Sandra Bates is currently bringing the classic 1988 film ‘Rain Man’ vividly to life at the Ensemble theatre via a well crafted stage adaptation by American playwright Dan Gordon.
‘Rain Man’ tells Raymond’s story, the story of an autistic savant who breaks through the calculating, icy cool veneer of his sophisticated younger brother, Charlie.
In the prized lead role Daniel Mitchell gives a memorable performance, highlighting his character’s anxiety, vulnerability and erratic genius. Alex Dimitriades impressed as the fast talking, materialistic, real estate wheeler-dealer who learns compassion.
The pick of the supporting cast was Catherine McGraffin as Charlie’s long suffering girlfriend Susan. McGraffin, an Ensemble Studios graduate, is surely an actress to watch, displaying a strong stage presence.
The play has some great moments, the most touching being when Susan steps up to the shy Rain Man (an infant’s alliteration of Raymond), and gently kisses him.
Anna Ilic’s set is the production’s centerpiece. ‘Rain Man’ is a road trip story and Ilic’s expansive map of America, stretching across the back wall of the stage, perfectly sets the scene.
A classic story about a talented disabled man who has lived a wretched, regimented, isolated life until he finally achieves a sense of belonging, this current production of ‘Rain Man’ plays the Ensemble Theatre until July 3, 2010.
Thursday 13th May, 2010
