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This page contains
Reviews for 2008 for other years click on the links below:
Reviews 2009
Reviews 2007
Reviews 2006
Billy Elliot
Presented by: Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title
Films
and Old Vic Productions
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne
Date Reviewed: 31st December 2008
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Dance, Billy Elliot, like you’ve never danced before!
Is There Life After High School?
Presented by: Stella Entertainment
(in association with Melbourne Music Theatre and DTM Smallfry)
Venue: St. Chapel off Chapel, Prahran
Reviewer: Chris Baldock
Date Reviewed: Thursday 18th December 2008
"With great performances, a polished production to be applauded and
a director’s vision that is there to be absorbed, dissected and
discussed, it’s a show with its heart squarely and firmly on its
sleeve."
Shane Warne the Musical
Presented by: Token Events
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre,
Collins St
Date
Reviewed: 11th December 2008
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Eddie is Perfect as the King of Spin
Two and Two Together
Presented by: 1812 Theatre
Venue: 1812 Theatre, Upper Ferntree Gully
Date
Reviewed: Thursday 27th November
Reviewer:
Melissa Trickey
Congratulations to everyone involved in this fun, funny and light
hearted presentation, which left me with a smile on my face, and a
set of stomach muscles that had had a nice workout from all the
laughing!!!
Duets For Actor And Musician
Presented by: A is for Atlas
Venue: Abbotsford Convent
Reviewer: Susanna Nelson
Date reviewed: Friday 21st November 2008
Director Xan Colman has done a brilliant job with an ambitious
concept, managing to combine narratives, disciplines and instruments
into a coherent whole.
Honk!
Presented by: Williamstown Little Theatre
Venue: Williamstown Little Theatre, Albert Street
Reviewer: Julia Roper
Date Reviewed: Sunday 30th November 2008
On
entering the theatre on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I was struck by the buzz
of an expectant audience that paralleled a chicken coop!
I’m
Perfect, I’ll Change You, That’s Love!
Presented by:
PEP
Productions
Venue: Doncaster Playhouse
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed:
Thursday 20th November 2008
There is a varied talent base in this group who all performed well with
the parts they were given, some showing their experience and talent in
subtle portrayals of characters and songs and others who were just
enjoying their time on stage and giving it their all.
OzMade Musicals 2008
Presented by:
Magnormos
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Matthew Smith
Date Reviewed: Monday 17th November 2008
So
what is OzMade Musicals? OzMade Musicals is a showcase event of new
Australian musicals; vignettes if you like, of well-rehearsed and strong
new hits.
Cats
Presented by:
MLOC
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Please
note that this review has been removed. We are now taking the appropriate
action with the parties concerned. Theatre People apologises for any
inconvenience caused.
I
Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Presented by:
Why Not? Production Company
Venue:
Cromwell Rd Theatre
Reviewer:
Christian Cavallo
Date Reviewed:
Friday
7th November 2008
The actors worked together extremely well with good chemistries between
the different relationships portrayed
The Wedding Singer
Presented
by: BustCo
Venue: Renaissance Theatre, Kew High School, Kew East
Reviewer: Brice Sedgwick
Date Reviewed: Saturday 1st November 2008
Though, I’m still not sure what Wedding Singer has to do with Barbershop
quartets, nor how it’s the penultimate 80’s musical, as a University
production, it was a great achievement by BustCo.
Zombie Prom
Presented
by: Fab Nobs Theatre Inc
Venue: The New Fab Factory, Bayswater
Reviewer: Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed: Friday 7 November 2008
In a
time when a number of companies are struggling financially as a result of
their large scale productions, Fab Nobs is providing a wonderful example
of what can be achieved on a small scale. (and I’m guessing a small
budget) without sacrificing performance standard or entertainment value.
Little Shop of Horrors
Presented by: Windmill Theatre Company
Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre
Reviewer: Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed: Saturday 1st November 2008
The
show had its pro’s and con’s and I shall explore both in a non bias form,
from the point of view as an audience member and fan of ‘Little Shop of
Horrors’.
