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Breezy trip through the heat
of call centres
The Age, 23 October 2008
By Jim Murphy
People who work as a telemarketers are phonies, according
to this chirpy little musical by likeable telly comedian Tracy
Harvey, getting its try-out season in downtown Elwood.
It’a term of endearment, but there is an undercurrent
of satirical intent behind the word and the whole show.
Working in a call centre inspired Harvey to write the book
and lyrics (with assistance from Doug Macleod) and music for
19 songs. And in her best gawky, Joyce Grenfell-style she plays
Jean Brown, a career volunteer dedicated to doing good and lending
a hand.
Forced by circumstances to look for paid employment, she is
so naïve that she applies at the Daily Planet thinking it’a
newspaper. When she stumbles into a job at We Care Marketing,
she expects her skills as a friendly helper will be useful.
But she is in a cut-through business, where deception is the
usual technique to nail a sale, the place is rife with office
tensions and nobody has a conscience when it comes to exploiting
the vulnerable. The show has some rough edges and needs more
work, but it entertains.
The audience loved the Bollywood dance number about outsourcing
to India, and the songs – though many are short and underdeveloped
–are tuneful and bright.
The finale Stay with Me, a lilting bossa nova duet, is a beauty.
Alan Fletcher, a veteran of TV show Neighbours, shines as
ace phone salesman Frank.
Young performers Jeremy Hopkins, Laura Burzacott and Raelene
Isbester are lively contributors, Trevor Major is resourceful
in a range of supporting characters and the band, under the director
of Jack Howard, imparts a professional finish.
Director Bryce Ives, with limited resources, has fashioned
a breezy revue-style piece of entertainment that has further
potential.
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