It is bold, esoteric and highly creative. Set in isolated territory, it is Wild West storytelling at its finest. It is tale within a tale of a feeling that overtakes one that can’t be readily explained, but needs to be acted upon. Let me try to give you some context. A trucker in the middle…
A wonderful theatrical experience awaits in a little-known theatre by a little-known theatre troupe, with the Broadway hit Parade being given a stellar run by Bump In Productions. Tucked away in the Brisbane suburb of Seven Hills is the Ron Hurley Theatre, with a modest capacity of about 160 seats. There, magic is happening. What…
The nanny with the lot, Mary Poppins, gets to weave her magic in 70 minutes and still make it count in this cut down version of the beloved musical. It is based on the 1964 Disney film, which starred Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, and stories by PL Travers. The book is by Julian…
Disney favourites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy introduce several of Disney’s heroes … and a few villains in the latest “On Ice” spectacular. Over two 40-minute halves, six broad storylines are explored. The first involves Ariel, Flounder and Sebastian, the crab from The Little Mermaid. Next up are the adventurous Moana, her…
The legendary, wholesome Dolly Parton with a mischievous streak is on show in the part musical, part play, part concert Here You Come Again. It is the conceit of the creator and star of the piece, Tricia Paoluccio, who has a magnificent, rich, rounded, Dolly Partonesque voice. Her vocalisation is superb throughout this fun-filled production….
Elle Woods’ superpower in Legally Blonde is staying true to herself. And so it is that the star of the show wins us over amidst much froth and bubble. The musical grew out of the successful 2001 film of the same name, which starred Reese Witherspoon in the title role. The story concerns the exploits…
With an introductory nod to J.C. Williamson’s premiere season of Annie in Melbourne in 1978, this intoxicating, family friendly musical sizzles and sparks anew. All the elements – music, performance, staging, choreography, lighting and sound – come together seamlessly and make for a delightful night at the theatre. Despite being set during the Great Depression,…
The enigma that was David Robert Jones (8th January, 1947 – 10th January, 2016), aka English singer songwriter David Bowie, is captured in style in a new narrative concert. The brainchild of actor, singer and writer Karlis Zaid, he features alongside gifted chanteuse Aurora Kurth. Accomplished musical direction is by Andrew Patterson, who tickles the…
Evocative and entertaining, All is Good … in the Glow of Moonlight is a remarkable insight into the life and times of Soviet writer Isaac Babel and his creations. It is resplendent with vivid storytelling and fine music. Babel (played by Joseph Sherman) was born in Moldavanka, a historical part of Odessa, in the Russian…
An unquestionable highlight of winter in Melbourne is Lightscape at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Now in its fourth year, it is bigger and better than ever, with many new and captivating light installations up above, in the trees and on the ground. It is a true A-lister, suitable for the whole family and how many…
