Reviews

Into The Woods

By Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA Inc. 85th Anniversary Concert. The Arts Theatre Adelaide. September 22 - October 1, 2022

How utterly delightful to revisit this musical in 2022, not quite a year after the death of Stephen Sondheim.  To make it even better, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA has assembled a talented cast and crew to do justice to this landmark musical, entertaining us since its San Diego premiere in 1986.

Seussical The Musical

By Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens based on the works of Dr Seuss. HAMA Productions. Directed by Olivia Jade. The Regal Theatre, Subiaco, WA. Sep 23 - Oct 2, 2022

Just in time for the school holidays, Hama Productions’ Seussical the Musical bursts into the Regal Theatre - a joyous, vibrant show, with excellent production values and a highly talented cast. 

My Family and Other Animals

By Gerald Durrell. Genesian Theatre Company, Sydney. September 17 to October 22, 2022.

Let me start by saying that this play is quite an undertaking.  Twenty-five different scenes that convey a combination of Gerry's childhood memories, the sometimes chaotic family dynamic and the various Durrell family interactions with the locals.  It certainly is a rich tapestry and the Genesian Theatre Company has tackled it head on.

Marvin’s Room

By Scott McPherson, Ad Astra, Brisbane. 1 - 24 September 2022

Marvin’s Room is a weirdly surreal, sometimes soapish drama: it’s about rebelling against your family history, but also about gracefully accepting the cards you’ve been dealt. One commentator called its style “absurdism shot through with compassion”. It is colourful, sad, but mostly funny. On its surface is a human drama (albeit black comedy), but its subconscious themes of caring, complicated family love, and unfulfilled potential will resonate – and don’t be surprised if the play creeps up on you the next day.

Amy’s Tattoo

By Alison Mann. Blue Cow Theatre. Director - Sarah Carradine. Sound Designer - Heath Brown. Jason James – Lighting. Theatre Royal Hobart, 21-24 September 2022 (Hobart) and Earl Arts Centre Launceston, 30 September - 1st October.

It is a well-known aphorism that children and tattoos are both permanent.  Both get under your skin, as does this wonderful play by Alison Mann. Tasmanian playwright Mann, already much awarded, was recently shortlisted for the prestigious Queensland Premier’s drama award. For good reason.

Amy is 42-year-old free-spirited tattoo artist who altruistically donated her eggs as a 20-year-old.  The action unfolds when she meets her son, a young adult who wants a tattoo.  The marks on the skin of both go much deeper and an immediate connection is formed.

Avi Avital and Jennifer Marten-Smith

Musica Viva Tasmania. The Town Hall, Hobart. 19th September 2022

Israeli Avi Avital, must have been looking forward to reconnecting with his colleague and friend, Italian Giovanni Sollima. The occasion was the much anticipated concert of mandolin and cello at the Hobart Town Hall on the evening of September 19th. Instead, Avital spent the morning in rehearsal with acclaimed local concert pianist, Jennifer Marten-Smith.

Australia Day

By Jonathan Biggins. Hunters Hill Theatre Company. Director: Jasper Kyle. Club Ryde. 9-25 September, 2022

Hunters Hill’s production of Australia Day waited patiently during two years of restrictions to make its funny and irreverent appearance in this 2022 season. Funny because of playwright Jonathan Biggins’ ability to satirise everyday characters and situations; irreverent because his satire is, in the words of director Jasper Kyle, “highly provocative” – as satire usually is! In the well-known Wharf Revue, Biggins and his co-writers Drew Forsythe and Phil Scott lampoon politics and politicians, local and international.

Next To Normal

Book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Music by Tom Kitt. Javeenbah Theatre Company. Directed by Nathan French. Musical Direction by Taylor Holmes. 16th Sept- 1st Oct, 2022.

Over the past decade I have reviewed this unique musical five times. I’m not complaining. It’s a truly brilliant show and easily in my list of Top 10 Musicals of ALL time.

However, it’s fair to say that a show about a family being torn apart by the mother’s mental illness - 16 years bi-polar - is not your average fare. This is a very personal show that is confronting by reminding us that we are all human. It’s special in all aspects, as its four Tony Awards (from 11 nominations), a Pulitzer Prize for Drama and various other awards testify.

Everything and Nothing

The Songs of Luke Di Somma. The MC Showroom. Friday, September 16, 2022

Musical Theatre fans could only be delighted with this presentation of Luke Di Somma’s well-crafted songs, delivered with Luke’s introductions and piano accompaniment by very competent and engaging singers.

Pack of Lies

By Hugh Whitemore. Wanneroo Repertory. Directed by Gordon Park. Limelight Theatre, Civic Dve, Wanneroo, WA. Sep 15 - Oct 1, 2022

Pack of Lies is a well-constructed telling of a true story, and Wanneroo Repertory’s production, is very strong, so it is a shame that the Opening Night crowd was not as full as I would expect at the Limelight Theatre. Hopefully word of mouth will convince audiences to flock to later shows, as this is an impressively acted, well-produced show.

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