Princess Ida
Presented by: Savoy Opera Company
Venue: Alexander Theatre, Monash University
Reviewer: Bill Connellan
Date Reviewed: Friday 24th October 2008
This was
a most enjoyable night’s entertainment with strong vocals, excellent music
and enjoyable characterizations. While not the most loved of the Gilbert
and Sullivan operas it is still worth your attention if you enjoy good
theatre, and will not disappoint if you are new to Savoy productions.
Call Girl the Musical
Presented by: Margaret Fisk OAM
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 23rd Oct 2008
How to
succeed in the call centre business without really trying.
Les
Misérables
Presented by: Old Scotch Collegians Association
Venue: Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College
Reviewer: David Small
Date Reviewed: Saturday 18th October 2008 - Matinee
One hopes that the O.S.C.A. will see fit to stage more theatrical events
in this marvellous theatre. But if they wish to top their debut
production, it will perhaps need to be ‘Ben Hur,’ Gone with the Wind on
Ice’ or ‘Lawrence of Arabia – the Musical’!?
The
Full Monty
Presented
by: Catchment Players of Darebin
Venue: Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre
Reviewer: Michael Butler
Date Reviewed: Friday 17th October 2008
Congratulations again to all involved with Catchment Players’ ‘The Full
Monty’. It was an extremely entertaining night at the theatre. I
encourage everyone to get out and see the show.
Calamity Jane
Presented by: Babirra Music Theatre
Venue: Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
Reviewer: Renee Maloney
Date Reviewed: Friday 10th October 2008
As per
usual, in these types of musicals there is a happy ending. It wouldn’t be
a classic musical if it didn’t!
Aida
Presented
by: Whitehorse Musical Theatre
Venue: The Besen Centre
Reviewer: Craig Maloney
Date Reviewed: Saturday 4th October 2008
Whitehorse has again proven that they have the ability to stage a show
with excellent production and technical accomplishments.
Hot Shoe Shuffle
Presented
by: CLOC Musical Theatre
Venue: Alexander
Theatre, Monash University
Reviewer: Anne Dewar
Date Reviewed: Saturday 4th October 2008 –
8pm
CLOC’s production of HOT SHOE SHUFFLE. What can I say? One word:
SENSATIONAL!!!
Rent
Presented
by: Players Theatre Company
Venue: Watson Theatre,
East Burwood
Reviewer: Renee Maloney
Date Reviewed: Saturday 4th October 2008
Player’s Theatre Company was the first non-professional production of
“Rent” I have seen and I am so glad that I did.
COSI
Presented
by: Purely Pensive Productions
Venue: Eltham
College Performing Arts Centre
Reviewer: Anne Dewar
Date Reviewed: Saturday 26th September, 2008 – 8pm
It is good to see a company like Purely Pensive Productions giving young
people a chance to perform and as the company grows and gains more
experience it will be good to see what their future productions bring.
Ça
Va
Presented
by: Joanne O’Callaghan for the Melbourne Fringe Festival
Venue: The Butterfly Club
Reviewer: Susanna Nelson
Date Reviewed: Monday 6th October 2008
Although
the show is advertised as ‘Vulgar brass with just a little sass’, it has a
gentle, variety show feel – like an episode of the Muppets or the Two
Ronnies – with splashes of comedy and well-timed pathos.
Hot
Mikado
Presented
by: Altona City Theatre
Venue: Altona City Theatre
Reviewer: Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed: Saturday 4th October 2008
Agree
with me or disagree with me but you should definitely see it. I think this
cast deserves a big, loud audience to showcase this production to its full
ability.
Esoterica – Waterdale Originals 08
Presented
by: SPX Waterdale Players Inc
Venue: St Pius X Primary School Hall, Heidelberg West
Reviewer: Chris Baldock
Date Reviewed: Thursday 2nd October 2008
Well
praise be to the SPX Waterdale Players gang because I, and the audience
around me on the opening night, had a blast!
Mame
Presented by: The Production Company
Venue: State Theatre, The Arts Centre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 1st October 2008
Why cry about the latest stock market crash? Be like Mame and Open A New
Window!
Zanna Don't
Presented by: Launchpad Musical Theatre
Productions
Venue: Royce Theatre, Kew
Reviewer: Drew Downing
Date Reviewed: 25th Sept, 2008
With the entire cast under the age of 23, I worried
a great deal about them handling the gay issues with care and
selflessness. This group of young performers delivered some excellent
stage work to be very proud of.
