Duo has fun even when things aren't going according to plan - Independent Online

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Duo has fun even when things aren't going according to plan - Independent Online Mar 19th 2012, 07:51 Godfrey Johnson and Roland Perold explore the world of Noel Coward and Cole Porter in Coward & Cole at Kalk Bay Theatre. COWARD & COLE. Presented by Rolska Productions, with Godfrey Johnson and Roland Perold. At Kalk Bay Theatre until Saturday. TERRI DUNBAR-CURRAN reviews. TWO pianists face one another, fingers dancing across keys. The music tumbles forth as they occasionally catch each other's eye, smile and nod. It's a conversation of sorts. They pass the lead back and forth, picking up the pace then slowing it down again, appreciating the other's talent and skill. Coward & Cole is a kind of dialogue between two musical greats and the songs that ensure the names of Noël Coward and Cole Porter aren't soon forgotten. Godfrey Johnson and Roland Perold spend an evening at the keys, telling stories and playing melodies. This show fluctuates between being sombre and introspective to downright absurd – a paradox that is handled with varying degrees of success. The banter between the two is fun and endearing, but it occasionally strays into territory which feels like an "in joke" that most of the audience isn't privy to. Those not "in the know" could feel vaguely alienated. That said, they do fabulous versions of Well, Did you Evah! and I've Been to a Marvellous Party that had theatre fundis squealing in delight as they poked fun at the likes of Roy Sergeant, Megan Furniss and Fred Abrahamse. Their vibrancy and sense of humour suit the cleverly combined songs perfectly and it is certainly a highlight. This is not a straightforward recital of Cole and Coward works. It's more a celebration of the music, tone and feeling behind the songs. There are no cheap impersonations here – just two musicians presenting their interpretations of well-known classics. Perold and Johnson work best together when they are singing songs which require a little flair. Their versions of Let's Do It, Mrs Worthington and the upbeat Mad Dogs and Englishmen were thoroughly enjoyable. Occasionally their voices were slightly inaudible when their timing was slightly off and Johnson's mic not being loud enough. This should ease as they settle into the run. They should also find a comfortable balance between madcap ridiculousness and a more poised performance. Perold's rolled Rs during the witty Uncle Harry were at times a little distracting. He could easily tone them down a touch and still get the "feel" of the song across. The show is a swift trip through the classics, giving the performers ample opportunity to ham it up and pour passion into their singing. In such a small theatre the intense emotion of songs such as Day and Night and Miss Otis Regrets is amplified, and with Johnson's unwavering gaze, it's impossible to escape the stirring pathos. What makes this production a success is the chemistry between the performers and the fact that they clearly love the music. They have a great deal of fun on stage even when things aren't going according to plan. In fact, it's not always clear how much of the mayhem is scripted and how much is spur of the moment. One thing that is certain though is that they are consummate pianists with a deep appreciation for Porter and Coward. l Coward & Cole is being staged from Wednesday to Saturday at 8.30pm. Tickets are R95. See www.kbt.co.za This entry passed through the Full-Text RSS service — if this is your content and you're reading it on someone else's site, please read the FAQ at fivefilters.org/content-only/faq.php#publishers. Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.

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