Reviews

Let me start with the tagline:- The Book Of Mormon Is Quite Simply The Funniest Musical Of All Time.

There! It’s just my opinion but I’ll take on any challengers (not that I expect there to be any). This marvellous piece of buffoonery, for all it’s crudity and brashness, is warm, endearing, positive and with a terrific score.

The slim storyline sees newly appointed missionaries sent to Uganda, where the population is dying from AIDS, poverty, neglect and terrorism. Can anything in the Book Of Mormon actually ease their plight?

Opera Australia's 200th performance of La Traviata had a decidedly international flavour. In the lead as Violetta was Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho, who gave such a masterclass in emotive performance that she prompted the usually reserved Opera Australia audience to their feet.  

She remained in character during the ovation at the curtain call – appearing utterly spent, just moments after a spectacular final collapse onto the stage. The highlights of her singing were the sustained low pianissimo and clarity of her highest notes.

West of the Moon is a fairy-tale for older children - a picture book treat, with a strong female heroine and a lovely message of self-belief and independence.

This is “not a very good story” begins Stephanie, as she proceeds to directly address the audience about events at her work place. It turns out to be a fascinating story that has the audience engrossed from beginning to end.

Solo performer May Jasper, has developed a beautifully realistic character in Stephanie. Stephanie has been ill and has returned to work at a call-centre after a long absence. A little bit shy, socially awkward and somewhat child-like, she brings a unique perspective, and what feels to be unintentional humour, to what is a disturbing tale.