Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Cast members playing the roles of the princess, queen and prince in this year's Little Theatre Movement national pantomime, 'Zu-Zu Macca' now playing at the Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Drive. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THIS YEAR'S Little Theatre Movement national pantomime, dubbed Zu-Zu Macca is occasionally able to prick at the funny bone, but once again it is more successful in its technical merits, particularly in the set and costume departments. It provides enough humour to sate the appetites of children, but not much else.
The musical had its annual Boxing Day opening and currently plays at The Little Theatre, Tom Redcam Avenue. Zu-Zu Macca is the fourth consecutive pantomime being directed by Bobby Clarke since 2002's Miss Annie, which remains the most refreshing play that the LTM has produced in recent years. Clarke directed his first pantomime, Jangah Rock in 1996. Zu-Zu Macca is written by Barbara Gloudon (book and lyrics) with music by Grub Cooper.
SOCIAL RELEVANCE
Despite being particularly uninspiring or refreshing, the pantomime retains the trait of social relevance. It deals with a kingdom, Zu-Zu Macca, in crisis and the similarity between that kingdom and our own is quite clear, particularly in terms of the need for strong leadership to get the country out of its economic malaise and overwhelming debt.
Zu-Zu Macca is ruled by a king more obsessed with the time than with governance. His children are lazy and uninterested in leadership. The prince, Prince Mahoe is more interested in partying and sleeping to go partying than anything else. The Princess Roses Flowers is only interested in boys and clothes. Of course, with a name like Roses Flowers, who could really blame her?
The prince and princess had great humorous possibilities with their indolence and stupidity, alas neither Marsha Watson (who alternates with Sheneen Dalhouse) nor Ronald Milwood (who alternates with Clayton Lynch) are able to approach interesting performances.
Indeed, most of the characters are at best tedious, and this year the pantomime is unable to produce a single wonderful performance, though new-comer Nicole Williams (Cissy) shows potential. Nadean Rawlins (Queen Peppermint), who can usually be depended on with the strength of her presence is left to battle with an interesting character and manages to be competent. On the other hand, George Howard as the Duke of Cubbitch and Kevin Roach as Bawlie Outie may provide a little laughter for children.
AFRO-CENTRIC COSTUMES
The production's strongest merits remain with the set and costuming. Anya Gloudon was particularly successful at creating striking afro-centric costumes for Queen Peppermint. The opulence of the king and queen's garb was striking as was that of the Duke and Duchess of Cubbitch and the use of red (evoking their 'red-yeyed' nature) was beautifully used. Bawlie Outie was also impressively dressed.
The set is far from the most striking that Michael Lorde has created for the pantomime. Yet, the creation of the 'place of the white crocodile' is particularly commendable, creating a credible sense of mystery and otherworldliness. Additionally, the production also benefits from good lighting by Michael McDonald, and movement choreographed by Chris Walker and Marlon Simms.
The result is that though the production values remain high, the sense of magic, wonder and hilarity that once accompanied the national pantomime continues to elude it. Zu-Zu Macca is at best mildly amusing.
