Wise Children

WAAPA’s Graduating Acting Students are an exceptionally strong cohort - especially the women - and this production of Wise Children is a great choice to showcase their talents, as well as the strong skills of WAAPA’s Production and Design Students.

Set Designer Sarah Halton gives us a consciously theatrical set with some lovely touches of whimsy, which evokes an early twentieth century theatrical boarding house as well as numerous other locations. She has clearly worked closely with Lighting Designer Michaela Gosby, whose colourful and conspicuous design incorporates the set’s numerous lamps and huge, striking, and unique chandelier. Sarah Halton’s costume design uses colour well, nicely evokes era and gives us moments of surprise.

On their 75th birthday, twins Nora and Dora are invited to the hundredth birthday of their biological father. The invitation causes the women to look back at their unusual upbringing and unconventional careers. 

Like the original production of this play, directed by author Lucy Rice, and performed by her company “Wise Children”, casting is both colourblind and genderblind (and of course at WAAPA ageblind), and the cast create a very effective, energised, and united ensemble who work together to bring this story to life.

Central characters, the mature Chance twins, are played by Idyll Ismail (Nora) and Lauren McNaught (Dora) who both convey maturity and experience as well as a loving sibling relationship. The same characters are played at younger ages by Elyse Phelan (Nora) and Lucinda Smith (Dora), who bring high energy, and enthusiasm as well beautiful depth to the roles. Estelle Davis (Nora) and Tess Bowers (Dora) play the pair as Showgirls - with lovely emerging confidence and lovely teamwork. 

This play features numerous songs and considerable dance - and our leading ladies (and the cast at large) rise to the challenge in style. Fabulous work from Musical Director and Choreographer/Movement Coach G Madison IV, who have rounded these performances with aplomb. Sound Designer Nyree Workman has done a great job.

Nora and Dora’s guardian, Grandma Chance, naturist and bohemian, is played with great flair by Ruby Henaway in a captivating performance. Their father, Melchior Hazard, is given authority and power by James McMahon in his maturity and by Will Lonsdale in his youth, while his usually kinder brother, Peregrine, is played with charm by Joseph Baldwin and by Tyler Redman as a young man.

Aida Bernhardt stands out as Lady Atalanta (a beautifully complex portrayal), Tre Maclou demands attention as Gorgeous George and Jesse Vasiliadis and Kelsey Jeanell have fun as yet another set of twins, Saska and Imogen. Strong support from the remaining ensemble, stepping into well-crafted cameos - Harrison Gilchrist, Alexander Kirwan, and Donne Ngabo.

The quirky, offbeat, and warm Wise Children is a fantastic departure show for this cohort, and their Production and Design colleagues, who I am confident will make an impact on the industry at large in the years to come.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Stephen Heath