Rocky Horror Show
Presented by: Howard Panter and Paul Dainty
Venue: Comedy Theatre,
Melbourne
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 26th Sep 2008
Slap on your best fish nets, corset and stilettos – Rocky’s back in
town!
Freedom of the City
Presented by: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Lilydale
Reviewer: Angela Ellis
Reviewed: 2nd September, 2008
Doug
Bennett has obviously worked very hard to bring this play to life. I
found everything to be meticulously researched and well structured.
The Real Thring
Presented by: Hoy Polloy and Triple R
Venue: Triple R Performance Space
Reviewer:
Chris Baldock
Date Reviewed: Tuesday 16th September 2008
".....this is a great piece of theatre due to its slick presentation
and the bravura performance of its actor. It may not be the “Real”
Thring in my eyes, but it was certainly the “Entertaining” one".
After Miss Julie
Presented by: Highway 1 Theatre Company in assoc. with Malvern
Theatre Company
Venue: Malvern Theatre, East Malvern
Reviewer: Angela Ellis
Date Reviewed: Friday 19th September 2008
"Opening with an excellent set showing the servants quarters of a
stately home, the furniture and props conveyed the era effortlessly
and was obviously well researched".
The Full Monty
Presented
by: Phoenix Theatre Company Inc.
Venue: Whitehorse Centre Theatre
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed: Friday 12th September 2008
I was
pleased to see such a strong core group of performers gathered for this
Cast by Craig, Renee and the team.
John & Jen
Presented by: Chris Parker & Lisa-Marie
Charalambous
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 13th Sept 2008
This
charming show will leave you with a smile on your face and a tear in your
eye.
Agnes of God
Presented
by: Whitebox Ink Amateur Theatre Group
Venue: Chapel On Station Gallery, Box Hill
Reviewer: Susanna Nelson
Date Reviewed: 23rd August 2008
John Pielmeier’s Agnes of God is an enormously powerful,
psychologically testing piece which requires a certain amount of patience
as it builds to its gritty climax.
Into The Woods
Presented by: Limelight Theatre Company
Venue: Cranbourne Community Centre
Reviewer: Bill Connellan
Date Reviewed: 5th September, 2008
Director/Choreographer Neil Goodwin has drawn together a talented cast and
put together an amusing and highly entertaining production..
Extremities
Presented by:
Strathmore Theatre
Arts Group (STAG)
Venue: Strathmore community centre
Reviewer: Craig Maloney
Date Reviewed: 29th August 2008
All in all, a job well done. I am sure the theatre going public in
Strathmore are more than happy with what their local performing arts group
had in store for them.
Bat Boy:
The Musical
Presented
by: Octave Theatre
Venue: Chapel off Chapel
Reviewer: David Small
Date Reviewed: 24th August 2008
If Octave Theatre continues with such quality output, they should perhaps
change their name to ‘Higher Octave Theatre’, or even ‘Whole Score
Theatre’!
The
Lady in the Van
Presented
by: 1812 Theatre
Venue: 1812 Theatre,
Upper Ferntree
Gully
Reviewer: Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed: 21st August 2008
Apart from a few
opening night nerves that soon settled down, they both worked well
together and gave the audience the banter and connected the whole play
into a smooth flowing story.
Damn Yankees
Presented by: The Production Company
Venue: State Theatre, The Arts Centre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 20th August 2008
The
Production Company have dusted off another classic Broadway musical.
Rent
Presented by: New Beat Theatre Company
Venue: Union Theatre, Melbourne University
Reviewer: Michael Butler
Date Reviewed: 8th August 2008
It was evident to myself that the entire company was working its
guts out and putting its heart and soul into the production.
I
Sing
Presented
by: Old Paradian Theatre Company
Venue: Rivergum Theatre, Parade College
Reviewer:
Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed: 8th August 2008
I have not been able to get the title song “I Sing” out of my head, as
much for the tune as for the relevance of the lyrics to me as a
20-something on life’s turbulent roller-coaster.
Altar Boyz
Presented by: Ovations Live
Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 11th August 2008
The Altar Boyz rock the roof of the Ath. Miss it and risk losing
your place in music theatre heaven!
