How to create a compelling world premiere program with life sustaining plants at its epicentre. That was the challenge. Combining the supreme talents of The Australian Ballet and Bangarra Dance Theatre for a fourth time was a masterstroke … for the result is astounding. The creative excellence is next level. The surprises jaw dropping. The…
REBEL is a musical that delves into one man’s journey to discover his true self. It is an exploration of family, community, music and being queer in the USA in the 1940s to 1960s. The story is set in a New York bar in 1969, where cowboy Davey (Maxwell Simon) narrates his life as a…
Why is Ed Sheeran one of the most beloved (and, unquestionably, highly talented) musical artists on the planet? Having arrived by train from Sydney, he answered that emphatically on the opening night of a three-night stadium concert series in Melbourne, part of his Loop Tour. Marvel Stadium was metaphorically heaving under the collective anticipation of…
Irreverent, crude, witty, clever and lyrically and vocally adept, The Book of Mormon is an hilarious religious satire. It is a rolled gold hoot from start to finish. Not for naught did it win nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, a Grammy and four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. It starts with a quick,…
A star is born. Such is the impact of sweet-voiced Belle Parkinson in the lead role in the up-tempo musical inspired by many of ABBA’s hit songs. From her first melodic note, she is utterly captivating as the bright and breezy Sophie Sheridan, who – on the cusp of her wedding day – yearns to…
Victorian Opera continues to delight, this time with an hilarious, uplifting and thoroughly entertaining production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s slapstick favourite. I am in awe of the vocal calisthenics of soprano Nina Korbe. What an extraordinary talent she is. Hers is a golden voice worth travelling from far afield to hear. In fact, she is…
In one of the greatest performances seen on the Australian stage, Kala Gare is a delightful, dynamic, dominant and defiant powerhouse. In short, she – like her character, Sybylla Melvyn – is a force to be reckoned with. She is often argumentative, cheeky and cheery. Set at a time when women were subjugated and “bred”…
A playdate is shanghaied by a mysterious green presence in a beaut show for preschoolers, featuring many Disney Jr. favourites. Colour, music and movement make perfect bedfellows and so it is in this finely choreographed production. The enticing video backdrops are forever changing to match the storyline. In a five-minute warmup from energetic host DJ,…
Champagne with hot acts in the hedonistic spirit of Montmartre is all the go at Piper’s Playhouse at Crown Melbourne after hours. Accompanied by an alluring soundtrack – part French, part English – sultry performers steam up the night in an intimate burlesque cabaret show. It is a good-natured walk on the wild side. Three…
A huge cast brings youthful energy and drive to the dark and humorous Matilda The Musical Jr. In a battle of wills, dastardly principal Miss Trunchbull locks horns with bright bookworm Matilda Wormwood and her encouraging teacher, Miss Honey. The story, based on Roald Dahl’s 1988 novel, features music and lyrics by Tim Minchin, with…
