Once is a sparkling, witty, lyrical tale about a couple who fall quickly and deeply in love, but whose individual circumstances (read complications) see them hold back. Their connection is music and the title refers to a once in a lifetime encounter, complete with magnetism, vulnerability and healing. Based on the 2006 movie by John…
The desire to break free of an abusive relationship is at the heart of Waitress, which is based on a 2007 independent film of that name, which starred Keri Russell. Jenna Hunterson works as a waitress and prolific baker at Joe’s Pie Diner in a small town in America’s South. She is trapped in an…
The idea for this Broadway musical emerged from an ugly truth. Inclusion is the theme. Comedy is the vehicle. The Prom has its Australian debut at a new home for musical theatre in Sydney’s west, Teatro at the Italian Forum. A high profile, Tony Award-winning actress, Dee Dee Allen (Caroline O’Connor) and leading man Barry…
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…
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”…
The 40th anniversary production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical CATS is mesmerising – a real crowd pleaser. Superb prowling and dancing, choreographic excellence, an enticing set design and look at me performances are its hallmark. That is not to overlook moggie-appropriate costuming, attractive hair pieces and feline-friendly make-up. And who can forget the hissing…
Grand performances, stunning staging and striking costuming characterise a musical adaptation of the 1997 animated film of the same name. The story concerns a legend surrounding the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia. The tale begins in St Petersburg in 1906 when the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna Romanov (Nancye Hayes) bids farewell to her youngest…
If you are in the mood for some light-hearted fun and hijinks, head for The National Theatre to see theatrical’s production of School of Rock. Debuting on Broadway in December 2015, it is based on the 2003 film, which was a hit for Jack Black, who played the most unlikely of teachers. The musical features…
I saw the feel good, comedic, part musical, part play, part concert Here You Come Again when it was first in Melbourne for a brief run in July and I enjoyed it. I appreciated it even more second time around. It is a lot of fun and carries a relatable message that resonates. The legendary,…
What a stunning song cycle! It premiered off the West End in 2008 and off Broadway the following year and first appeared in Australia in 2012. The work of American composer and lyricist Adam Gwon, it concerns two relationships in New York City. Warren (Joel Granger) is an artist who is house sitting another artist’s…
