Herringbone at KXT, Kings Cross, until Feb 2. Photo: David Hooley
Billed as an ‘hilariously disturbing gothic musical’, Tom Cone’s Herringbone is part vaudeville, part horror and part ghost story. It’s set in Depression-era Alabama and sees eight-year-old George, who has a talent for the stage, become possessed by the spirit of a malevolent midget. As you do.
Poor George! But lucky audience because this quirky, dark, comic (and no doubt politically incorrect for our times) unresolved fable, as performed here by Squabbologic with Jay James-Moody playing, dancing and singing his way across all 11 roles, is a treat.
Researching the history of the play, which debuted off-Broadway in 1982, I came across a headline that screamed: “Cone’s ‘Herringbone’ will punish the actor who dares to attempt it.” That’s true, because the part requires so much, physically and mentally, during the 90 minutes it takes to unleash the story and wrestle with 11 characters, but believe me when I say that James-Moody absolutely nails it. His Herringbone is mesmerising from start to finish.
The start is Demonopolis, Alabama in 1929 where young George, a wholesome young lad, wins a talent contest and is thrust onto the stage, courtesy of his avaricious father and his tutor Mr Mosely (whose now dead partner Mr Lou, was/is the midget with a murderous bent destined to take over George’s body). The finish is in Hollywood where George is dragged by Mr Lou (whose desire for fame is equalled by his desire for carnal pleasure. Again, poor George!)
Probably doesn’t do to overthink this script! Just enjoy the performance and James-Moody’s razor-sharp flips from one character to another.
Sound design is integral to this show (all credit to Jessica James-Moody) and next to the small circular stage ringed with lights, on and around which Herringbone performs, are his pianist, Thumbs Dubois (Natalya Aynsley), his double bassist, Slim (Amanda Jenkins) and his drummer, Patty (Tom McCracken), all looking suitably gothic and providing the music for the 15 musical numbers under the direction of Benjamin Kiehne.
That Herringbone can be realised so effectively and vibrantly in the small space that is the KXT is one of the wonders of small, independent theatre. The rest of the creative team is Pam Schultz (costume design – Herringbone is so named for the jacket he wears); Benjamin Brockman (set and lighting design), Michael Ralph (choreography), Christopher Starnawski (stage management and operation) and Kenney Ogilvie (graphic design), with the original music by Skip Lennon and lyrics by Ellen FitzHugh. Directors are the aforementioned Jay James-Moody and Michael Ralph.
You have till February 2 to see it for yourself at the KXT Theatre, Kings Cross.
