Reviews

Shook

By Samuel Bailey. The Substation, Qtopia, Taylor Square, Sydney. Directed by Emma Whitehead. 16 May – 5 June 2024

The venue is supposed to be at 136 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, but I’ve run out of numbers. ‘Excuse me,’ I say to the girl guarding what looks like an underground toilet, ‘I’m looking for Shook’. ‘Yes, you’ve found us’, she says, ‘but we’re not quite ready yet.’ Returning in a bit, I squeeze under the entrance, descend the steep stairs and find myself in a tiny theatre. 

Medea

By Kate Mulvany and Anne-Louise Sarks, after Euripides. Queensland Theatre. Bille Brown Theatre. May 11 – June 8, 2024

Queensland Theatre’s latest production is a bold new take on the Greek tragedy ‘Medea’. Written by Kate Mulvany and Anne-Louise Sarks, this adaptation is written from the point of view of the children at the heart of the tragedy.

Elijah

Music by Felix Mendelssohn. Libretto by Julius Schubring. Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. Artistic and Music Director Brett Weymark. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. May 18, 2024

If the recently renovated Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House was a racing car, then this concert was the fullest of full throttle runs around the racetrack.

Almost 400 singers in the stalls, the organ in full flight, an orchestra of more than 60 on the stage with soloists dotted around them.

The schoolboy Charlie Swan, with a sweet solo, sang from up in the clouds next to the organist and other singers popped up in the audience,  making it a 360-degree aural extravaganza.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert. Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser. Directed by Peter “Pear” Carr. Roleystone Theatre, Brookton Hwy, Roleystone, WA, May 17-Jun 1, 2024

Ya’Djin Spirit Women

By The First Creatives. BEMAC Live. Queensland Multicultural Centre (BEMAC). 18 May 2024

With both their one-day-only performances of Ya’Djin Spirit Women sold out, The First Creatives are definitely an inspirational force to be reckoned with. This was their first full-length production at BEMAC, Brisbane’s welcoming multicultural centre, somewhat hidden underneath the Story Bridge. The talented group’s dancers are Allirah Fisher, Maddy Fisher, Erika Jayne Goldsmith, Kahli Coolwell, Vanessa Coolwell, and Rebekah Holdaway.

Merrily We Roll Along

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by George Furth. Ad Astra, Brisbane. 16 May to 8 June 2024

When Stephen Sondheim rewrote a 1934 stage play as his new musical Merrily We Roll Along for the 1400-seat Neil Simon (Alvin) Theatre on Broadway, I’m sure he would not have thought that an outstanding performance of his musical would be 40 years in the future in a small 40-seat black box theatre in Brisbane! But I am sure that, wherever he is, the late, great Mr Sondheim would be nodding his approval at the superb cast in Ad Astra’s production. For a start, the smaller setting suits the New York apartment backdrop.

44 Sex Acts in One Week

Written by David Finnigan. Directed by Sheridan Harbridge. Presented by Dans Maree Sheehan, Club House Productions. Brisbane Comedy Festival, Brisbane Powerhouse, 16 - 25 May, 2024

One of the best performances to grace 2024’s Brisbane Comedy Festival, 44 Sex Acts in One Week, was a hilarious, heart-warming, subversive, and intelligent show that stood out like a banana in your pocket.

Murder on the Menu

Written by Devon Williamson. Directed by Adelle O’Connell. Presented by Mates Theatre Genesis. Donald Simpson Centre, Cleveland Qld. 17 – 26 May, 2024

When it comes to community theatre, the magic often lies in the palpable enthusiasm of the cast and crew. Murder on the Menu, penned by Devon Williamson and staged by Mates Theatre Genesis, is a prime example of this. The show, running from May 17 to 26 at the Donald Simpson Centre, offers a riotous blend of comedy, clever writing, and genuine joy that will leave audiences thoroughly entertained.

Cowardy, Cowardy Custard

By Noël Coward. The Arch, Holden Street Theatres Inc, SA. May 14 - June 1, 2024

The partnership of man about town and retired media identity, and multi-faceted producer, director, costumer and actor Martha Lott has once again seen a totally different choice of play by Holden Street Inc.; this time, 50 years after his death, to entertain and celebrate legendary Noël Coward’s work.

Jersey Boys

Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice. Music by Bob Gaudio. Lyrics by Bob Crewe. Willoughby Theatre Company. The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood. May 17 to June 2, 2024.

Sometimes you go to a community theatre production and the divide between the amateur and the professional shows is understandably vast.  Once in a blue moon you go to community theatre and you are hard pressed to distinguish the difference between the two.  This was the case at the opening night of Willoughby Theatre Company’s first offering for 2024, Jersey Boys.

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