Reviews
Fifty+SA Review
Somewhere in New York an isolated, elderly, Jewish man with an empty refrigerator waits in his unkempt apartment for the remainder of his life to pass; the loss of his wife of many years' weighs heavily on him, the curtains are drawn on the world outside; this is Mr Green (Andrew Horwood) alone in the world.
In his simply constructed but touching play, the playwright Jeff Baron sets up a situation that immediately aims for the heartstrings and plies the audience with possibilities when a knock comes at the door of Mr Green's dishevelled home. Though the pathos of the following scene is familiar and easy to understand, the resulting story is not at all predictable. Once Mr Green has answered the door and the playwright introduces Ross Gardiner (Andrew Clark) into the set-up, an awkward, often stilted, tragicomedy unfolds.
Even though this is a heavily sentimental and dated style of theatre, it has been brought to life with all the required elements to keep it sharply focused and emotionally engaging by the Director, Vicky Horwood, and her team at Galleon Theatre Group. The empty set alone received applause in the first moments of the production, and deservedly so, it is convincing and informative at first sight.
"The charisma and chemistry between these two fine actors and all the contributing elements involved in Galleon's production are expertly delivered," writes FIFTY+SA Arts Reviewer, David Jobling. Source: Supplied
Plays that rely completely on two characters can be devilishly boring if there are generalised or superficial renditions of the protagonists, but it is in expert hands with these two well-seasoned performers who employ all the subtleties necessary to maintain credibility.
Originally written as a 'star vehicle' for a celebrated mainstream American actor, Visiting Mr Green has had much success around the world since it first emerged in 1996 and although it isn't quite thirty years old, it sits unfalteringly in the traditional social realist style of theatre, which may pose a challenge for some younger audiences. Luckily, the target audience is not young people; the playwright has committed theatre subscribers firmly in his sights, so much so, that he wrote a sequel once it had gained momentum at the box office. Problematically, the script has some glaringly obvious historical omissions. The issues raised are very particular and boldly selective; still, it does tackle human foibles, loss, identity, family, and acceptance, so it is best to avoid revealing details of the actual story.
Suffice it to say that in spite of the flaws in the script, the charisma and chemistry between these two fine actors and all the contributing elements involved in Galleon's production are expertly delivered.
Reviewed by David Jobling 18/10/2024
GLAM Adelaide Review
It is a bit of a mystery why Visiting Mr Green has seemingly only been produced once before in South Australia - St Jude's Players performed it earlier this century. Jeff Baron's play is a beautifully written slightly autobiographical dramedy examining loneliness, ageing, religion (in this case, Judaism) and prejudice/persecution. Although sounding heavy, it has a lot of humour in it and is still very relevant today.
Jewish octogenarian Mr Green (Andrew Horwood) lives all alone in his New York apartment until one Thursday night at 7 pm when Ross Gardiner (Andrew Clark) shows up on his doorstep. Ross has been sent by the Courts to serve Community Service every Thursday at 7 pm for nearly running Mr Green down. At first this is a real 'odd couple' experience. Ross doesn't want to be there, but has to and Mr Green doesn't want him there, but has to have him. There is much they both discover about each other and themselves.
It is never easy to direct a two-hander without turning it into a talk-fest, but Vicky Horwood has given both actors enough 'real' business to do to make for a very watchable play. Because of the writing, her direction and the actors' performances the audience is drawn in from the very beginning and their attention held to the very end. This all takes place on a very believable New York average apartment set designed by Kym Clayton, Horwood and Vivienne Wray, and decorated well by Elaine Latcham and Mary Cummins (there's even an authentic menorah in the background!).
It is hard to separate the performances of the two Andrews (Horwood and Clark), they are both excellent. Horwood dazzles with his authentic American Jewish accent and is totally believable as an octogenarian Jew, with his hand twitching constantly and a quaint little shuffle whenever he moves - neither of which are overdone. Clark has the audience in the palm of his hand the moment he first enters the front door. His likability just shines and is infectious to us (even Mr Green eventually). While everything is just right with both performances, Clark has a very moving monologue in Act two that is delivered at such the right pitch that it is stunning to experience. Both actors paint beautiful pictures for the audience and these come to life in our minds vividly.
Visiting Mr Green is a great play, well directed and featuring fine, exceptional performances from two of Adelaide Community Theatre's best actors.
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey 18/10/2024
Stage Whispers Review
Playwright and novelist Jeff Baron has many plays to his credit, none more performed worldwide than Galleon's latest production, Visiting Mr Green. Experienced director Vicky Horwood took on the task of breathing new life into this two-hander. A story told by co-protagonists, takes place in the Upper West Side Manhattan apartment of Mr Green - an elderly Jewish gentleman with a cantankerous nature, who is still mourning the loss of his wife, Yetta. When Mr Green is nearly hit by a car being driven by businessman Ross Gardiner, an unlikely bond develops when as part of Gardiner's community service, he must spend one night a week with the elderly gentleman.
