Misterioso is set in a 1950s New York jazz club and explores the last seven years of the life of jazz musician Thelonious Monk (1917-1982) - which he lived in complete silence. Baroness Pannonica, his friend and protector, recalls their friendship. A 5-piece jazz ensemble interjects with some of his composition masterpieces - which earned him the title 'genius of modern music'.

Pat Thomas provides a hauntingly accurate presence at the keyboard. Not only is it incredible to see his imitation of Monk's playing techniques, but also to see his compelling portrayal of Monk's personality. Vocalist Cleveland Watkiss provides the pre-recorded voice of Monk. These excellently-written voice-overs are used particularly effectively during moments when Pat Thomas sits silently at the keyboard as if consumed by his thoughts.

The band includes David Leahy (Double Bass), Jean Toussaint (Sax), Winston Clifford (Drums), special guest Rowland Sutherland (Flute), and Filomena Campus on vocal clearly enjoy playing characters from Monk's career, but seem a little awkward when interacting with Pannonica's monologues. But they excel in improvising upon Monk's famous tunes. They are equally good when seamlessly segueing between the film score-esque playing which accompanies the monologues to the full-blowing sections which juxtapose them.

Unfortunately, this combination between spoken scene and interjecting tunes is awkwardly jarring and rather prevents the performance from finding its feet either as a live jazz gig or as a piece of theatre. This division between the music and the story is the biggest shortcoming of the work and makes it difficult to empathise with the central character of Monk - tortured and complex though he was. But the sporadic moments of monologue are often very touching. Tamsin Shasha is utterly convincing as Baroness Pannonica, and guides the listener around Monk's story with much charm.

A highlight is the appearance of Billie Holiday (1915-1959) portrayed by the charismatic Christina Oshunniyi. Billie Holiday's monologue highlights the rife discrimination which she faced even at the height of her fame. The production touches upon the racism of the 1940s and 1950s many times; though it remains something of an elephant in the room - the play never deals with it rigorously but only references it fleetingly.

Misterioso is exceptionally strong when focusing upon Thelonious Monk's music and the man himself. It becomes a little indecisive and unfocused when tackling matters which surrounded him, such as racism and mental health. Nevertheless, the company convey a great deal of respect for Monk and his story and this is particularly clear in the closing physical sequence. With the Double Bass acting as an epitaphic coffin, Pannonica follows Monk's 'body' offstage, leaving a vacant piano and the echoing words, 'When you can play like that, you don't need to talk.'

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Christina Oshunniyi - Billie Holiday / Nellie Monk. Tamsin Shasha - Baroness Pannonica. Cleveland Watkiss – Voice of Thelonious Monk.

Band Credits include: Filomena Campus – Vocals. Winston Clifford – Drums. David Leahy – Double Bass. Rowland Sutherland – Flute. Pat Thomas – Piano. Jean Toussaint – Sax. Antonio Forcione. Tony Kofi. Orphy Robinson. Byron Wallen.

Company Credits: Writer - Stefano Benni. Monologue Writer – David Walter Hall. Director - Filomena Campus. Lighting Designer - uncredited. Sound Designer - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Projected Artwork – SDNA. Production Manager – Johnny Goodwin. Stage Manager – Dafni Remoundou. Deputy Stage Manager – Silvia Cocco. Press Manager – Martha Oakes. Press Manager – Sian Williams. Producer - Janet Waugh. Company - Riverside Studios. Company - Theatralia. Website - www.riversidestudios.co.uk. Riverside Studios: Technical Director - Ruari Cormack. Programmme Manager - Heather Ruck. Marketing Manager - Johanna Damm. Press Manager - Ian Cuthbert.

END

(c) Sarah Loader 2009

reviewed Saturday, 30 October 2009 / Riverside Studios, London UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com