Reviews

Jersey Boys: The Story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons

Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Regent Theatre, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne. Opening Night, 2 March, 2019.

The story of the rise to fame of Frankie Valli (born Francesco Stephen Castelluccio) is an intriguing one. It taps into the stereotypical images of Italo-American culture where the entertainment industry has strong links to petty criminals as well as the criminal underworld. Valli is of the same ilk as icons such as Frank Sinatra, who inspired the young Valli to enter the music industry.

Emma

By Jane Austen, adapted by Sandra Fenichel Asher. Villanova Players (Qld). Director: Mary Woodall. Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills. 1-9 March 2019

Jane Austen’s novels have been critic-proof ever since they were first published in the early nineteenth century. Her chic-lit world of romance amongst the English aristocracy has been remarkably popular with readers, especially young women, for generations.

The Importance of Being Earnest

By Oscar Wilde. Hobart Repertory Theatre Society, Tasmania. Director: Benedicta McGeown. The Playhouse Theatre. March 21-16, 2019.

This production attempts “radical changes to the script” but Wilde’s scintillating dialogue sparkles, even through mouthfuls of muffin. Young director Benedicta McGeown has searched for contemporary connections in the play but the ubiquity of social hypocrisy needs no reimagining. McGeown may have altered how the show looks but the actors still allow the words do the work. Each well-known bon mot finds its target.

Two

Written by Jim Cartwright. Directed by Mark Killmurry. Presented by Ensemble Theatre. QUT Gardens Theatre, 1 – 2 March, 2019

There are few actors who could rise to the challenges of Jim Cartwright’s Two as well as Brian Meegan and Kate Raison. Under the directorial guidance of Mark Kilmurry, the duo seamlessly flits between over a dozen recognisable characters in this engaging play. They show great teamwork and trust and outstanding focus when faced with a rowdy audience.

Blaas

Adelaide Festival of Arts 2019. Thomas Edmunds Opera Studio, Adelaide Showgrounds. March 2 – 10, 2019

Blaas is the ultimate audience immersion experience. It is like being in a friendly alien abduction!

Blaas (or blow) hails from the Netherlands. It is unique in that the stars of the show are two big bags of air. Sounds unlikely, but true. However, there is a degree of preparation that we, the audience, must undergo so we can interact with these ‘entities’.

Palmyra

By Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutas (France/UK). 2019 Adelaide Festival. AC Arts – Main Theatre. March 1–5, 2019

On a bare open stage with just two chairs and two china plates, one broken the other not, two actors enter – Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutas. Nasi takes a square skateboard and stands centre stage, like a frozen statue gazing blankly at the audience. He suddenly notices that the china plate next to Bertrand’s chair is broken. Who broke it? No one knows, but Nasi is a bit mischievous and dutifully clears up the mess and resumes his position.

Out of Chaos…

Adelaide Festival. Gravity & Other Myths. Scott Theatre. 27 February – 6 March 2019

Gravity & Other Myths explore order and chaos with their new show, grounded in theatre, but soaring in acrobatics, contemporary dance and movement that defies definition.

Warhol: Bullet Karma

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2019. The Cabinet Room at Treasury 1860. February 28th – March 10th, 2019.

Andy Warhol’s relentless pursuit of fame is what defined him. It was to be the catalyst for many of his exploits. Performer Garry Roost gives us a summary of the eccentric man and his interactions with his friends through his time at “The Factory”.

Just Desserts – Adults Only Tasting.

Adelaide Fringe 2019. Michelle Pearson Music. Treasury 1860. 1-9 March, 2019.

It’s a pleasure to report that Michelle Pearson’s gift - for connecting with audiences and making them feel special - is as strong as ever, in her latest cabaret concept Just Desserts.

She serves sweets that are simply sublime, supplemented by a series of cover songs (some of them clever medleys) delivered with equal parts strength, sincerity, and soulfulness, while generating suspense via audience involvement, and demonstrating tremendous empathy through her telling of life’s experiences - some amusing, others poignant.

The Alphabet of Awesome Science

Adelaide Fringe 2019. Science Gang and Six Foot Under Productions. The May Wirth at Gluttony. 2-17 March, 2019

This is one of the best children’s shows I have seen; not only is it fun, well-produced, exciting and educational, it doesn’t talk down to children and keeps everyone from 5 to 105 engaged, learning and laughing.

I have had the pleasure of seeing David Lampard in action before, when he has presented to school groups. His enthusiasm and knowledge, plus a hefty dose of drama and entertainment skills, is a highly successful combination.

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