What starts out as a comical mismatch of personalities slowly develops into an unlikely friendship, with both men experiencing strained relationships with family and loneliness. Mr Green's icy veneer slowly dissipates when he is told that his regular visitor is also from a Jewish background.
Horwood has cast this production with two veterans of community theatre in South Australia. Andrew Horwood in the role of Mr Green feels like someone we all know - a complex and stubborn gentleman, who is left to ponder his life decisions, however painful. Horwood's nuanced characterisation is heartbreaking. A frail physicality is delivered with perfection, and nothing breaks your heart more than the pauses that were not overplayed. Equally strong in his portrayal, Andrew Clark takes on the role of Ross Gardiner. Another layered characterisation displaying a longing to live as his authentic self, however persecuted by society. A sensitive portrayal was essential, and Clark delivered in spades. Both characters evoke enough empathy for you to be invested in their personal growth.
Although this play was staged for the first time in 1997, the relevance it still holds in our current political climate is uncanny and saddening. As we still live in a world tormented by religious divide and homophobia, this story leaves us with hope of better days.
This was a well-rounded production, which we have come to expect from Galleon Theatre Group. Set design by Kym Clayton, Vicky Horwood and Vivienne Wray was fabulous, allowing space for the actors, while still capturing that intimacy. Sound design by Warren McKenzie added to poignant moments and kudos to the crew for smooth transitions between scenes.
Nothing is more satisfying than theatre that has the capacity to restore your faith in connection and the human spirit. I highly recommend getting along to the beautiful Domain Theatre for Galleon's latest offering.
Reviewed by Kerry Cooper 18/10/2024
Theatre Association of SA (TASA) Review
"Visiting Mr Green", Galleon Theatre's latest production down at the Marion Cultural Centre is an outstanding two-hander in a cabaret audience setting, where two men, complete strangers, confront each other after one man (Andrew Clark) is ordered by a court to pay weekly visits to an 86 year-old widower (Andrew Horwood) whom he has almost ran down in his car.
Both actors, who have never worked together before, give superb performances as their relationship melts from Horwood's character's resentment at his visitor's intrusion to understanding his behaviour.
Thus, the nine scenes bubble along, although it's not a 'laugh-out-loud' comedy.
This was playwright Jeff Baron's first work to be produced on Broadway, and which received much critical acclaim.
Here, Director Vicky Horwood has skilfully brought out all the plot's developments amid an award winning set which is complete to the smallest detail. Plaudits therefore go to Kym Clayton, Vicky Horwood and Vivienne Wray, as well as their lighting, plus Warren McKenzie and Scott Battersby's sound, and Southern Sparky Services for their help.
While I dare not divulge more of the plot, Vicky Horwood in her program notes states that she hopes any audience will recognise the underlying theme that prejudice can be overcome by communication and consideration.
Above all, one leaves the theatre, if you can successfully negotiate the car park maze, even with generous assistance from fellow motorists, reeling from the very polished performances from both actors who deserve fulsome praise for their fine night's work. Bravo! Until Saturday. GO !"
Reviewed by John Ovendon 18/10/2024
The Clothesline
Ross Gardiner is involved in a traffic incident that results in elderly Mr. Green taking a fall. For his part in the incident the authorities ordain that Ross is to do community service time visiting Mr. Green at home. Neither of them are very happy about it; neither of them want it, but they decide to try and tolerate each other and make the best of an awkward situation.
The show is at its funniest in these earlier awkward scenes when both Ross and Mr Green are spatting with each other. Ross is a kind-hearted guy who genuinely wants to help make Mr Green's life easier but Mr Green won't admit he needs any help, and resents Ross' presence. They find neutral ground over food. Ross makes sure he brings kosher food and Mr Green doesn't like wasting food even if he says he doesn't need it. Mr Green is also surprised, and in his grumpy reluctant way is impressed that Ross knew he was Jewish. So too as it turns out is Ross - more common ground.
From here things get friendlier. And more serious. Ross and Mr Green both know what it's like to be unfairly persecuted. Both are ultimately lonely. These common bonds are teased out slowly and carefully as the two characters get to know each other more intimately. It's a difficult balance to get right - that process of moving from initial resentful distance to allowing that other person into your life, to show them that you have come to really care for them. It's a slow and delicate dance that forms the crux of this show.
Andrew Horwood (Mr Green) and Andrew Clark (Ross Gardiner) are great in their respective roles. Andrew Horwood is totally convincing as a mumbling, shuffling old man, and Andrew Clark brings just the right amount of obligation, care, and compassion.
Visiting Mr Green consists of nine separate scenes all set in Mr Green's New York apartment, punctuated with appropriate musical interludes that allow for audience reflection and set the mood for the following scene. It's a format that works really well. It's no surprise that this play has been one of the more commonly produced plays in English over the last 25 years. It's an entertaining, relevant, and endearing tale that is expertly told under the direction of Vicki Horwood.
Reviewed by Michael Coghlan 18/10/2024
