It’s Just Sex
Theatre
It’s Just Sex, Adelaide Repertory Theatre’s latest production, is vibrant, hilarious and sexy.
Veteran director Erik Strauts has brought together a talented cast to premiere the American hit comedy on the Arts Theatre stage, which is dressed in thematic colours of black, white and red – it is simple but elegant, allowing the focus to remain on the actors.
The use of noir jazz before and throughout also establishes a fantastic mood for the evening.
The show shines a light on life in middle-class suburbia, with middle-aged couples Phil and Joan, Greg and Lisa, and Carl and Kelly getting together for a little soiree while their children are away on summer camp.
Everything initially appears to be going somewhat smoothly. But drinks are drunk, laughs are laughed and all of sudden boundaries are breached and things get wild.
Actress Bronwyn Ruciak plays Joan, who has come home from yoga to find husband Phil (James Whitrow) cheating and must quickly recover to play host for her friends. Ruciak delivers her lines with gusto; each thinly veiled insult to Phil drips with sarcasm and she plays the “keeping up appearances” game fantastically.
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Over-controlling Lisa and neurotic Greg are a highlight, with Sharon Pitardi and Luke Budgen both holding their characters well. A standout scene sees Lisa smugly asking for an example of a time when Luke has felt put down by her, at which point he produces a notebook of documented situations; the gag is timed to perfection and it hits home for the audience.
Jonathon Johnston and Tess O’Flaherty play cuddle buddies Carl and Kelly, managing to convey both cheekiness and tenderness, although occasionally Carl seems more sleazy than sexy and Kelly’s emotions looked out of place in the dramatic sequences.
The frequent dropping of the American accent is the only real issue in the production, especially leading up to the real crescendo of the show, but this doesn’t detract from the story. Overall, It’s Just Sex flows beautifully, with well-timed gags and believable characters.
A great night out and definitely a conversation starter for the car ride home!
Adelaide Repertory Theatre is presenting It’s Just Sex at the Arts Theatre until June 27.
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