I Love You
Because
Presented by:
SHooSH!
Productions
Venue: Cromwell Street Theatre, South Yarra
Reviewer: Peter Phillips
Date Reviewed: 9th August 2008
I Love
You Because displays all the neuroses, behaviours and attitudes of New
Yorkers.
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Presented by: MUMCO
(Monash University Musical Company)
Venue: Alexander theatre Monash Clayton
Reviewer: Craig Maloney
Date Reviewed: 9th August 2008
This is
one show that the theatre-going public will be hugely disappointed if they
don’t get to see it, so do yourselves a favour and make the time to go and
see this production of Sweeney Todd.
Isabel Hertaeg is Marilyn Monroe
Presented by: Isabel Hertaeg
Venue: The Butterfly Club, South Melbourne
Reviewer: Victoria Zainal
Date Reviewed: 20th July 2008
Marilyn
Monroe is alive and singing in Melbourne!
Children of Eden
Presented by: One Community Church
Venue: One Community Church Auditorium, Blackburn
Reviewer: Adam Rafferty - Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 19th July 2008
If you
didn’t see this short-lived production, you missed one of 2008’s music
theatre highlights in a production that sets new standards for the
expectations of actors and musicians alike.
Edward Scissorhands
Presented by: The Arts Centre, New
Adventures, Martin McCallum and Marc Platt
Venue: State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 22nd July 2008
The Arts
Centre hosts a winter treat.
Closer
Presented by: Tadaa Productions
Venue: Brightspace, St Kilda
Reviewer: Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed: 20th July 2008
I
could go on forever, and I probably will talk about this show for weeks,
as I find it so damn interesting and relative. I congratulate everyone
involved and thank them for putting on this great show. It provided me
with an evening of great unexpected entertainment.
Follies
Presented by: The Production Company
Venue: State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 16th July 2008
The Production Company present an inspired choice to launch their tenth
anniversary season.
Wicked
Presented by: Gordon Frost / Universal
Pictures
Venue: Regent Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 12th July 2008
Australia’s
production of Wicked is a no-expense-spared sensation!
Cats
Presented by: Altona City Theatre
Venue: Altona Theatre, Altona
Reviewer: Julia Roper
Date Reviewed: 4th July 2008
If you’re a CATS fan or you just want a good night out at the
theatre, I encourage you to head down to Altona before the show closes on
July 26.
Angels In America: Part One - Millennium Approaches
Presented by: Heidelberg Theatre Company
Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, Rosanna
Reviewer: Jennie Kellaway
Date Reviewed: 10th July 2008
he
amount of thought and work that goes into any artistic endeavour is not
evident to the audience, but as a performer, I was impressed by the
dedication and obvious amount of emotional and technical skills presented
by the cast and crew.
Kismet - A Musical Arabian Night
Presented by: Diamond Valley Singers and
Eltham Orchestra
Venue: Warrandyte High School
Reviewer: Craig Maloney
Date Reviewed: 4th July 2008
Kismet
weaves a lush tapestry of romance and melody around one fateful day in the
life of Hajj, an impoverished poet of legendary Baghdad.
Godspell
Presented by: Amateur Repertory Company
(ARC)
Venue: Banyule Theatre, Heidelberg
Reviewer: Drew Downing
Date Reviewed: 5th July 2008
I truly mean it when I say this ensemble was strong. They worked
together. Congratulations to ARC on a good production.
The Thing About Men
Presented by: Magnormos Prompt! Musicals
Venue: Theatreworks
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 3rd July 2008
Another
version of Cats, Rent or Beauty and the Beast? Of course not, this is
Magnormos!
Oliver!
Presented by: Shepparton Theatre Arts Group
Venue: West Side Arts Centre, Mooroopna
Reviewer: Christian Cavallo
Date Reviewed: 21st June 2008
"This
young ensemble knew what they were doing. With some children who must have
been as young as four or five years old, not only were there some very
cute little munchkins onstage, but they all knew the words and executed
their movents professionally."
Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot
Presented by: Melbourne Theatre Company
Venue: The Playhouse at The Arts Centre
Reviewer: Adam Rafferty - Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 11th June 2008
If you like your theatre on the safe side then Scarlett O’Hara is
worth a view to enjoy the concept of woman who projects her life into
classic movie moments.
