Reviews

Boop

By Statera Circus. The Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre. 31 March 2023 and touring

Set in a suburban supermarket, a tense and batty competition is taking place. To win the admiration of their boss and a badge that reads “Special”, two employees perform athletic feats of sheer lunacy on precariously balanced bits of clear acrylic. One is an eager, newly-hired cashier. The other? A seasoned employee who happens to be a bagel-spitting squawking chicken-woman hybrid. Or, is she an actual chicken? Who knows!

Giselle

Queensland Ballet. Playhouse, QPAC. April 14 – 29, 2023

After one year of waiting, Queensland Ballet finally had the chance to debut the classic Giselle to a full house, rounded out by very well-deserved applause and a standing ovation. Originally titled ‘Giselle, ou Les Wilis’, this is one of the masterworks of classical ballet.  A romantic ballet with music by Adolphe Adams, it was first performed in Paris, France on 28 June 1841.

Zirque La La

Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub, Gold Coast. Open ended 2023 season.

The Pink Flamingo has every reason to be proud of itself. In less than 4 years it has created  9 spectacular production shows, imported circus stars from all over the world, survived the pandemic which sent many producers to the wall, PLUS earned its spot on Trip Advisor as one of the top 10% must see attractions in the WORLD. That’s quite an achievement in show business anywhere. Let alone on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

A Streetcar Named Desire

By Tennessee Williams. Genesian Theatre, Sydney. April 15 – May 7, 2023

Tennessee Williams's play A Streetcar Named Desire’s characters and quotes have become ingrained in the cultural fabric of society. Even as we glimpse back into the 1950’s, it’s hard to believe this play was written nearly 80 years ago. 

Miss Julie (After Strindberg)

Written by James Watson, based on a play by August Strindberg. Presented by Famous Last Words. Goodwood Theatre & Studios, Goodwood, SA. 18 – 29 April 2023

When we step out of the Autumnal chill of Goodwood Road into the Institute, we’re shown into the theatre – but instead of finding our seats in the auditorium, we’re led behind the stage curtain, and onto the stage itself. A lush white carpet that silently screams wealth separates the audience into two halves – it’s a traverse stage, so we’re staring across a sparsely decorated room to our fellow audience.

Heart of Darkness

Written & performed by Anthony Locascio. Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Belgian Beer Café, Southbank. 12 – 22 April 2023

Anthony Locascio is an amiable, engaging guy.  The Companion remarked that with his mobile face and likeability he could be an ideal cinema or television actor. 

Meanwhile, his forte is stand-up and telling stories.  In this show, he says, he’ll tell us ‘the worst things he’s ever done.’  Why?  Because he also wants to prove to us that someone who has done bad things - as he has - can still be redeemed and find true and enduring love - as he has with Zoë, the love of his life. 

When the Rain Stops Falling

By Andrew Bovell. Theatre Arts at Curtin. Directed by Helen Trenos. Hayman Theatre, Curtin University, Bentley, WA. April 18-22, 2023

When the Rain Stops Falling has been one of the more popular play choices of recent years, and this production by Theatre Arts at Curtin and the Hayman Theatre is a strong incarnation of this well-written, but complex text. A play that spans four generations and includes older characters is a challenge for a cast in their late teens and twenties, but this young cast do a marvellous job.

13

Music and Lyrics by Jason Robert Brown. Book by Dan Eilish and Robert Horn. The Colourblind Theatre Company. Directed by Andre and Dinali David. Carey Baptist College Auditorium, Harrisdale WA. April 13-15, 2023

Brand new theatre company The Colourblind Theatre Company has exploded onto the Perth theatre scene with a vibrant, colourful, and enthusiastic production of the musical 13. An excellent first production, 13 features a large cast of young performers, and showcases some up-and-coming talent.

Don’t Call Me a Papadam

Melbourne International Comedy Festival. The Vault Theatre – Speakeasy HQ, 522 Flinders Street, Melbourne and The Rubber Chicken, 256 Moray Street, South Melbourne. 29 March – 22 April, 2023

An Inappropriately Indian-Australian delight   

Donald Runnicles Conducts Brahms 2

Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House. 14 April 2023

With his foot rarely off the accelerator, principal guest conductor Donald Runnicles drives the Sydney Symphony Orchestra through a roller coaster of emotional Romantic spins, with Brahms’ Second Symphony, Schumann’s only piano concerto and a satisfying homage to  Brahms from contemporary composer Detlev Glanert.

All three composers employ the full orchestral array of instruments to articulate this charged and passionate sweep through boisterous and dreamy, quiet pastures and alps, beauty and power, serenity and conflict, loyalty and freedom.   

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