‘Marry My Son’ is a hilarious comedy, written and directed by Noel O’Neill. Presented by Maverick Theatre Productions in conjunction with The Old Mill Theatre. This 2-hour show can be seen at the Old Mill Theatre, on the corner of Mends Street and Mill Point Road, (Opposite the Windsor Hotel) in South Perth on Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights at 7.30 until Saturday 1st May. There are matinées on Sunday the 18th, 25th April and 2nd May at 2.00 pm, with an extra show at 2.00 pm on Saturday 1st May.
Noel spent much of his misguided youth living in New York, so has observed the various religions and nationalities in great detail. His scrutiny of the mannerisms, expressions and attitudes has been very well presented in this very funny play. He wrote this timeless script almost 10 years ago but never presented it, so now he has decided to polish it up and give it its first ever stage season.
The Scene: 1960s in a smart, upmarket New York apartment. Act 1: Late Autumn. Act 2: early December.
The Set: Another George Boyd treasure. The room has pale cream walls and sap green woodwork. The front door is raised a couple of steps from the main loungeroom area. At the rear is a corridor leading to the bedrooms. Against the rear wall is an oak table with a beautiful flower display. On the room left is a small writing table. On the right, a door to the kitchen and another couple of tables. The proscenium arch represents a plate glass window wall overlooking the city. Central stage is a three-seater, ratan and oak-framed settee with a drinks table behind.
Sound and Lighting design: The lighting was evenly spread by designer John Woolrych and operated by Callum Hunter.
Stage management was by Evie Tymms and Chris Kennedy.
A smart programme and poster from Rosalind Anderson.
The Liebermans are a Jewish family living in New York. 35 yrs. old Marvin (‘Rob’recht Herfkens) is a chubby Mummy’s boy who has had no life of his own. His domineering mother, Sophie (Sue Hasey), has made almost every decision for him. In an attempt to break away from his parents’ clutches, he leaves home. However, his mother – purely in Marvin’s interest – has rented the flat next door to theirs for him to live in; a place where she can still supervise his every need.
Marvin’s henpecked father, Abe (Rex Gray) would love to leave too, but his wife is a dangerous force to deal with. When Marvin’s brother, Sidney (Chris Kennedy), separates from his wife he too is looking for a new pad – one to take his new girlfriends back to.
Mum Sophie does not want her son to be wasted on a mere Gentile girl, or heaven forbid a Shiksa, so leaves a list of suitable women for Marvin to contact. With varying success, he tries meeting shy nervous Joanna (Meagan Harper) and hot, brassy Bernice Schoffman (Evie Tymms). Then one wet night Marvin encounters Stella (Indiana Powell) who is different to the rest.
Could Marvin be doomed to a life of chastity and abstinence?
Once again Noel O’Neill has generously given a chance to four actors who have not performed for some years, or in the case of Meagan, her first stage part ever. Noel is well respected for taking such actors, installing confidence and leading them through their parts, helping with characterisation and guaranteeing that they give a first-class performance. Congratulations.
The whole cast presented a mild, but accurate New York accent and in the case of the parents, Sue and Rex (showing great teamwork) had the Jewish accent and expressions off perfectly. Sue (superb) made me cringe as I saw my own life being laid before me.
Main male lead, Rob, a young Dutchman is excellent as the insecure son, who has the whole audience behind him.
With Covid restrictions on theatres having been lifted, there are more tickets available, so get away from the drudgeries of life and have a good laugh at this very funny, true to life play, you deserve it.