clever twist of musical taste. Monica (Georgie Parker), a concert violinist debilitated by a career-crushing illness, hires Gary (Glenn Hazeldine) to renovate her kitchen. Gary also has musical demons. He is a has-been musician with a third-rate country-western radio show which he hosts as Rhinestone Rex.  Once Monica invites him in for the renovations, the battle of the IPods begins. She likes Mahler. He likes Dolly Parton. The chasm between their musical tastes becomes a place where they thrash out conflicting thoughts about life, love and music. Tightly directed by Sandra Bates, David Williamson’s play is wryly observant and well served by Parker, who uses subtle body language to make her cold character likeable. Good pacing and a creative set go far in making this show appealing. It also makes sly use of popular and classical music to illustrate the gap, and the bridge, between two lonely, passionate people.

Until Nov 14, Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli, 9929 0644, ensemble.com.au

BY OLGA AZAR