Reviews

Myth, Propaganda and Disaster in Nazi Germany and Contemporary America

By Stephen Sewell. Rondo Theatre, Cairns. Directed by Kevin West. 10-18 September, 2021.

Stephen Sewell’s award winning play is given justifiable quality treatment by director Kevin West and his group of talented Cairns Little Theatre actors. Set in New York City shortly after 9/11, the story revolves around free-thinking Australian New York University accused of inappropriate behaviour with a student. To top it off he is also visited by an unnamed, mysterious thug with a gun who is bent on destroying Finch’s career.

Clue on Stage

By Johnathon Lynn, Sandy Rustin, Hunter Foster and Eric Price. Directed by Carmen Dohle. Melville Theatre, Stock Rd, Palmyra, WA. Sep10 -25, 2021

Clue On Stage is much merrier than you might imagine a night of multiple murders to be. A well performed production of this play, which is an adaptation of the film, based on the well-known board game, known in Australia as Cluedo.

Glengarry Glen Ross

By David Mamet. Flying Penguin Productions (in association with Brink Productions). The Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide. 10 – 25 September 2021

David Mamet wrote Glengarry Glen Ross in 1983 then sent it to his mentor, Harold Pinter, asking for guidance about how to end the work.

The Pirates of Penzance

By Gilbert and Sullivan. WAAPA Classical Voice Students with the WAAPA Symphony Orchestra. Directed by Brendan Hanson. Geoff Gibbs Theatre, WAAPA, Edith Cowan University, Mt Lawley, WA. Sep 10-16, 2021

The Pirates of Penzance would appear to be one of this year’s most popular shows, at least in Western Australia - with this being the third for this reviewer. There is probably a psychological explanation, that when times are tricky, we return to the safety of this beloved and funny operetta, first performed in 1879.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Written by Stephan Elliott and Alan Scott. Toowoomba Choral Society. Directed by Mary Quade. Empire Theatre, Toowoomba. Sep 9 – 11, 2021

The 1994 motion picture The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was a cinematic work of art – three flamboyant, glamorous drag queens and a large, pink bus set against the backdrop of the unforgiving, red-brown outback. Best of all, it presented the ubiquitous hero’s journey in a uniquely Australian way.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert brings that story to the musical stage - a riot of themes and colours, classic one-liners from the film supporting the action between songs, and sarcastic observations of life, love and sex.

Awakening

By Daniel Lammin. Good Time Theatrics. Directed by Kurtis Laing. Armitage Centre, Empire Theatres Toowoomba. 28 August 2021.

Dramatist Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play Spring Awakening, which brought to light issues in the sexually oppressive culture of 19th century Germany, still resonates strongly with the youth of today. Reimagined by NIDA graduate and Green Room nominee Daniel Lammin, Awakening delivers the vivid dramatisation of the erotic fantasies and existential angst audiences expect from Wedekind’s original work, within a modern-day setting.

Dreams and Visions

Southern Cross Soloists. Concert Hall, QPAC, Southbank. 5 Sep 2021

After a delay due to Covid-19 lockdown, Southern Cross Soloists Dreams and Visions was finally performed, albeit with several of their regular musicians absent due to interstate lockdowns. But in their place were some highly accomplished guest artists, including two of Australia’s foremost musicians, cellist Trish Dean and husband clarinetist Paul, founder of Southern Cross Soloists.

The Old Man and the Old Moon

Book Music and Lyrics by Pigpen Theatre Co. Jack Lark Presents. Jack Lark and Finn Carter (Directors). Melanie Ransley (Set design). Ellen Roe and Jason James (Lighting Design). Samantha Sangston (Costumes and Set dressing). Theatre Royal Studio Theatre, Hobart, Tasmania. 2 – 11 September 2021

The moon used not to wax and wane. It used to be full of light until it developed a slow leak. The audience at the first night of The Old Man and The Old Moon may have entered the state-of-the-art new Studio Theatre slightly leaky but left, universally, brim-full of light.

One Act Season 2021

By Polly Low, James Forte and Katy Warner. Darlington Theatre Players. Directed by Michelle Ezzy, Chris McRae and Jacqui Warner. Marloo Theatre, Greenmount, WA. Aug 27 - Sep 4, 2021

Darlington Theatre Players One Act Season was a well curated selection of Australian short plays. Lovely variety in this trio, which were nicely directed and well performed.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Music: Marc Shaiman. Lyrics: Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman. Songs from the movie by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley. Book: David Greig. Director: Jack O’Brien. John Frost for Crossroads Live, Warner Bros, Langley Park Prods, & Neal Street, Musical Director: David Piper. Choreography: Joshua Bergasse. Lyric Theatre, QPAC, Brisbane. 5 Sep – 2 Oct 2021

Since I saw Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on the eve of its London opening in June 2013, the show has undergone radical surgery with eight songs cut and more songs from the 1971 movie included. This is a good thing, and with all the winners who have the ‘Golden Ticket’ now played by adults instead of children, a much streamlined set, and washing the stage with video images, this ride into ‘Oompa Loompa’ land is most enjoyable.

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