Reviews

My Name is Gulpilil

Directed by Molly Reynolds, produced by Peter Djigirr and Rolf de Heer. Adelaide Festival 2021. Festival Theatre. Mar 12, 2021.

My Name is Gulpilil is a truly extraordinary experience and achievement. In classical terms it is a ‘contemplation’ – a mediation about an action that is yet to happen; in this case the death of one of Australia’s greatest Indigenous actors, David Gulpilil.

Jersey Boys

Book by Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice. Music by Bob Gaudio. Lyrics by Bob Crewe. Redcliffe Musical Theatre. Directed by Thomas Armstrong-Robley. Redcliffe Performing Arts Centre. March 12 – 21, 2021.

Suddenly songs such as “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, Walk Like A Man” and many others have a different depth to them after watching this very good production of Jersey Boys. This is the complex story of one of the best known and successful bands of the 1960s from their rise from obscurity to fame and fortune and of falls from those heights. After many name changes and failures, things changed when teenager Frankie Castelluccio joined the group and was trained by one of the band.

Call of the Malleefowl

By Charlie Kay, presented by Bluestocking Theatre Co. Adelaide Fringe 2021. Bakehouse Theatre. Mar 15 – 20, 2021

This first play from newly formed Bluestocking Theatre gives highlight to queer stories and disabilities in theatre, with a focus on leading roles for women. The play is a mystery, with Evelyn (Millie Montgomery), a young Autistic woman, being interviewed about a suspicious death by a therapist, Dr. Fields (Allison Scharber).

A Child of Our Time

By Michael Tippett. Adelaide Festival 2021. Festival Theatre. Mar 14, 2021

Michael Tippett’s A Child of Our Time reminds us that even out of times of tragedy can come hope. This oratorio was Tippett's artistic and emotional reaction to the events that led to the 'Kristallnacht' pogrom of November 1938.

Debora Krizak - Ssh There’s A Lady On Stage

Adelaide Fringe 2021 (South Australian Premiere). The Queens. Mar 14-20, 2021

Proudly local, Elizabeth born, Debora Krizak is one of Australia's most critically acclaimed entertainers. Accompanied by a four-piece band, led by renowned music teacher and performer Darren Mapes, Krizak shares her musical favourites from shows such as A Chorus Line, where she professionally performed the role of Sheila Bryant, Cabaret and Sweet Charity. Krizak looks two million dollars; clad in a fitted blue and silver, side split evening gown. She struts and sashays, rhinestones catching the light, feeding the glamour factor.

An Ideal Husband

By Oscar Wilde. Villanova Players. Director: Matthew Hobbs. Ron Hurley Theatre, Seven Hills, Qld. 6-21 March 2021

Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy brings a multitude of laughs in Matthew Hobbs’ well-directed Villanova Players production. This oft revived, ever-topical play touches on themes that never go out of fashion - insider trading, honor, corruption and a money-mad society. Add in blackmail, affairs of the heart, and a good dose of Wildean wit and this Edwardian romp is as up-to-date as yesterday.

Steel Magnolias

By Robert Harling. Directed by Adam Salathiel. Laughing Horse Productions. City of Gosnells, Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie WA. Mar 12 - 20, 2021

In a year where it seems that we are getting many male centred productions, it is lovely to see a female led favourite pop up again. Laughing Horse Productions’ Steel Magnolias is a wonderful celebration of the strength of women and the importance and power of female friendships.

Cosi

By Louis Nowra. Stirling Players. Stirling Theatre (SA), March 12-27, 2021

Cosi is an Australian classic, taught as part of the Australian high school English curriculum for many years. Written by Louis Nowra, it premiered in 1992 at Belvoir St Theatre. Set in a mental institution in 1971 during the volatile period of the Vietnam War, it has the potential to be dated and perhaps enter into the realm of stereotype in portraying patients with mental illness. Megan Dansie’s direction has put this under a blacklight, both physically during scene changes, and metaphorically.

The Wind In The Willows

By Kenneth Grahame, adapted by David Gooderson. Presented by RAVA Productions. Armitage Theatre, Toowoomba. March 10 and 11, 2021

Following a successful regional tour of Charlotte’s Web, RAVA Productions has once again reimagined classic children’s fiction with a delightful production of The Wind in the Willows.

With a troupe of four seasoned performers and bright but minimal sets and costumes, this show was enjoyable in its simplicity and will translate well into a regional tour, as intended.

Whole Lotta Zepp

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2021. Arkaba Hotel. Mar 12, 2021.

Covering an established and successful group such as Led Zeppelin is a mammoth feat, but Adelaide based tribute band Whole Lotta Zepp showed none of these concerns as they took to the stage to face a sold-out audience.

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