Reviews

Seven Little Australians

Adapted from Ethel Turner’s novel by Joan Leslie and Di Mason. Hills Youth Theatre, Stirling Community Theatre, South Australia. 21-30 June 2019

Seven Little Australians is a novel more than a hundred years old and has been continuously in print ever since it first told distinctly Australian stories of the seven children in the family of Captain Woolcot and his second wife Esther.

This stage adaptation by Joan Leslie, and the director Di Mason, is a revival of its original staging eighteen years ago and is a marvellous showcase of the talents of Hills Youth Theatre and its many students.

Rockwiz Salutes the Rock Musical

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Thebarton Theatre. June 21st, 2019

Rockwiz has become an Australian institution, since premiering at ‘The Espy’, Melbourne in 2005. This rock trivia cabaret powerhouse is written and co-hosted by comedian/actor Brian Nankervis and Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s artistic director, Julia Zemiro.

A packed Thebarton Theatre was held captive by the hilarious cast, gifted band and special musical guests. Nankervis warmed the crowd up with his exuberant personality and staged a mini-quiz before the official opening to choose two lucky audience members to join the cast on stage.

The Astral Plane

Written and Directed by Charlie Garber. Produced by Rebecca Blake and Jessica Pantano as part of the 25A Initiative. Belvoir Street Downstairs Theatre. 14-29 June, 2019

This review is going to be problematic. I'm going to overthink it. It will end up being all about me. Because I'm a navel gazer. A deep thinker. A writer. And an actor. And a flipping director. And a wannabe world saver. And I'm deep. So deep. Are you drowning yet? That's how deep I am.

Well Shut My Mouth

By Brenton H Whittle. Adelaide Repertory Theatre. Arts Theatre. June 20-29, 2019

Every now and then a theatre critic can feel a little conflicted after attending a play review. As I left the Arts Theatre I was still not sure what to make of Brenton H Whittle’s brand new work.

Modern Maori Quartet – Two Worlds

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Space Theatre. 21st-22nd June 2019

The Modern Maori Quartet return to the Adelaide Cabaret Festival after their successful debut in 2018.  Looking dapper in their red and black outfits they could cut it with the ‘rat pack’ but their roots are firmly in the Maori tradition of singalong parties.

They bring us a tale ‘between two worlds’, a story of four men in a kind of purgatory waiting between death and the eternal afterlife. The booming female god-like voice requests each of them tell their story, to end their waiting.

The Crossing

Conceived and performed by Kayah Guenther and Gavin Webber. Additional creatives Ben Ely and Chloe Ogilvie of The Farm. HOTA Gold Coast. 22nd-23rd June, 2019. Then Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.

If you haven’t experienced the magic and originality of The Farm, or the extraordinary charisma of Gavin Webber, then you haven’t fully experienced theatre.

Beachside Stories

Melbourne Writers' Theatre. Directed by Elizabeth Walley. Studio Theatre, Gasworks Arts Park, 21 Graham St, Albert Park. 13th –22nd June, 2019.

This is a delightful collection of stories of five key figures in the City of Port Phillip. Each person is a kind of local star or celebrity in their own right and this project acknowledges their outstanding contribution to their community.

Kate Miller-Heidke

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Thebarton Theatre. June 22, 2019

The petite, sparkly Kate Miller-Heidke stepped onto the stage with her trademark ‘princess tiara’ and wowed the audience from start to finish. Accompanied by husband Keir Nuttall on guitars, Iain Grandage on piano and cello and backing singer Jess Hitchcock, Heidke had the audience laughing and spellbound by turns.

Drew Downing’s Ultimate 90’s Playlist

Melbourne Cabaret Festival. Chapel off Chapel. June 20 – 22, 2019

Drew Downing’s Ultimate 90’s Playlist is a nineties rock-concert-cabaret show performed by the charismatic crowd pleaser Drew Downing, backed by a fine ensemble of musicians and singers.  The show begins with a medley mix beginning with “Barbie Girl” (Aqua) and breaks into “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (Deep Blue Something).

Oklahoma!

Music: Richard Rodgers. Book & Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II. Savoyards. Director: Robbie Parkin. Musical Director: Jacqueline Atherton. Choreography: Natalie Lennox. Iona Performing Arts Centre, Wynnum, Qld. 22 June – 6 July 2019

Ever since it was written, Oklahoma! has been a popular and much produced title on the community theatre circuit. Savoyards have done it four times, the last in 2005, and since the show is now back on Broadway (admittedly in a more radical version), it’s time to re-look at the original again, which director Robbie Parkin has done with this production.

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