Cats
Presented by: Windmill Theatre Company
Venue: The Drum Theatre, Dandenong
Reviewer: Gulcan Gulen
Date Reviewed: 13th June 2008
"Windmill has gone all out with lighting, sets and costumes and has
produced yet another extremely entertaining show."
Oliver!
Presented by: Mountain District Musical
Society (MDMS)
Venue: Karrilyka Theatre, Ringwood
Reviewer: Renee Maloney
Date Reviewed: 13th June 2008
"Congratulations to everyone involved.
I urge
everyone to stop whatever they are doing next weekend to get down to the
Karrilyka Theatre to see MDMS’ “Oliver” before it is too late."
Oliver!
Presented by: MLOC Productions Inc.
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer: Nina Strahan
Date Reviewed: 13th June, 8pm
Lovers of
this classic tale will certainly not be disappointed by MLOCs rendition. A
performance to be proud of and an opportunity for those of us in the South
Eastern Suburbs to see some quality theatre close to home.
Platform
Presented by: BuSTCO
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Deakin University, Burwood
Reviewer: Julia Roper
Date Reviewed: 5th June 2008
Have
you ever been on a train, looked at those around you and wondered what
they’re thinking about? This simple question forms the basis of BuSTCo’s
latest variety show, Platform.
Songs For A New World
Presented by: Doorstep Ensemble
Venue: Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
Reviewer: Drew Downing
Date Reviewed: 7th June 2008
I have
now seen four productions of Jason Robert Brown’s masterpiece, but have
rarely felt tears welling up from both excitement and sorrow. This show
was a sensation.
You're A Good Man Charlie Brown
Presented by: Melbourne Musicals
Venue: Cromwell Rd Theatre, South Yarra
Reviewer: Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed: 5th June 2008
Melbourne Musicals should be commended for producing such a slick
and professional production with their first attempt. I can’t wait
to see what the company has in store for us next!
Frost/Nixon
Presented by: Melbourne Theatre Company
Venue: Fairfax Studio at The Arts Centre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Adam Rafferty - Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 29th May, 2008
What
occurred in Frost’s final interview with Nixon’s is a fascinating
turning point in the life of the 37th President of the
United States
The
Merry Widow
Presented by: Babirra Music Theatre
Venue: The whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
Reviewer: Craig Maloney
Date Reviewed: 1st June 2008 - 2pm Matinee
There
were many other “stand out” performances, all in all a job well done by
all. If you like Operettas then make the trip to the Whitehorse Centre to
see “The Merry Widow”.
An Evening with Lorna Luft
Venue: Fairfax Studio at The Arts Centre
Reviewer: Jacqui Bunting
Date Reviewed: 3rd May, 2008
After watching a show billed as “exclusive and intimate”, one should’ve
left the theatre with some sort of insight into the life and emotions of
Lorna Luft.
Disney's
Beauty and the Beast
Presented by: BLOC Music Theatre
Venue: Her Majesty's, Ballarat
Reviewer: Michelle Rogers
Date Reviewed: 31st May 2008
This
entertaining show was truly one the whole family could enjoy – little
children giggled, while some of the older audience members, such as
myself, had more than one tear form in the eye.
Hobson's Choice
Presented by: 3 Big Men Productions & The Rehearsal Room
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel,
South Yarra
Reviewer: Matthew Smith
Date Reviewed: 29th May 2008
Almost a
play of proto-feminist ideals, HC ostensibly tells the story of Maggie
Hobson (Caroline Lloyd), a headstrong woman who is tired of the heeling
words of her father and sets about rearranging her destiny.
Sweet
Charity
Presented
by: JYM Theatre.
Venue:
Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer:
Anne Carne (Dewar)
Date Reviewed:
25th May 2008 at 2pm
Paula looked
gorgeous and had a great stage presence and I can understand why she was
cast as Charity as she definitely had a charm about her that stood out
from the rest.
How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found
Presented
by: Hoy Polloy
Theatre Company.
Venue:
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed:
Friday
23rd May 2008
David Passmore rises brilliantly to the challenging role of Charlie.
