Reviews

Proof

By David Auburn. Ad Astra, Brisbane. 15 June to 8 July 2023

First-time director Caitlin Hill gives David Auburn’s 20-year old award-winning play Proof a radiant remake with a cast sent from heaven.

Despite its multi-layered themes of maths and mental illness, the play’s heart is all about love – parental and sibling relationships, caring for family, and the excitement of a potential new relationship. These elements of love demand that we like, or at least learn to like, the characters involved. That is not a problem in this production, as the cast simply radiate warmth and are a joy to watch in action.

Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook

Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Conceived by Michael Scheman and David Stern. The Arcadians Theatre Group, Corrimal, NSW. Jun 9 – 24, 2023.

A heartwarming and engaging production, Snapshots: A Musical Scrapbook brings the diverse and beloved musical works of Stephen Schwartz to the stage in a new production.

Here on the Flight Path

By Norm Forster. Directed by Kirstie Francis. KADS Town Square Theatre, Kalamunda, WA. June 9-24, 2023

Canadian playwright Norm Foster is becoming increasingly popular with Perth theatres and their audiences, and KADS’ Here on the Flight Path, is another solid little show to add to that list. 

The Idiot’s Guide to Wine

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Festival Theatre. 18 June 2023

It’s just after lunch on a Sunday, and a couple of hundred of us are sitting at cabaret tables in front of six glasses of wine. Each. Admittedly, the glasses aren’t full, but still, this is going to be an interesting review for a cabaret show. And this reviewer does like his wine…

Exiles

By James Joyce. Bloomsday In Melbourne. Fortyfivedowstairs, Flinders Lane. 15 – 25 June 2023

James Joyce’s Exiles is his only play. Written in 1915, it failed to get a production in Ireland or Britain.

Aretha - A Love Letter to the Queen of Soul

Sydney Opera House, Concert Hall June 18, 19; 2023, then QPAC June 21 and Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne, July 2.

Devotees of Aretha Franklin were rocking in their seats and one fan got up in the aisle to give a demonstration of the funkiest way to jive. The Concert Hall swayed and swooned with gospel like adulation.

It was a glittering night on Sydney Harbour, where everything was twinkling for the last night of Vivid, and in an exquisite piece of timing, the 1000 drone light display commenced during the interval break.

More Than A Melody

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. The Banquet Room, Adelaide Festival Centre. 17th June 2023

Of the many brilliant things about the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, I am very glad we get to commune with both international talent AND our own local legends.  More Than a Melody, conceived by Libby O’Donovan (one of those legendary Adelaide locals), is a celebration of both song and the wonderment of singing in harmony.

All Shook Up

Book: Joe DiPietro. Inspired by works of William Shakespeare, featuring the songs of Elvis Presley. Babirra Music Theatre Inc. Director: Alan Burrows, assisted by Mark Cluning. Musical Director: Vicki Quinn. Choreographer: Di Morgan. Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood, Melbourne. June 10 – 18, 2023.

The characters and plot in this musical are inspired loosely by William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, whilst the music consists of 24 songs from the Elvis Presley catalogue.  It seems like a strange combination, but it works surprisingly well! 

Rockwiz Salutes Adelaide

Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Festival Theatre. 17 June 2023

Rockwiz was a highly popular music trivia quiz show, featuring performers established and new, and bolstered by the talents of audience members selected to sit up with their musical heroes. Featuring a live band, it was a great mix of trivia and tunes, and was nominated for many awards (including a Helpmann), winning the AACTA Award for Best Light Entertainment Television Series in 2007.

Galah

Devised by Elizabeth Dawson-Smith in collaboration with Louise Purcell. Miss Friby Productions. Bluestone Church Artspace, Footscray. 15-18 June 2023

Galah might look like chaos, but every moment, every move is planned, thought out and deliberate – dance moves, clown routines, costumes and the intricate lighting plot.  This includes the show grinding to a halt after one o-so-sad song (‘Where is my Heart?  Where is my Life?’) and some anarchic and despairing destruction by Elizabeth Dawson-Smith – or Miss Friby, if you prefer – and Louise Purcell, who has burst onto the stage as if shot from a cannon. 

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