Reviews

An Inspector Calls

By J.B. Priestley. Castle Hill Players. The Pavilion Theatre. February 2 – 24, 2024

An Inspector Calls’ enduring relevance lies in its exploration of class divisions, ethical dilemmas, and the ramifications of unchecked privilege. It is as relevant and conversational today as ever. We may be peering into a living room from long ago, but who do we see inside? 

Each character's moral complexity contributes to the narrative, prompting such reflection on personal integrity, social consciousness, and the collective impact of individual choices. This enduring masterpiece resonates across time and societal contexts.

Amanda Palmer

At the Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. February 3, 2024.

I have never seen Amanda Palmer perform live. I really only came to know of her in more recent years, after I exploded out of my marriage, culture and religion - a very sheltered, naïve and impressionable single mum. A few new arty friends were proclaiming I needed to check her out like my life depended on it.

Tiny Beautiful Things

Adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos, from the book by Cheryl Strayed. Co-conceived by Marshall Heyman and Nia Vardalos. A Queensland Theatre Production, in association with Trish Wadley Productions. Director: Lee Lewis. Belvoir Street Theatre. 1 Feb – 2 Mar, 2024

Cheryl Strayed’s book Tiny Beautiful Things was published in 2012. It is a collection of letters she received and answered, anonymously, and unpaid, in an advice column called “Dear Sugar” on an online literary website. Topics ranged from mundane questions to lifetime sorrows.  When it was suggested to Canadian writer and actor Nia Vardalos that it might be adapted for the stage, Vardalos was astonished by the “raw and extraordinary candour” of both the writers of the letters and Strayed herself.

Meg Washington

With The Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Sydney Town Hall. 3rd Feb, 2024

Image: Meg Washingto. Photographer: Zac Bayly

Shrek The Musical

By David Lindsay-Abaire and Jeannie Tesori. Old Nick Summer School. Director: David Thomson. Musical Director: Andrew Castles. Puppetry and Properties: Helen Cronin. Lighting: Gareth Kays. Costumes: Helen Cronin. Choreography: Kristy Baker. Set: Chris Oakley. Sound: Andrew Johns. The Don Bosco Performing Arts Centre, Tasmania. 1-11th February 2024

When Shrek, the Musical, was announced as the 2024, 20th anniversary Old Nick Summer School production, a ripple of disaffection went through the community of aspiring actors. A fairy tale? A kids show? Shrek, The Musical, is none of these. This is a well written, well-orchestrated and relevant show, with many interesting and challenging roles for performers.

Groundhog Day the Musical

Book by Danny Rubin. Music and lyrics by Tim Minchin. Developed and directed by Matthew Warchus. GWB Entertainment. Princess Theatre Melbourne. January 4 - April 7, 2024

Well should I, or shouldn’t I watch the movie again before I see the musical? Isn’t that the question everyone asks when they are about to see a stage play that started its life as a screenplay?

In this case the screenplay of the 1993 movie of the same name (staring Bill Murray and Andie MacDowell).

My answer, ‘no I didn’t and I am glad I didn’t,’ as this forced the musical to stand on its own feet without (unnecessarily) referencing the film.

In The Heights

By Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes. PACA Productions. Directors: Rodrigo Medina Noel and William Pulley. The Concourse Chatswood. 2 – 11 Feb, 2024

If In the Heights is, as the directors describe, “a poignant portrayal of the immigrant experience, highlighting the struggles, aspirations and triumphs of the Latinx community” in New York’s Washington Heights, then this production is a jubilant celebration of the many migrants from South American countries – and other parts of the world – who have made their homes in Australia.

Home Economics

By Declan Greene. Midsumma Festival. Theatre Works at Explosives Factory. 30 January – 3 February, 2024.

Here is a considerably revised version of Declan Greene’s 2009 play, Home Economics.  Now the play features just three pieces (sketches?).  Filipe Filihia’s set is all gauze and glittering silver curtains – a shimmering, glitzy, show biz look for the very black humour of the show overall.  All three pieces feature food of a sort (candy bars, sausage rolls, tomato sauce, wine, restaurant food that never arrives, and flour - with one character a high school home economics teacher).

The Magic Flute

Composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. Opera Australia. Directed by Kate Gaul. Conducted by Teresa Riveiro Böhm. Joan Sutherland Theatre, Sydney Opera House. February 1 to March 16, 2024.

Austria sometimes gets mixed up with Australia, and you may have seen T-shirts to that effect with a map of the European country and a kangaroo crossed out.

This production, composed by Vienna-born Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, blends both countries in a different way. Director Kate Gaul and playwright Michael Gow translated the German language opera into Australian English, and inserted dialogue in place of some of songs.

Alone It Stands

By John Breen. Ensemble Theatre, Sydney. Directed by Janine Watson. 25 January – 2 March, 2024

This funny comedy tells the story of the legendary day in 1978 when Munster, an Irish amateur football side, beat the mighty New Zealand All Blacks, undisputed kings of Rugby, 12-0 in Limerick. The All Blacks were undefeated on the remainder of that tour, so this momentous day really shines through.

Never fear, you need to know precisely nothing about the arcane rules and regulations of the game to enjoy this tumultuous, breath-taking recounting of Munster’s victory. It is great fun and really gets the audience buzzing.

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