CJ Johnson’s HOLLYWOOD ENDING is a good natured, fast paced comedy spoof on the movie industry.
Johnson comes up with a nifty little plot that he ties up well. In brief, the narrative features the second coming of a hack porno director who, out of the blue, is offered the job of making a genuine feature length film. The offer comes from an odd young couple, Randy and Amy, who are determined to make their first feature film, an action movie set in the Middle East with a very distinct anti- Muslim slant. They have the finance, a cool half a million, and they given pay him 50 thou. Don can’t believe his luck, at last the world will able to discover his deep and profound cinematic vision.
The largest slice of enjoyment with HOLLYWOOD ENDING comes from Johnson’s colourful characters given quirky and engaging performances by a strong cast.
Terry Serio is great as the frenetic, fast living macho movie man past his prime who sees his chance to make the big time. As always Caroline Craig is great as his much more grounded and cynical daughter, Laura.
Blake Erickson, whose main experience has been in music theatre, and NIDA grad Briallen Clarke, make for a very oddball couple and production team, Randy and Amy. Randy is creepy and a bit psychotic…Amy is more on the bland side, but with an iron will and a bit creepy too.
Great theatre stalwart Tony Llewellyn-Jones displays some nice touches in his portrayal of Don’s old, dotty mate Jerry, who Don gets on board his movie enterprise.
Steve Toulmin’s fast tempo drum based soundscape helped to bridge the rapidly changing scenes well.
HOLLYWOOD ENDING comes to the Stables stage as a result of the Rapid Write initiative, described as a, ‘lightning fast, rock and roll concept to Australia from London’s Theatre503, with the playwright bringing his full-length play together in a mere two months. Yes, it does come out a bit rough, and some of the scenes don’t make par, still the result is vibrant, entertaining theatre. It just goes to show what writers, in the long run, get to know. Tight deadlines can work in one’s favour, and makes one put out good work without endless procrastination.
A Griffin independent and Arts Radar production, in association with Theatre 503, CJ Johnson’s HOLLYWOOD ENDING- OR HOW A WASHED UP DIRECTOR MADE A CRAPPY MOVIE THAT ALMOST DESTROYED THE WORLD, directed by Tim Roseman, opened on Friday 23rd November at the SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross and runs until Saturday 15th December, 2012.
(c) David Kary
24th November, 2012
Tags: Sydney Theatre Reviews- HOLLYWOOD ENDING, CJ Johnson, Tim Roseman, SBW Stables Theatre, Griffin Independent, Arts Radar, Theatre503, Briallen Clarke, Caroline Craig, Blake Erickson, Tony Llewellyn-Jones, Terry Serio, Steve Toulmin, Patrick Boland, Sydney Arts Guide