Reviews

Some Enchanted Evening

Australian Musical Theatre Festival. Featuring the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. Princess Theatre, Launceston. May 24, 2025

Forgive me - if there was ever a clichéd sentence waiting to happen - this is it: “Tyran Parke dreamed the impossible dream”. He did so by way of his introduction to proceedings. Apparently, way back in 2021 when he took the reins as Artistic Director and the festival was in its infancy, he vowed… 

“In five years, we’ll put on a big show in the Princess Theatre with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra.” 

Disney's Alice In Wonderland Junior

Music and lyrics by Danny Elfman, Sammy Fain, Bob Hilliard, Oliver Wallace, Cy Coben, Michael Abbott, Sarah Weeks, Mack David, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston. Music adapted and arranged and additional music and lyrics by Bryan Louiselle. Book and additional lyrics by David Simpatico. Camden Musical Society. Director: Hayleigh Burman. Musical Director: Kayla Hall. Choreographer: Sasja Penman. Asst Choreographer: Tiana Giampaolo. A.H. and I. Hall, Camden. 23 - 31 May 2025

What a brilliant production!

Camden Musical Society's latest show is a delight for all ages. Disney's Alice In Wonderland Jr. is based on Disney's full length feature film. Disney has re-packed its original film into an hour-long stage version that is suited for junior casts. The original songs from the film are there, with some new ones thrown in with a modern harmless pop feel. 

Holding the Man

Adapted by Tommy Murphy, from the novel by Timothy Conigrave. Glenbrook Players. Director John Forbes. Glenbrook Community Theatre/Cinema. 23 May – 1 June, 2025

Tommy Murphy’s sensitive adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s deeply personal memoir of his relationship with John Caleo places their story securely in its time yet also transcends time and place. It tells a love story that, in the words of director John Forbes is “uniquely theirs, yet deeply universal” – one that reaches across boundaries and generations.

When I Get My Name In Lights

Australian Musical Theatre Festival, Launceston. Day 3. May 23, 2025.

Billed primarily as a showcase of emerging artists, this water-tight program had more tricks up its sleeve than Houdini - kicking things off with a flourishing rendition of “If They Could See Me Now", from Sweet Charity. Featuring Alinta Chidzey (star of the first Australian touring production of Moulin Rouge) alongside emerging talents Laura Henderson, Amelia Howell and Lexie Lethborg and supported by the VCA ensemble, it not only started the show with a bang - but for the rousing last chorus, out from the wings struts none other than an abs

Nathan Cavaleri: New Blues with a Story

The Brunswick Ballroom. Fri 23rd May, 2025

Nathan Cavaleri steps onstage, easily picks up his guitar and starts playing. What the audience doesn’t know yet is that the simple, famous action of ‘Cavaleri picks up guitar’ has been fraught. On Friday night I went to The Brunswick Ballroom to see Nathan Cavaleri: New Blues with a Story. It’s a music show coinciding with his recent album release, peppered with anecdotes and musings from his past. Nathan’s story is an intense one; we see a grown man on stage and yet the figure of the child remains.

8 Women

By Robert Thomas adapted by Céline Oudin. PLaylovers. Directed by Paul Treasure. Old Mill Theatre, South Perth, WA. May 22 - 31. 2025

Thanks to the generosity of Old Mill Theatre, Playlovers have taken to the stage once more, with their rendition of the French black comedy, 8 Women. A Western Australian premiere, this adaptation of the 70-year-old French play was originally performed in Canberra, and thanks to Stage Whispers came to the attention of Director Paul Treasure, who has searched for many years for an English version of this play.

Come From Away

Book, Music & Lyrics: Irene Sankoff and David Hein. Director, Co-Vocal Director & Choreographer: Ali McLaren. Musical Director & Co-Vocal Director: Aradie Blake. Company Manager: Kerry Cheeseman. Holiday Actors. The Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool. May 14 – 18, 2025.

Warrnambool’s Holiday Actors’ 40th anniversary production is a breath of fresh air. While extravagant, high-budget productions often fail to connect on an emotional level, Come From Away distinguishes itself with a modest budget and a close-knit cast that creates a moving, memorable experience long after the performance ends.

Wuthering Heights

Adapted by Simon James from the novel by Emily Bronte. Arena Arts. Directed by Simon James. City of Gonells Don Russell Performing Arts Centre, Thornlie, WA. May 9-16, 2025

Arena Arts presented an original adaptation of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights for a short season at Don Russell Performing Arts Centre. Authentic to the novel, though obviously heavily abridged, this production featured costumes and settings that felt true to the story and era.

A Chorus Line

Book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban. Original direction and choreography by Michael Bennett. Willoughby Theatre Company. Director: Stig Bell. Choreographer: Stephanie Edmonds. Musical Director: Greg Larielle-Jones. The Concourse Theatre, Chatswood. May 23 to June 1, 2025.

Last night’s performance of A Chorus Line at Chatswood Concourse, presented by Willoughby Theatre Company, was nothing short of stunning. This production was more than just a musical; it was a confession of truth.

Mark Vincent - From West End To Broadway

Australian Musical Theatre Festival. Musical Director: Guy Noble. Princess Theatre, Launceston. May 22, 2025

Confession: I missed the memo about Mark Vincent when he won Australia’s Got Talent 15 years ago, at the age of 15. So, when I finally did view his audition on YouTube, it was AFTER witnessing his stellar performance as a grown adult, last night at the Princess Theatre Launceston. Weirdly, I think seeing the audition afterwards had even more impact. 

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