Onstage for almost the entire duration of the play, David perfectly
embodies Charlie's journey from arrogant city worker at the start to the
bewildered, crushed soul at the play's end.
The
Wedding Singer
Presented
by: Williamstown
Musical Theatre Company Inc.
Venue:
Williamstown Mechanics Institute
Reviewer: Michelle Rogers
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 17th May
2008
Robbie Hart’s singing and highly effective facial expressions were spot
on, with him expressing both humour and sadness in a powerful way.
Alexandra Clover was cast well opposite him as the sweet Julia Sullivan.
M*A*S*H
Presented
by: Phoenix
Theatre Company Inc.
Venue:
Mahon
Theatre, Aquinas College, Ringwood -
Till Saturday May 24th
Reviewer: Bill
Connellan
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 17th May -
8pm
Director Anne Dewar is
to be congratulated for her casting and direction and the manner she has
presented this Australian Premiere production to the audience.
Seussical the Musical
Presented
by:
Whitehorse Musical Theatre
Reviewer:
Chris Hughes
The cast were highly competent, consistent, energetic and were able to
create fantastic characters underneath the caricatures, which really
helped them connect with the audience.
Bugsy
Malone
Presented
by:
Players
Theatre Company
Reviewed by: Robbie Carmelotti
Venue: The Watson
Theatre, Forest Hill College, Burwood
Date Reviewed:
May 16th 2008
So
taking into account the script and the young cast, I believe the
production team did very well to get this show on the stage, and I do not
envy all the hard work they must have put in.
Sweeney Todd
Presented
by:
Throwback Players
Venue: The Union
Theatre, Melbourne University
Reviewer:
Gulcan Gulan
Date Reviewed:
May 17th
2008
Can I say what
an amazingly talented cast - the ensemble was fantastic but I must say one
person who stood out and kept the audience in stitches was Simone French,
she drew in the audience with her stirring voice and her portrayal as the
crazy chicken lady will go down in musical theatre history.
Kiss Me Kate
Presented
by:
Park Players
Venue:
Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
Reviewer:
Wayne Motton
Date Reviewed:
Friday
May 16th 2008
Another opening and yet another show by Park Players at the Karralyka
Theatre. The Excitement in the
foyer was overwhelming as I arrived ten minutes before the curtain on
Opening night
My Fair Lady
Presented
by:
Opera Australia
Venue:
State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed:
Friday 16th May, 2008
Opera Australia has spared no expense to create a lavish and fully
realised production of the timeless Broadway hit My Fair Lady.
The Boy
from Oz
Presented
by:
CLOC Musical Theatre
Venue:
Alexander Theatre
Reviewer:
Jennie Kellaway
Date Reviewed:
Friday 9th May, 2008
CLOC’s The Boy From Oz opened at the Alexander Theatre with the audience
giving the star of the evening, Jonathon Sebastian, as Peter Allen, a
standing ovation.
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Presented
by:
Catchment Players of Darebin
Venue:
Darebin Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Jennie Kellaway
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 10th May, 2008
The part of Millie could have been written for the talented Amy, who sings
up a storm, dances and acts with style and energy.
Get Smart
Presented
by:
Dandenong Theatre Company
Venue:
The Drum, Dandenong
Reviewer:
Julia Roper
Date Reviewed: 19th April, 2008
Dandenong have the smarts to get it right. Trying to recreate a television
classic on stage can be fraught with danger. There are so many
expectations to be met – especially from die-hard fans. Every ‘i’ and ‘t’
must be dotted and crossed respectively.
The 39
Steps
Presented
by:
Melbourne Theatre Company
Venue:
The Playhouse at The Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Adam Rafferty – Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 10th April, 2008
A jolly good night out at the theatre, this rib-tickler is a must for
Hitchcock fans and lovers of English
comedy alike.
Disco Inferno
Presented by:
Fab Nobs Theatre
Venue:
Mooroolbark Community Centre
Reviewer: Latecha Cadle
Date Reviewed: 4th April 2008
Disco Inferno is a
light, fun and energetic show full of fantastic 70's music. I’m not a fan
of going to shows opening night, always worried things will go wrong and I
won’t see the best it could be. But I was pleasantly surprised with Disco!
