Reviews

Moonlight and Magnolias

By Ron Hutchinson. Ballina Players. Director: Fran Legge. Players Theatre, Ballina. September 4th – 19th, 2015

Moonlight and Magnolias refers to the romanticisation of the southern states prior to the American Civil War.

Forbidden Broadway

Conceived by Gerard Alessandrini. Javeenbah Theatre, Nerang, Gold Coast. Directed by Amy-Louise Anderson. September 4th – 19th, 2015

For the uninitiated, Forbidden Broadway is a parody of the Broadway Musical Theatre and the creation of author, composer, arranger and performer Gerard Alessandrini. The first season opened at Palsson’s Supper Club, New York in 1982 and has seen regular “up dates” over a number of years (I, myself, have 9 of the CD’s).

Amy-Louise Anderson has captured the spirit of Alessandrini’s hilarious interpretation of the musical in a fast moving, fun-packed show.

The Great Gatsby

By F. Scott Fitzgerald, adapted by Rob Croser. Independent Theatre. Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre. Sept 3 – 12, 2015.

The Roaring Twenties was an era of excess, with extremes of both wealth and poverty. Prohibition was in full force and the divide between the classes was evident. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote of the American dream and a man who came from nothing to make his imaginings real.

The Cripple of Inishmaan

By Martin McDonagh. Directed by Kerrin White. Adelaide Repertory Theatre. The Arts Theatre. 3-12 September 2015

In a world where some will doubtless be put off or offended by the mere presence of the 'c-word' in the title of this play, Martin McDonagh's writing aims to confront our sensibilities at the same time as tickling our funny bones. That he succeeds as well in this as he does is a testament to his singular talent. Politeness and political correctness are off the table in a McDonagh script; this writer sees the world as so full of cruelty and injustice that we simply must laugh to stay sane.

A Sunburnt History – Savages

Written and performed by Nick Waxman. The Lord and Master Barbershop Nepean Highway, Seaford. Aug 29 – Sep 5, 2015, then touring.

The Frankston Anywhere Festival has been so poorly promoted that it’s a wonder anyone knows its on, but DON’T miss this show if you can possibly help it, tonight (Sep 4) and tomorrow (Sep 5), or you may find yourself chasing it all around the country. Mind you, it would be worth it.

This is what Fringe theatre should offer us but frequently doesn’t and it speaks volumes that Nick Waxman’s “History lessons” fill venues at the MICF as well as large regional theatres.

Masterclass

By Terence McNally. Left Bauer Productions. fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne. September 1 – 13, 2015.

If you haven’t yet seen this Australian production of Masterclass, you are missing the Charisma of Callas channelled through the Magic of Mercedes.

An Inspector Calls

By J B Priestley. The Mount Players (Vic). Director: Julie Wade. Set Design: Margaret Muehlheim. Mount View Theatre. August 18 – September 19, 2015

An Inspector Calls- a theatre classic or ‘piece preserved in aspic’?  I am grateful to The Mount Players for bringing us, what is, I guess, ostensibly a ‘museum piece’.   In this way they have reminded us of just how pertinent and relevant theatre classics can be.  This is a very interesting, worthwhile and well managed production – a must to see for any lover of good theatre.

Death and the Maiden

By Ariel Dorfman. Sydney Theatre Company / Melbourne Theatre Company. Wharf 1 Theatre. August 28 – October 17, 2015

Ariel Dorfman’s 1991 classic is a chillingly balanced, deliciously dialectical three-hander about the human and moral compromises made in Chile after the bloody Pinochet regime.  It’s relevance today is still sharp as a tack, much as this cramped and flaccid MTC/STC co-production works to blunt it.

One Africa

2015 Boite Millenium Chorus. Directed by Lamine Sonko in collaboration with choir director Andrea Khoza. Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. 30 August, 2015

Each year this project manages the colossal task of bringing together a range of African musical talent both locally and abroad to celebrate the magic and spectacular vibrancy of African song, music and dance. The showcase of diverse styles of musical traditions makes for an unforgettable event. 300 singers with a passion for African rhythms form the chorus and support the vast array of performers in this magnificent display of African culture. The choir is made up of community groups and students from all over Victoria who are a central part of this spiritually uplifting experience.

Into The Woods

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by James Lapine. Dramatic Productions. Director Richard Block. Gungahlin College Theatre. Aug 28 – Sep 12, 2015

“Happily ever after, schmappily ever after” and “be careful what you wish for” are the messages of this light-hearted production of the classic musical Into the Woods. An excellent cast, colourful costuming, an imaginative set, a tight orchestra and a particularly maudlin looking papier mâché cow on wheels ever all add up to great fun.

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