A reflection on tolerance, hope, the need for connection, and the recognition that very few of us go unscathed through life.

What do a classical musician and retired country and western singer have in common?

Not a lot according to Monica (Alexandra Fowler) who really just wants Gary (Glenn Hazeldine), aka Rhinestone Rex, to do the job he’s being paid for and renovate her kitchen. She hates his taste in music, his attitudes to women and the plinths he wants to put under her kitchen cabinets. Gary can’t find much about Monica to recommend to anyone but still finds her attractive in a cold, rigid and inflexible kind of way. Can they find a way past all their conflicts towards a harmonious and fulfilling relationship? Or will their differences keep them from making beautiful music together?

When asked recently “What is your initial starting point when developing a script for performance?” David Williamson replied: “Something I have experienced or heard about that arouses my interest and emotions. Sometimes it is simply an image. With my latest play Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, it started when I watched a female violinist in a large orchestra and wondered what her life was really like. When I started interviewing violinists I started to find the answers were not what I thought they would be. The one thing they seemed to have in common was an acute dislike of country and western music, so of course my playwright’s mind started to say, “What if?”

Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica is master playwright David Williamson’s 43rd play, and veteran director Sandra Bates’ 5th Williamson World Premiere and her 14th Wiliamson production in 14 years. Sandra has teamed one of Ensemble’s favourite actors Glenn Hazeldine ( Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, Tuesdays With Morrie, A View From The Bridge, Birthrights, Ten Unknowns, All My Sons, A Conversation, Sanctuary) with Alexandra Fowler, best known for her tv roles in Scorched, All Saints, The Secret Life of Us, Stepfather of the Bride, Heartbreak High, Big Sky, Cody, Law of the Land, Frankie’s House and her long running role in Sons and Daughters. Her stage credits include The Little Dog Laughed for Ensemble Theatre The Vagina Monologues and The Rocky Horror Show. Glenn and Ally have been great friends for many years and they make a winning combination.

Pitch perfect performances - Sunday Telegraph

 

Williamson again demonstrates that he understands and observes people with insight and precision - Daily Telegraph

 

Reliably funny, often laugh-out-loud so - City Hub

 

Hysterical... infectious... When a play is well written, it is an absolute joy to watch on stage... it really does restore your faith... - SameSame