Navy Pier

Welcome to the wacky 90s! It is a period of time where you could literally become anyone you wanted to be – even your best friend. North of Eight’s latest production, Navy Pier, invites you to jump back into the pre-digital world – where texting, Facebook and Instagram were inconceivable – and watch how double-crossings, deceit and a match of air hockey caused seismic changes for four twenty-somethings chasing their dreams. 

Directed by Phoebe Anne Taylor, the story begins in Chicago and focuses on the contentious friendship between college friends and budding writers, Martin (Mark Salvestro) and Kurt (Pat Moonie). Bonded over their mutual aspiration and lust for girls, the pair share their work with each other until Kurt catches a big break when his article is published in the New Yorker. The slight problem: Kurt stole the piece from Martin. Preparing for a new life in New York to realise his dreams, Kurt invites Martin’s girlfriend Iris (Jessica Stanley) to a game of air hockey, followed by beer, then his apartment, and invites her to move with him. Taken with his bad boy image and the welcomed attention, Iris says yes. 

Martin – a victim to literary and romantic betrayal – moves to San Francisco and assumes Kurt’s identity, as well as his confidence. There he meets Liv (Siobhan Connors) at a bar. But when Liv learns that Kurt is really Martin and that the real Kurt has stolen Martin’s writing, she is determined to untie this tangled mess. Will she succeed? 

The intimate setting of The Court House closes the gap between the cast and audience as you are given a front-row seat to watch the story unfold. Be aware that the cast will move around you, lurk behind you as they utter their deepest hopes and desires, and the only thing you can do is enjoy morphing into a metaphoric fly on the wall. Central to the stage is a paper tree – a tree of life, perhaps? – illuminated by fairy lights, its lost leaves now scattered on the ground beneath.

The ensemble were entertaining in their solo and group acts. Special mention goes to Connors for her spot-on portrayal of Liv, who was a winning combination of a loveable, amusing, vulnerable yet daring girlfriend. She would be the type of mate you want in your corner. Moonie was captivating playing the self-absorbed sweet talker, and especially in the scene where Kurt realised he would never be as good a writer as Martin. 

At its core, Navy Pier is a story about personal acceptance and being proud of your individual talents and accomplishments. Lies and impersonation lead you down a slippery slope and any achievements gained ring hollow.

Navy Pier 
The Courthouse Hotel, 86–90 Errol Street, North Melbourne
Till Saturday, 2 September 2017
northofeight.com.au