Reviews

A spirited and full-throated production of Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s last collaboration – before the Nazis intervened – an opera that is a dark, cynical, and mocking satire of American capitalism and/or the Weimar Republic.  The principal singers have great presence and things are enlivened by Christopher Hocking’s animations and news montages projected, along with narration and pointed epigrams, on a giant cyclorama.  Mahagonny was first produced in 1930, but it could be just as much about now.

Petrushka - Game, Set and Match is a highly theatrical blend of Ballet, Contemporary Dance and Tennis. Choreographed by Scott Elstermann, it is a reimagining of the ballet Petrushka by Sergei Diaghilev. Beautifully danced and staged with a great sense of fun, this was easy to watch and compelling dance theatre.

This is an endearing play which is based on Alaine Beek’s own personal battle with breast cancer. The idea of sharing such a personal, heart-warming story of resilience is a brave one and the story enters some very delicate territory. The text shows how Beek’s approach to dealing with her illness was to take it in her stride and to avoid allowing it to interfere with her life, despite the constant everyday disruptions. Dealing with doctors and concerned friends and family members are elements which are portrayed in a very identifiable manner.

Director Elise Greig did not heed Stephen Sondheim’s mantra of ‘Less Is More’ with this production of Putting it Together. The original paper-thin plot of setting it at a cocktail party, also had to carry a secondary plot of the kids rehearsing the show for a Broadway producer. It made for a long afternoon in the theatre. Of course Greig had to make room for a cast of 23, whereas the original only had five performers in it. The show was also used as a salute to Sondheim following his recent death, though I might add that it was way too sycophantic.