Reviews

Madagascar the Musical

Book by Kevin Del Aguila. Music and Lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan. GMG Productions. Associate Director: Nick Purdie. Sydney Coliseum Theatre, 16 Dec, 2022 – 1 Jan, 2023, then Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, January 4 – 15, 2023 and Crown Theatre, Perth, Jan 19 – 26, 2023

Recreating animated characters as living beings is difficult enough if the characters are human. But animals? Big, upright, talking, singing and dancing animals! That calls for a great deal of talent and imagination – but costume maker Robert Allsopp and puppet designer Max Humphries had just that creative skill. Their original designs are stunning replicas of the movie characters and bring the caged animals of the New York Zoo to life in a production that is big, colourful, hoof-tapping fun!

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

By William Shakespeare. Sport for Jove Summer Season. Director Sean O’Shea. Bella Vista Farm. 16 Dec – 30 Dec, 2022. Everglades Gardens, Leura. 7 – 22 Jan, 2023

The setting is wonderful. The high, open surrounds of a colonial farmhouse in Baulkham Hills. An outdoor stage framed by a garden of creepers and icehouse roses. Patrons picnicking on rugs or plastic chairs in summery December … or not!

Spirit of Christmas

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Concert Hall, Brisbane. 16–17 December 2022

After the current bombardment of consumerism, it’s nice to immerse yourself in what this time of year should ideally be about – taking a step back to recount the past months, as well as reconnect with, and contribute to, our community.

A Cracker Kransky Christmas

The Kransky Sisters. Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) Brisbane. 13–24 December 2022

Get out your Jatz crackers and apple on sticks – the Kransky Sisters have driven their little red Morris all the way from Esk to bring you some early Christmas cheer. And these girls know how to throw a party – just don’t ask Graham Roach, the pest controller who still hasn’t been seen since attending to the Kransky’s Airbnb’s spider infestation.

Babushka Regifted

By Alicia Cush, Laura Coutts and Judy Hainsworth. Little Match Productions. New Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, Brisbane. 14–17 December 2022

If the sight of festive green and red is giving you blurred vision and you’re already crazed with the ear-worms of merry musak, go full Grinch and release your inner Scrooge – but do so with like-minded people as you hum along to an alternative Christmas list as the Babushka Cabaret team take to the stage. Babushka performers and writers, Alicia Cush, Laura Coutts and Judy Hainsworth are gorgeously be-sequined – with some cheeky costume changes throughout.

It Runs in the Family

By Ray Cooney. Rockingham Theatre. Directed by Sue Walker. The Castle, Rockingham, WA. Dec 2-11, 2022

Rockingham Theatre closed 2022 with this nicely produced incarnation of Ray Cooney’s farce It Runs in the Family. A well-paced comedy with lots of running in and out of doors and mistaken identities, as Dr. Mortimore attempts to deliver the Ponsonby Lecture in an international conference, while fending off a paternity suit, an ex-wife, an emotional teenage daughter he didn’t know he had and a variety of crazy people.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Music: Frank Wildhorn. Lyrics & Book: Nan Knighton. OSMaD. Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Melbourne. December 8 - 17, 2022.

The calibre of non-professional theatre in Melbourne continues to soar with OSMaD’s lavish production of The Scarlet Pimpernel.  This much underrated and rarely performed musical echoes the romance of Phantom, the drama of Les Misérables and the cheeky humour of a Gilbert & Sullivan opera.

Boxing Day BBQ

By Sam O’Sullivan. Ensemble Theatre. Director Mark Kilmurry. 9 December, 2022 – 15 January, 2023

“It’s Sydney. It’s Boxing Day. And it’s stinking hot. Grandad Stephen was the BBQ King and his adult children have gathered to honour his memory …”

Family traditions often outlive their raison d’etre. Sometimes it’s better just to let them go! But Peter is determined to honour his father’s legacy despite the heat, a bush fire burning not far away and the apparent indifference of the rest of the family.

The Man from Earth

Written by Jerome Bixby. The Thespian Theatre Company. Directed by Mark Stratford. Cracked Actors Theatre. 8-11 November, 2022

When explaining why he is leaving his job, John Oldman reveals he has lived through all human history. While his friends attempt to prove or disprove his story the text meanders through art history, the rise and fall of civilizations, biology, religion, politics, psychiatry, relationships and loss.

The Wizard of Oz

By Tom Whalley. Directed by Christine Ellis. Roxy Lane Theatre, Bayswater, WA. Nov 26 - Dec 10, 2022

Roxy Lane’s contribution to pantomime season is this “wicked” little pantomime with a clever script. Playing to capacity crowds, with lots of matinees, this is a child-friendly production with lots of colour.

Charlie Baker is a very likeable Dorothy who anchors the show well, while also doing double duty as the show’s musical director. Her famous friends are played with great teamwork by Ethan Battle (lots of personality as Scarecrow, Teale Harrison as Tin Man and Made Kate as the Cowardly Lion.

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