Reviews

In Duty Bound

By Ron Elisha. The Theatre on Chester, Epping, NSW. Directed by Carla Moore. April 23-May 22, 2021.

Polish refugees Fania and Simkeh escaped the evils of World War II to settle in Melbourne. They hold steadfastly to their Jewish faith – and the rituals, customs and traditions that have endured despite generations of persecution. Though safe in Australia, they will never forget Hitler’s devastating march through Europe and the massacre of so many they held dear.

Chess the Musical

By Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Tim Rice. Storyboard Entertainment. Regent Theatre, Melbourne, 22 to 24 April, 2021; Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, 27 to 29 May; Perth Concert Hall, 3 to 5 June; QPAC, Brisbane, 8 to 10 June.

If you’re up for an evening of indulging in 1980’s musical and fashion nostalgia, this is the show for you. The songs, with music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and lyrics by Tim Rice, have that unmistakeable ABBA sound and the costumes are authentic without being cheesy.

Berlin

By Joanna Murray-Smith. An MTC NEXTSTAGE Original. Melbourne Theatre Company. Southbank, The Sumner. 17 April – 22 May 2021

Tom, an Australian visitor to Berlin, has chatted up Charlotte, a bartender in a ‘real Berlin’ bar, claiming he has no hotel.  She invites him to sleep on her couch.  Her apartment is comfortably furnished and lived in.  (Design by Christine Smith.)  Charlotte confesses to being an heiress.  There’s a Constable painting on the wall in her loft bedroom, but she says it’s only a reproduction. 

Homophonic!

Produced by Miranda Hill and presented by La Mama, Midsumma 2021. La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond, Carlton. April 24 - 25, 2021

This year Homophonic! celebrates its tenth anniversary. This annual appointment has developed into a beautifully refined and innovative celebration of queer classical music. The approach to classic instruments and music is always clever, unexpected and frequently subversive. Classic compositions and instruments are employed in ways that can be described as Avant Garde. The result is often sublime. 

Next Fall

By Geoffrey Nauffts. Presented by BOYSLIKEME. Holden Street Theatres, Hindmarsh April 23 – May 8, 2021

‘He chose you, isn’t that enough?’ Brandon’s answer to Adam’s dilemma of having a boyfriend who is also a Christian. Next Fall explores the often-avoided subject of homosexuality versus religious faith and examines what it means to ‘believe’ and what it might cost if we don’t.

Premiering Off-Broadway in 2009 and using humour as a base, Next Fall’s themes are still as fresh today, diving into relationship conflicts, family disfunctions, mid-life crisis, coming out, and coping with loss among others.

Shane Warne the Musical

By Eddie Perfect. The Cabaret Company, Wrest Point Entertainment Centre Hobart. Dylan Wells (Director). 22 April – 8 May 2021.

Eddie Perfect is responsible for the music book and lyrics for Shane Warne- The Musical. The music is delightful, eclectic and wonderfully scored. The most satisfying aspect of the  April 22nd opening at the Wrest Point Entertainment Centre was the on stage band under the direction of Andrew Morrisby, who directed from the keyboard. The show is very well orchestrated with winds and strings. The musical ensemble was tight, well balanced and of the highest standard.

The Removalists

By David Williamson. New Theatre, Newtown, NSW. 20 April - 22 May, 2021

Fifty years on, and still argued to be his best play, David Williamson’s The Removalists is here given a wickedly funny yet violent production by Johann Walraven at the New.

The director is blessed by Laurence Coy’s outstanding performance as the relentlessly bullying Sergeant Simmonds, a bull engine of spite and moral platitudes. His victim from start to climatic finish is young Constable Ross (an inventive Lloyd Allison-Young), fresh from training school, but the arrival at the station of the two sisters brings fresh meat. 

Game Plan

By Alan Ayckbourn. St. Jude’s Players. St. Jude’s Hall, Brighton, SA, April 22 to May 1, 2021

As the lights rise to a coughing mother, she reaches for a cigarette and lights up – a roar of laughter from the audience helps to set the scene for a dark comedy, set in a different time. It’s twenty years ago, shortly after the ‘dot com’ bust and Lynette Saxon (Shelley Hampton) has gone from running offices to cleaning them, trying to keep her daughter and herself in their London Docklands apartment.

Everyone is Famous

By Morgan Rose. Directed by Katrina Cornwell. Produced by Riot Stage. Darebin Arts Speakeasy. Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre. 21 April - 1 May, 2021.

As a youth theatre company, Riot Stage has a history of addressing issues related to young people in a penetrative and insightful manner. Everyone is Famous is no exception. The show is co-created and performed by Bonnie Brown, Sunny Chiron, Mila Lawson, Anna Louey, Amelia Newman, Jack Palit, Lillah Summers Dixon, Liam Trumble, Alex Veljanovski. The performance takes a quasi-documentary approach to teens and young adults and their experience of the feral world of new media. 

Lights in the Park

By Alexander Lee-Rekers. Directed by Lucy Clements. Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) and Q Theatre. Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith. 2-24 April, 2021

An ensemble production takes on a whole new meaning when it involves thirteen teenagers from different suburbs and different schools rehearsing after school and in school holidays. It requires a ‘duty of care’ and understanding far beyond that of ordinary directorial responsibilities. And it demands a discerning choice of material, meticulous organisation and thoughtful preparation.

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