Crossing Delancey

Crossing Delancey has opened at The Guild Theatre in Rockdale.  The story is warm and charming, combining Jewish tradition, a well-intentioned grandma, cultural shifts, a book store, a variety of pickles and the romantic potential of a new hat.

Lyn Lee has assembled quite a strong cast for this production.  The set design is very clever, especially considering the confines of the space and the costumes feel historically accurate.  There is an ease about the whole stage that is very welcoming.

The protagonist, Izzy, is skillfully portrayed by Koren Chambers.  Chambers is endearing right from the get go and the audience is immediately invested in her happiness.  She delivers the lion's share of the dialogue with equal amounts of warmth, spunk and intelligence.  This is her first appearance at The Guild and hopefully not her last as she really lights up the stage.

Playing Izzy's grandmother is Guild veteran Val Farrow.  Farrow is homely and nurturing with a side serving of meddling, just as you expect the character to be.  All she wants is for Izzy to be married off and happy.

In keeping with Jewish tradition this play also contains a busybody matchmaker.  Christianne Brawley is effervescent and colourful and pleasantly plump ....  everything you want in your local marriage broker.  She brings humour to the piece and is consistent throughout. 

Tyler the author is self assured, popular and just a little sleazy.  As such, Haki Pepo Olu Crisden seems to be perfectly cast.  He looks the part and acts the part quite comfortably.

Sam (the pickle man) is keen on Izzy and a genuinely nice guy.  He is sweet, lovely and beautifully brought to life by Mark Stokes.  His performance was perfect and his chemistry with Chambers highly believable.

Special mention for the comical hair dryer scene which nearly steals the show.  

Crossing Delancey continues until the 10th of September. It really is a touching piece of theatre and not to be missed.

Fiona Kelly