The Ruby Sunrise

Rinne Groff’s The Ruby Sunrise explores an alternative explanation for the invention of television, tracing the story of self-educated farm girl Ruby (Matilda Ridgway). In 1927, Ruby dreams of bringing moving pictures into people’s living rooms from a simple laboratory in her Aunt Lois’ (Amanda Muggleton) barn. Henry (Jonathan Prescott), her Aunt’s boarder, is smitten with Ruby but cannot compete with her scientific ambition. Flash forward 45 years, and Ruby’s daughter Lulu (Catherine McGraffin) meets writer Tad Rose (Glenn Hazeldine) in a New York television studio. Under the commercially-oriented eye of producer Martin Marcus (Paul Gleeson), and the increasingly restrictive air of McCarthyism, Tad writes Lulu’s memories of her mother into a teleplay for contemporary audiences, with contemporary compromises.

Directed by Artistic Director Sandra Bates, Ensemble Theatre’s production is the Australian premiere of Groff’s cleverly constructed play. When the action moves from 1927 to 1952, both the play and the performance lift into a new dimension, with better pace, energy and audience engagement. At this point, Groff’s play also expands thematically, delving into relationships and individuals compromised and conflicted by external forces. As the ominous spectre McCarthyism looms, we see a full spectrum of human responses; those who take advantage, those who take the path of least resistance and those who refuse to take situations and behaviours that oppose their own moral code. Integral to exploring human motivators and compromises is the producer/writer/muse trio of Lulu, Tad and Martin. The dynamic between the three is sharp, fast-paced and electric; amusing yet genuinely human. McGraffin is superb as Lulu, balancing saucy, quick-wittedness with depth and passion. Hazeldine and Gleeson, as Tad and Martin respectively, are similarly excellent. Their onstage rapport sparkles and both deliver well-rounded, solid performances.

Theatrically, too, The Ruby SunriseThe Ruby Sunrise deepens in complexity and intrigue upon time travelling to 1962. The reappearance of Muggleton and Prescott as actors Ethel and Paul, engaged to perform Lois and Henry in the teleplay is a splendid device, a wonderful challenge for the actors, and a lovely feeling of familiarity and inclusion for the audience. Prescott is both confident and convincing in his reincarnation as Paul. Muggleton is particularly skilful as she transitions from Lois, to diva, to aging actress, to a slightly different, actress-infused Lois. Ridgway’s return as ostracised actress Elizabeth Hunter is honest and powerful. She contrasts perfectly the audacious starlet Suzie Tyrone, played with great comedic timing and outstanding cheekiness by Hollie Andrew.

Bates’ direction is smooth and interesting, guiding the audience through the changes in time and place with ease and confidence. Claire Moloney’s design cleverly incorporates an upstairs barn, which, once the action has moved beyond 1927, serves as an ongoing reminder of where Ruby’s story began. Dialect coach Jennifer White must also be mentioned for her work with the cast on an impressive array of accents.

The Ruby SunriseThe Ruby Sunrise demonstrates all the best characteristics of an Ensemble Theatre production: reliably honest, down-to-earth theatre that captured the heart of its audience.

The Ruby Sunrise

Ruby/Elizabeth: Matilda Ridgway
Henry/Paul: Jonathan Prescott
Lois/Ethel: Amanda Muggleton
Lulu: Catherine McGraffin
Tad Rose: Glenn Hazeldine
Martin Marcus: Paul Gleeson
Suzie Tyrone: Hollie Andrew