Starring: Albert Belz, Jane Leonard, Midge Perez & Francis Mountjoy
Writer: Albert Belz
Music & Lyrics: Midge Perez
Venue: The Meteor
On: 29 February & 1 March 2020
INT: APARTMENT – NIGHT
YVONNE sits down at desk and opens laptop.
YVONNE
Crikey, Edey. I am dying dead at how good Kingdom of Katz was tonight.
EDEY
Meow
YVONNE
No, not cats. Katz, as in Katzenberg, as in Jeffery Katzenberg, the guy who got fired from Disney.
You know that saying ‘save the best for last’? Well, Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival is actually SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST. The final scheduled performance of this year’s Festival takes place at the Meteor on Sunday, 1 March 2020 at 8pm. Do not let the start time or the day of the week put you off. Kingdom of Katz is an absolute must-see. It is one of those shows that sweeps you up, and in what seems like a mere minute after the opening, you’re on your feet clapping during the bows.
Described as fan fiction, Kingdom of Katz was beautifully written by Albert Belz who plays the role of Jeffery Katzenberg. He is supported by the astonishingly talented Jane Leonard, Midge Perez and Francis Mountjoy. The trio narrate, do voiceovers and sound effects, sing, and provide all the conversational dialogue, although not physically interacting with Belz on stage, as such. This inspired set up means that the audience is forced to use their own imaginations, but Belz’s gestures and action are so convincing that the supporting characters seem real even though they are invisible. This is clever stuff.
Told chronologically, the story of Katzenberg’s life, rise, fall and redemption is fascinating. His friends and colleagues make up an honour roll of the who’s who of Hollywood where the law of the land is to (1) lawyer up, and (2) never let the truth get in the way of a great story. Partly due to luck but definitely due to incredible vision and an extraordinary work ethic, dyslexic Katzenberg begins his career in Los Angeles as a gopher at Paramount Studios but ends up producing some of the greatest movies ever made.
Kingdom of Katz would have benefited from far better promotional imagery. In a programme that was packed with colourful photos of faces and scenes, it was easy to skip by the dreary charcoal coloured picture that captured nothing of what turned out to be one of the standout performances of the season.
Finally, there is a ticket deal on for Sunday night – two for the price of one. The Katz team deserve a full house for the final show of the Festival. Kingdom of Katz will leave you feeling energised and uplifted. This is ‘pure storytelling’ at its best. Congratulations, Albert and team.
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