No Love Lost
Presented by:
The
1812
Theatre
Venue:
1812
Theatre
Reviewer: Jennie Kellaway
Date Reviewed: 28th March 2008
This company must be
doing something right. The house was full, admittedly with a fair share of
senior theatre-goers but also a mix of younger patrons.
Guys and Dolls
Presented by:
The
Ambassador Theatre Group, Shows Inc, and Marriner Theatres
Venue:
Princess Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed:
5th
April 2008
The stars
have aligned to bring Melbourne a thrilling, brand new production of the
beloved Broadway classic Guys and Dolls.
West End Mini-Reviews
Presented by: Various
Venue: Various
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Dates Reviewed: December 28, 2007 - January 18, 2008
Trent
Kowalik was the best Billy I have seen yet, an absolutely brilliant
dancer - remember the name! Seeing the show again reminded me that our
Sydney production has reduced the audition scenes but otherwise it holds
up extremely well.
Word
Presented by: Julia Sutherland
-
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Venue: Bar Open - Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Reviewer: Chris Hughes
Date Reviewed: 22nd March 2008
Julia
Sutherland has evolved via a clever transition from musical theatre, to
cabaret/hybrid stand up comedy over the past five years, however her
latest offering “Word” marks her debut into the fully-fledged world of
stand up.
Jesus Christ Superstar
Presented by: SPX Waterdale
Players
Venue: Rivergum Theatre at Parade College, Bundoora
Reviewer: Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed: 15th March, 2008
SPX Waterdale Players’ production of Jesus Christ Superstar, was a
wonderful example of the good things that can come from a young, emerging
company.
Billy Elliot
Presented by: Universal Pictures, Working
Title Films and Old Vic Productions
Venue: Capitol Theatre, Sydney
Reviewer: Michelle Rogers
Date Reviewed: 2nd March 2008
Billy
Elliot provides a good night out and will pull at your heart strings, but
you probably won’t leave the theatre humming the tunes – you are however,
likely to leave with a newly-acquired Northern England ‘Geordie’ accent!
A PEP Perspective
Presented by: PEP Productions
Venue: Cromwell Road Theatre, South Yarra
Reviewer: Melissa Trickey
Date Reviewed: 22nd February, 2008
The
concept of the PEP Perspective, which I think is extremely smart thinking
by the powers that be at PEP, is to present songs from musicals that they
are considering producing in the immediate future and letting the audience
vote on which one they would like to see PEP produce.
Bare - The Musical
Presented by: SHooSH! Productions
Venue: Cromwell Road Theatre
Reviewer: Adam Rafferty - Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 7th February, 2008
A
rock/pop musical about teenage angst, coming out, and the risks of sex and
drugs,
transcends its gay niche and is easily entertaining enough
to connect with audiences from all walks of life.
Don Juan in Soho
Presented by: Melbourne Theatre Company
Venue: Fairfax Studio at The Arts Centre, Melbourne
Reviewer: Adam Rafferty - Theatre People Editor
Date Reviewed: 17th January, 2008
Lovers of
the classic versions of Don Juan may find this feast hard to digest, but
Marber’s sharp dialogue, Frederiksen’s nimble portrayal of Stan and some
gleeful comedy from O’Leary and Jenkinson make this re-imagining of the
enduring tale worth investigating once more.
In Verse
Presented by: SLAMS
Venue: Bayswater Community Centre, Bayswater
Reviewer: Anne Carne (Dewar)
Date Reviewed: 2nd February, 2008
Overall it was
an entertaining night with some great talent on display!
Congratulations to SLAMS for trying something different.
Broadway Mini-Reviews
Presented by: Various
Venue: Various
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: Dec 12 - 27, 2007
During
his latest sojourn,
Simon Parris
prepared the following Mini-Reviews for our reading pleasure and
has
tips and hints for those about to set off to the Big Apple themselves.
The
Who's Tommy - In Concert
Presented by: Geelong Musical Comedy
Company
Venue: Ford Theatre, Geelong
Reviewer: Glenn Ritchie
Date Reviewed: 11th January, 2008
Staging
any type of musical in a short period of time is always going to be
demanding and GMCC have done an exceptional job pulling this production
together.
Reviews 2009
Reviews 2007
Reviews 2006 |