Reviews

RENT

By Jonathan Larson. Beenleigh Theatre Group. Crete Street Theatre, Beenleigh. 27 February - 12 March 2016

Sometimes in amateur theatre there is a production that will rival professional performances. For me, RENT at Beenleigh Theatre Group is such a production.

Violet

Music Jeanine Tesori. Music and lyrics by Brian Crawley. Blue Saint Productions. Directed by Mitchel Butel. Chapel off Chapel. March 3 – 20, 2016

That rarest of creatures - an intelligent, perfectly formed, sublime musical with something profound and uplifting to say - is as rare as the wildflower its heroine is named after. And yet (after years of waiting for some of us Musical Theatre Tragics), here it is at the beautifully refurbished Chapel off Chapel, with the  acclaimed award winning production from Blue Saint Productions, and we are all the better for it.

Speechless

In Helvetica. Adelaide Fringe. Tuxedo Cat/Cusack Theatre. March 3rd – 8th, 2016

Speechless is the brainchild of performers Sara Di Segna and Toni Main, along with creative theatre maker Georgina Capper. Exploring the ideas for this show for the past year, they have concentrated heavily on differences experienced during communication and the misunderstandings that can occur from mixed messages.

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling. Canterbury Theatre Guild. Bexley RSL. February 26 – 28, 2016.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling is a heart moving, gripping play that kept me enthralled for the entire two hours of the performance.

Canterbury Theatre Guild, not renowned for presenting plays, put on a production with some incredible performances. Not to be mistaken with the film version starring Dolly Parton, the play includes just the seven women characters from the movie set in a Louisiana hair salon in the mid 1980s.

Almost Home

By Daniel Downing. Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras. FOUNDRY 616, Ultimo. Mar 2 -4, 2016

Even before the show starts, you know you’re in safe hands when two things happen; a well-priced beer appears on the table before you, and Bev Kennedy walks across the stage and sits at the piano.

Taxithi - An Australian Odyssey.

By Helen Yotis Patterson, directed by Petra Kalive, music director, Andrew Patterson. Produced and presented by fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne. Season Extended. 2- 24 March, then April 5 - 10, 2016.

This is a gripping performance that will have your toes tapping and pull at your heartstrings all at the same time. Helen Yotis Patterson has written a truly exceptional piece of theatre and found true kindred spirits in her co-performers, Maria Mercedes and Artemis Ioannides.

If you really knew me

Talk Out Loud. Adelaide Fringe. Worldsend Theatre. March 3-5, 2016

In a world where we are more likely to have a conversation via social media or telephone, it is nice to be reminded how important it is to talk to each-other in person; to take the time to care about what people are saying and ultimately be heard. Talk Out Loud is an organisation that brings awareness to many social issues that are a product of our lifestyles. Topics such as depression, sexuality, self-esteem, cyber-bullying and suicide are given a voice through many programs including the arts.

Amelia Ryan – Lady Liberty

Adelaide Fringe. The Factory. March 2nd – 13th, 2016

Amelia Ryan is sassy, sexy and super fun. Tapping into society’s perception of beauty and perfection, and smashing the absurdity of it all, she quickly establishes herself as a strong, free-thinking woman of the 21st century. Paying homage to the women that have come before her, such as Gloria Steinem, Maya Angelou and Madonna, Ryan is passionate in her need to let her audience know that we are right where we should be and we are blessed.

Follow Spot

Devised by Chelsea Plumley. Chapel off Chapel. 26th, 27th 28th February, 2016

There’s very little new under the sun, but Chelsea Plumley may just have discovered a new entertainment hybrid – a cross between a TV chat show and a cabaret. In fact, the whole show was filmed, so don’t be surprised if it pops up on late night TV. It would be a very welcome addition to the local TV scene.

The format is simple, Chelsea turns the follow spot onto three different artists every night and catches them off guard.

The Sentient Arrow

By Jennie D’Ambra. Directed by Matthew Briggs. Briggs & Heaysman Theatre Co. The Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide. Adelaide Fringe. February 22 - March 5, 2016

The Sentient Arrow consists of three short dramatic monologues, each focused on a character haunted by regret and insecure about the present state of their lives. The first monologue is delivered by an aviatrix (Melissa Martins) embarking upon a record breaking flight, who, over the course of her journey, feels compelled to re-examine her childhood and question what motivates her to take extreme risks.

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