Reviews

The Cemetery Club

By Ivan Menchell. Directed by Phil Carney. New Farm Nash Theatre. July 7 –29, 2023.

This is a poignant comedy-drama about relationships, ageing, relationships and life after adversity concerns three friends – Doris, Lucille and Ester.  All three live in the same Jewish community, are in their mid-to-late fifties and have become widows in the past few years. Once a month they gather to visit their husbands’ graves and meet afterwards to talk about their lives. From these talks, the audience learns of the developing differences between them as to how to approach the future while not forgetting the past marriages.

Ray Plays Tchaikovsky

Queensland Symphony Orchestra. QPAC. 8 July 2023

The concert hall at QPAC was once again alive with the music of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra, this time accompanying violin virtuoso Ray Chen. The sixth Maestro concert of the year for the Orchestra, Chen took to the stage to play Tchaikovsky’s Concerto in D for Violin and Orchestra.

Chopin’s Piano

By Paul Kildea & Richard Pyros. Presented by Musica Viva Australia, directed by Richard Pyros. Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, 31 Sturt St, Southbank. 8 & 11 July 2023.

Chopin’s Piano is a performance that contextualises the history of the composition of Chopin's 24 Preludes, Op. 28. The controversial compositions overturn the genre because of their disparate and self-contained nature. The incorporation of the theatrical representation of the circumstances of their composition and exhibition is a great way to build an understanding of the role of this unusual work. In staging this story this performance also defies genre as there is little precedent for the combination of theatre performance and piano recital.

Duck Pond

By Circa. Playhouse Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane. 5 to 8 July 2023

Brisbane audiences were lucky enough to see the world premiere of Circa’s new Duck Pond for a few short performances. Although, I anticipate there will be many opportunities to enjoy this ensemble work as it is sure to be revived again and again as an iconic set piece in the Circa portfolio.

All Sorts

Henry Lawson Theatre, Werrington. 8th, 5th and 22nd July, 2023

All Sorts is as colourful and varied as the name suggests. It’s a collection of seven short pieces, some written by members of the company, all with a different take on some aspect of life – and some with a bit of a twist.

Last Time

Written & directed by Lily Hensby. Hensby & Beckett Productions. The Motley Bauhaus, Black Box, 118 Elgin Street Carlton. 8 – 15 July 2023

Lucas (Mark Yeates) has been away for a spell; he says in London, but do we believe him?  Jesse (Lottie Beckett) has noticed he’s back in town and gets in touch.  By the end of the play, we understand why.  They hooked up maybe a year ago – a one night stand.  Of course, each remembers it differently…

Anything Goes (Youth Edition)

Music and lyrics by Cole Porter. New book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman. Bel Canto. Directed by Blake Jenkins. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. July 7-15, 2023

Bel Canto’s youth production of Anything Goes is one of the best productions you will see of this classic musical - despite being a slightly shortened version and the cast all being 18 years of age or under. A beautifully polished, well sung and superbly danced musical with outstanding production values, this is a treat to watch for audiences of all ages.

JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE!

By Robin Goldsworthy. Adapted from the JUST book series written by Andy Griffiths and illustrated by Terry Denton. Red Line Productions / Arts On Tour. Sydney Coliseum, West HQ. July 4, 2023, then touring.

From the moment JUST (tricking, annoying, stupid, crazy, disgusting, shocking, doomed) LIVE ON STAGE! begins, the audience is in for an unforgettable ride. 

Playwright Robin Goldsworthy has expertly adapted the wildly popular book series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton for the stage, capturing the essence of the books, packing in humour, chaos, and a touch of zaniness. The result is an absolute joy for audiences of all ages.

ADA

Written by: Dora Abraham. Directed by: Laurence Strangio. La Mama Courthouse. 349 Drummond St., Carlton. 5-16 July, 2023

A tsunami of change is upon us with the development of artificial intelligence and this play presents some possible impacts on the entities we are creating at breakneck speed and on human relationships and emotional wellbeing.

Werewolves

Creator: Nicholas Phillips. Bondi Festival. Bondi Pavilion. July 6 – 9, 2023

The audience warning stated that this performance features “mild gruesome descriptions of deaths by werewolves”, and that children under ten should stay away.

The venue for the bloodbath is the sparkling new renovated Bondi Pavilion that is well worth a look around. The performance is in the aptly named high tide room at the back of the courtyard, that has been made dark and brooding with a curtain and spooky classical music. Members of the audience are cosily sat down into a row of chairs facing each other.

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