Reviews

Chicago

Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse, Music John Kander, Lyrics Fred Ebb. John Frost for Crossroads Live, Jones Theatrical Group in association with Barry and Fran Weissler. Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne from 26 March 2024, then Capitol Theatre, Sydney from 9 June and Festival Theatre Adelaide from 4 August.

And here it is again – Chicago - just as sharp, funny, cynical, beautifully, flawlessly produced and hugely entertaining from end to end.  It’s not a ‘revival’ because it never went away.  By my count, I must have seen Chicago six times – including the movie.  The Companion estimates she’s seen it eight times.  Why does this black comedy musical set in 1920s Chicago unfailingly endure?  Yes, it’s fascinating to see what a new cast will do with the characters and the songs, but there’s more to it than

Tom Gleeson: Gear

Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Comedy Theatre, 240 Exhibition St, Melbourne. 28 March - 21 April 2024.

Tom Gleeson has become a household name due to the enormous success of shows such as Hard QuizTaskmaster, and receiving the 2019 Gold Logie award via a deliberate campaign that (as described by the ABC) was marked by mockery. Gleeson is the recipient of many other accolades (best comedy performer 2022 AACTA Awards, best comedy 2020 Adelaide Fringe, best Comedy 2019 Perth Fringe World) yet his demeanour is disarmingly humble, even while he delivers some of his most acerbic humour and shares a wickedly unique perspective on the world.

The World Goes Round

By John Kander and Fred Ebb, conceived by Susan Stroman, David Thompson and Scott Ellis. WAAPA Third Year Musical Theatre. Directed by Cameron Mitchell. The Roundhouse Theatre, WAAPA, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley. Mar 22-27, 2024

As director Cameron Mitchell points out in his notes for The World Goes Round, Kander and Ebb’s songs are a gift for Triple Threat performers. This production of some of their best songs is a wonderful showcase for WAAPA’s Third Year Musical Theatre Students, and this young, talented cast embrace the opportunity.

Playing in front of a strong 8-piece live band, under the Musical Direction of Craig Dalton, vocal performances, without exception are strong and impressive, with choreography, from director Cameron Mitchell, vibrant and superbly executed.

Molière’s Tartuffe

Written by Justin Fleming. Directed by Todd Macdonald. Presented by Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium. Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre, 23 – 27 March, 2024

Queensland Conservatorium’s latest production of Tartuffe features the third year acting students in an energetic and delightful performance that has the audience in stitches from start to finish. The cast, with a palpable enthusiasm, attacks Molière's classic with gusto. Writer Justin Fleming has infused the adaptation of the material with modern vernacular and a vibrant sense of humour, all while staying true to the essence of the original.

Macbeth

By William Shakespeare. WAAPA. Directed by Stephen Nicolazzo. Subiaco Arts Centre, WA. Mar 22-28, 2024

WAAPA’s Third Year Acting’s production of The Scottish Play is a striking and emotive production that keeps its audience engrossed.

Australia Felix

Written and directed by Geoffrey Sykes, with songs by Steve Wood. Playscript Presents. Roslyn Packer Theatre. Mar 22 - April 6, 2024.

The Ros Packer Theatre was originally used by merchants as a Bond Store in the wool trade, and writer Geoffrey Sykes has chosen the cosy industrial looking sandstone room known as the Richard Wherrett Studio for his historical revue.

It is a good space for the piece, much of which is set at the trial and jail cell of runaway convict George Clarke in the 1830s. He was deemed to be a major threat to public safety of the colony because he befriended and lived with nine Aboriginal tribes.

Are You Being Served?

Written by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft. Ballina Players. By arrangement with ORiGiNTM Theatrical. On behalf of Samuel French. A Concord Theatricals Company. Director: Fran Legge. March 15 – 24, 2024.

If you like a little (or should that be a little more than a little?) innuendo, the occasional double entendre, or if you simply want to laugh at one-liners that you know (yes, you know) you shouldn’t be laughing at, then Are You Being Served? at Ballina Players is the place to be.

Theatre of Magic

Performed and Devised by Christopher Wayne, Josh Norbido, and Kerry Domann. Map Room, Treasury Hotel. Two Shows Each Saturday Evening from March 2024

Venturing into Brisbane's Theatre of Magic feels akin to stepping through a portal into another world. It’s reminiscent of a bygone era, with the venue’s décor, performers’ garb, and pre-show tunes all designed to set the mood of old-school opulence. 

The Producers

By Mel Brooks, Thomas Meehan and Glen Kelly. Primadonna Productions. Directed by Carole Dhu. Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, WA. Mar 22 - 24, 2024

Primadonna Productions’ The Producers was a clean, slick, and well-performed production that deserved a longer run. Playing to big audiences at the 800 seat Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, this was a production with strong production values that felt worthy of this beautiful venue.

Looking fabulous with excellent costumes from Carole Dhu and cast, simple but effective sets - predominantly using drops and projections and strong lighting choices, served the show well.

Hillsong Boy

Created by Scott Parker and Felicity Nicol. The Flying Nun by Brand X, 34-40 Burton Street, Darlinghurst. March 22 & 23, 2024

This is the story of Scott Parker who spent 20 years in Hillsong reaching the heights of Christian celebrity as a star singer. Welcome to the alluring world of megachurches, which make such great dramatic backdrops with their evangelical bigotries and financial secrets, their effusive theatre and enveloping community – and especially in Scott’s telling, since he’s also queer.  

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