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From the Croydon Advertiser - 5th of December, 2003
Review by Mary Shackel
Congratulations ATG on giving us much to enjoy with the spoof gangster musical, The Night Maxie Tortellini Hit Big Lola Latrobe’s. From the start there was an air of expectation as the audience found themselves sitting in a Chicago nightclub, with cocktail bar and piano screen complete with electric Art Deco motifs.The period setting was striking but I found the silver curtain too dazzling.
One cannot pretend that this is a great musical. The story is told in a series of episodes which fail to drive the story forward.
Maxie, the so-called mean gangster of the title disappears throughout a large part of the second act and the love interest is never fully developed or resolved. The musical numbers are pleasing but not memorable.
Having said that, credit goes to director Gee, Rook, the choreographer Kara Sinclair and the actors for an evening of slick song and dance and a clear understanding of the genre.
There were some well-judged performances. As Rafferty, Jeremy Nicholls engendered real pathos. He was a finished man.
Among the gangsters Martin Crampton as Louis was hilarious as a crazy, dumb gangster. Rick Morris charmed as the endearing less-than-bright Brains.
As his adversary Lola Latrobe, Ali Morris sometimes packed a punch as a feisty lady, especially in her musical number but she was under-powered in her speaking.
Keith Harper’s relaxed style and melodic voice created the smooth Tony Di Martino and Louise Canfield was a pleasingly natural Marianne.
The chorus of dancing girls gave high octane performances throughout. I especially enjoyed their scenes in the dressing room.
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