Reviews

The Eisteddfod

By Lally Katz. Black Swan State Theatre Company. Directed by Jeffrey Jay Fowler. Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, Perth, WA. June 22 - July 9, 2017

In the way that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, one shouldn’t judge Black Swan State Theatre Company’s production of Lally Katz’s The Eisteddfod from the poster. Released last year, the bright and funky poster picture does not reflect the starker look and darker feel of the production by Jeffrey Jay Fowler. This is black comedy, not a fantastical romp.

Songs of Love and Revolution

Adelaide Cabaret Festival Closing Variety Gala. Her Majesty’s Theatre. 24th June, 2017

The Adelaide Cabaret Festival can quite successfully claim to be one of the best in the world. From the lavish glittering showcase that was the opening Gala, through the myriad of performances during the festival, to the smashing Closing Variety Gala at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide has been treated to talent in spades.

Tapestry: The Songs Of Carole King

Vika Bull & Linda Bull. Dunstan Playhouse. Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2017. June 23 & 24, 2017

After seeing Dahlesque, Courtney Act, Dianne Reeves, Michael Feinstein and Matilda: The Musical – all a part of this year’s wonderful Adelaide Cabaret Festival – my final show was Tapestry – and it was the best!

Not that the others were anything less than wonderful in their own way, but this one had a particular magic and standard of excellence, as well as last minute back-stage drama, that made it special.

Journey to the Centre of Attention.

Reuben Kaye. Adelaide Cabaret Festival. Artspace.June 23rd and 24th, 2017

I had heard the rumours, but nothing could have prepared me for the tour de force that is Reuben Kaye.

A tall, devilishly handsome man doused in glitter and rhinestones and the longest eyelashes I have ever seen, he is a cross between a drag queen and a matinee idol. As he sashayed toward the stage, microphone in hand, it became apparent that he is all about the details - this is a microphone adorned with a mane of brunette locks.

Scarred for Life

Josh Belperio. Adelaide Cabaret Fringe. Carlcew Ballroom. 22-24th June, 2017

Who would have thought that a bicycle accident would be the impetus for a one-man cabaret show? Certainly not this reviewer, but in Scarred for Life Josh Belperio allows us into his pain and suffering with humour, complemented with touches of pathos and love.

Rossum’s Universal Robots

Written by Karel Capek. Directed by Lindsay Nash. Aussie Kelpie Arts. Star Theatres, Hilton, SA. 22-25 June, 2017.

The mystery of what makes us human is one that has never lost its relevance or pertinence; hopefully, it will continue to inspire artists of all varieties to keep searching for the answers through their work. R.U.R. was first staged in 1921, but its premise – based around existential questions relating to the nature of humanity, as well as the potential disasters that technology could unleash on us - still has the power to grip and intrigue after all this time.

Wages of Fear

After Georges Arnaud, adapted by Shane Grant. Metanoia Theatre. The Mechanics Institute, Sydney Road Brunswick. June 20 – 29, 2017

Wages of Fear is the story of how greed can put individuals at insuperable risk.  Shane Grant’s stage play is inspired by the 1950 novel Le salaire de la peur by Georges Arnaud.  Apparently Henri-Georges Clouzot’s 1953 film of this novel is considered, by some, to be one of the most suspenseful films ever made.   

The Gondoliers

Libretto by W S Gilbert, music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. Rockdale Opera Company. Directed by Ralph Bott. Musical Direction by Jon Smith. Rockdale Town Hall. 24 June to 4 July, 2017

Rockdale Opera Company bills itself as the oldest opera company in Australia in continuous operation, being founded by Rockdale Municipal Council in 1948.

The current production of The Gondoliers is the 8th staging of the operetta over the past 69 years.

Courtney Act – The Girl From Oz

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2017. Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent. June 16 – 18, 2017

Courtney Act, after entering on roller-skates singing ‘Xanadu’, announces that this show is not about The Wizard of Oz or The Boy from Oz, but about Australian Pop Music.

Based on personal experience, including living several years in the USA, Courtney Act celebrates and pays tribute to some of the great Australian ‘pop hits’ and artists that achieved international acclaim and success.

Model Citizens

By Circus Oz. Concept and artistic direction by Rob Tannion. Big Top at Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. 20 June – 16 July 2017.

Circus Oz is not always overtly political when providing the opportunity to experience some spectacular performances and enjoy some raucous fun to help forget your woes. Model Citizens is a show that contains all the traditional elements of entertainment offered by this much-loved company. However, this show is unabashed about its exasperation with a tide of politics that tries to obscure exactly the kind of difference that Circus Oz has set out to celebrate over decades.

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