Reviews

Rent

Book, Music, and Lyrics: Jonathon Larson. Rockdale Musical Society. Director: Kate Berger, Musical Director: David Lang. Choreographer: Joel Duffy. Rockdale Town Hall. May 31 – June 4, 2017.

Rockdale’s Rent is far more colourful and moving than its grim black and white promotional material suggests.  This update of La Boheme to turn-of-millennium New York hasn’t dated and retains much of its punch.

Of the principals, Marcus Hurley as Mark, Charles McComb as Roger, and Sherry-Anne Hayes as Joanne stood out for me. They were always in character, in “the moment”, and had good command of their roles and projection.

Endgame

By Samuel Beckett. Black Swan (WA). Directed by Andrew Ross. Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA, Perth, WA. 27 May - 11 June, 2017

Endgame, by Samuel Beckett, is in many ways an interesting choice for Black Swan State Theatre Company. Certainly not a commercial selection, Black Swan brought a unique perspective to the play, which made it a strong and watchable production.

While this is not an ‘easy’ night at the theatre, strong directorial choices, perceptive design and outstanding acting make this, without doubt, the best “Beckett” I have seen.

Hello, Dolly!

Book by Michael Stewart. Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman. Based on the play The Matchmaker by Thornton Wilder. The Production Company. Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne. 27 May to 11 June, 2017

Hello, Dolly! is one of Broadways most successful musicals and, not surprisingly, the music by Jerry Herman is delightful and the story adapted by Michael Stewart from Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker is full of humanity and lovely witty lines.

This simple story about finding love in New York is universal, heartwarming and presented in a wholly engaging, fluid way by The Production Company.

Only Heaven Knows

Music, Book and Lyrics by Alex Harding. Luckiest Productions and Hayes Theatre Company. May 30 - July 1, 2017

It is impossible to conceive of any company staging this work with any more passion and heart than this production team and cast. The atmosphere on opening night, in Kings Cross where the musical is set, was not just of a company putting on a show – but more like a group on a mission.

The Kingfisher

By William Douglas Hume. Javeenbah Theatre Co, Nerang, Gold Coast.. Director: Nathan Schulz. May 26th - June 10th, 2017.

“How long would you wait for a second chance?” is the question asked of the audience by Javeenbah’s current production.

The answer is fifty years for the cast of The Kingfisher. This three-handed romantic comedy stars Chris Hawkins and Vivian Gian (pictured) with Graham Scott as the long serving / long suffering butler to Sir Cecil. When, after fifty years, Sir Cecil’s first love, Evelyn, unexpectedly contacts him and arranges a visit, strong emotions come to the fore all round.

Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical.

Book and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. Music by Frank Wildhorn. Director: Ben Todd. Musical Director: Ben Stefanoff. Choreographer: Rebekah Stonelake. Marie Clark Musical Theatre Company. The Arts Theatre, Adelaide. 26 May – June 3, 2017.

‘Tis certainly the season in Adelaide for releasing our dark sides onto the musical stage! MCMT’s production of the classic R.L. Stevenson tale is an example of musical theatre that takes us back in time while attempting to both touch our emotions and jangle our nerves, rather than simply push our nostalgia buttons. Boasting a brilliant central portrayal, some strong supporting performances, a talented ensemble, and generally impressive musical/technical qualities, this Jekyll & Hyde is a winner.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt

By Jeffrey Archer. 1812 Theatre (Vic). 25th May to 17th June, 2017.

In Jeffrey Archer’s play Beyond Reasonable Doubt, Sir David Metcalf finds himself accused of the willful murder of his terminally ill wife. After an overwrought courtroom scene, we see Sir Metcalf locked in an extensive legal struggle with his adversary, Anthony Blair-Booth QC. The audience is lead to believe that this is the end for Sir Metcalfe, as his former housekeeper claims to have witnessed the fatal act, and testifies against him.

Rumors

By Neil Simon. WWLT. Directed by Shea Wicks. The Peninsula Theatre Woy Woy. May 26-June 11, 2017

''I was going through some difficult times,'' Neil Simon says. ''This marriage I was in was breaking up. My daughter's husband was killed in an automobile accident. It seemed like rough going. And I said I wanted to work, because work is always a cathartic process for me, and I thought it would be really good just to get into a comedy.''

Doubt: A Parable

By John Patrick Shanley. Apocalypse Theatre Company, in association with Red Line Productions. Directed and produced by Dino Dimitriadis. Old Fitz Theatre. May 10 – June 3, 2017.

A fascinating, compelling production by Apocalypse Theatre Company - 90 minutes of dramatic explosions of inner turmoils and emotions by an excellent cast.

Shrine

By Tim Winton. Kin Collective. Fortyfivedownstairs. 24 May – 18 June 2017

Tim Winton’s Shrine is a play about grief.  How grief is experienced differently by different people; how grief can mask guilt or be poisoned by it; how grief can be driven by anger and blame; and how grief can be simply an aching emptiness. 

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