The Marriage of Bette and Boo by Christopher Durang
"The Marriage of Bette and Boo" is a play written by renowned, multi-award winning American playwright, Christopher Durang. It is being presented as part of The Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 2017. The performers are Adult Drama Students from Drama With A Difference - one of Australia's leading, independent drama schools, with a history of over twenty-years.
"The Marriage of Bette and Boo" is Christopher Durang's autobiographical play. In it, he tells the story of his own upbringing. It is, at times, a black, satirical comedy, and at other times quite light in nature.
This often biting satire takes aim at religion (and specifically the Catholic Church) and looks at the ways human beings delude themselves. There's the mother Bette, who despite being told that she will most likely have more still-births, nevertheless uses "prayer" and goes on becoming pregnant. It is not that the playwright views the subject of dead babies as "funny"; it is the observations he makes about how such matters were dealt with (or not dealt with) in earlier times that makes this a thinking person's comedy.
Despite this being a black comedy, not all of its moments are dark in nature. There is plenty of lightness too!
There is a priest who runs a marriage retreat, and entertains his congregation by doing an impersonation of a piece of frying bacon in the middle of the floor. There are endless, recognisable fights between families; all at once recognisable and extremely funny. There are full - blown, colourful characters who are highly entertaining, and the ever present wit of the protagonist who takes us through his life's journey.
The play also looks at the concept of denial. These are families who are masters in changing the subject, looking the other way and simply not facing up to what is going on in their often tragic-comic lives. Alcohol is another subject that is explored as part of this denial mechanism, as various characters simply drink their way through some of lie's most painful moments.
"The Marriage of Bette and Boo" is of the genre that makes one laugh while one cries, but there's plenty of entertainment for everyone.
Feedback/Comments
Loved it.. clever.. great cast!
The psychological content about families and the overlay of catholic ideology was brilliant. Should be studied by pcych students, not the theory they are taught. This is life. Very clever srcipt writer
Advertised at 110 minutes - ran for 150 minutes; an extra 40 minutes really messed with people's plans. And to the person who laughed just prior to the punchline of every joke, well that just ruins it for the rest of the audience!
Different but good.
Good show, thanks.
Well acted, quirky piece of theatre! Took us back to a very different time with very challenging social attitudes! The actor who played young Roo was exceptional! What a shining star!
powerful acting. Wonderful evocation of growing up in the 50's.
Enjoyably acted family piece for the family.
Enjoyable,
being an ex Catholic made it funnier. Went a little too long
A challenging piece for the cast and likewise for the audience.