Youth drug culture may not sound like the material to make a short but compelling musical out of, but the reality is quite the opposite in 21 Chump Street. Firstly, the story is not only relevant, but it reflects upon a scourge of our age. Secondly, the way it has been written and is performed gives it…
Energetic, powerful and haunting – such is Spring Awakening. This is a musical journey from adolescence to adulthood set in Germany in 1891. Teenagers struggle with the adversity of coming of age at a time when sexual education is deliberately ignored and adults appear to hold all the cards. The focus is on Wendla Bergmann (Jessie-Lou…
A rich, harrowing and deeply evocative story has been superbly translated into captivating musical theatre in this Australasian premiere production of The Color Purple – The Musical. It charts the life of Celie Johnson (played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom – Disney’s The Lion King), a battered and downtrodden African-American woman from when she was a 14-year-old…
Sensitive, poignant and energetic, tick, tick… BOOM! is a wonderfully engaging musical about the trials and tribulations of a struggling, angst-riddled creative artist who is about to turn 30 with success continuing to elude him. His name is Jon and he is portrayed with high-octane verve by Luigi Lucente (Wicked, Jersey Boys). It really is…
A superb musical score and the rich, strong and pure voice of Alinta Chidzey (Show Boat, Singin’ In The Rain, Chess, West Side Story) make the world premiere of this new Australian musical one not to be missed. CROSSxROADS is a story of love and loss with more than a touch of Sliding Doors (the…
A brilliant new musical set in racially charged America’s deep south in the ‘60s has just come to town and you only have a few days to see it. An 11-strong cast and “hidden” orchestra (they are behind a black floor to ceiling curtain) tell the story of a young woman who sets out on…
According to The Andrews Sisters’ official site, they were America’s most popular female singing group. Patty, the youngest sister, was a loud and energetic blonde who headed the group with her confident vocals. The middle sister was Maxene, a brunette, whose harmonic range gave the impression of four voices instead of three. Finally, completing the…
It is the 1980s. An elderly woman passes away. She lived with her son, being one of her five offspring. But there was no love lost between that son, Leslie and his sister Maureen. Each has their say in this heartfelt two-act play, with one actor – UK-born Michael Dalton, who immigrated to Australia in…
