By Kate Herbert. La Mama HQ, Carlton. 7 – 19 May 2024
In this thoroughly engaging story of a lung transplant, wry comedy mixes with fear and frustration. Death hovers, but there’s still space for temper tantrums, marital discord, surprising and funny reactions, interfering if well-meaning parents, bickering, and of course cold or insouciant doctors and specialists.
Composed by Gaetano Donizetti with libretto by Salvatore Cammarano. Presented by Melbourne Opera. Directed by Suzanne Chaundy, conducted by Raymond Lawrence and Greg Hocking AM. Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne. 8, 14, 16 & 18 May 2024.
This superb production of Lucia di Lammermoor exalts the tale that has been transformed into a highly dramatic and stirring opera.
Music by Michael Gore. Lyrics by Dean Pitchford. Book by Lawrence D. Cohen. Phoenix Ensemble, Qld. May 3 – 25, 2024.
In the heart of community theatre, there lies a unique alchemy of passion, dedication, and collaboration. It’s not just about the performance; it’s about the collective effort, the shared enthusiasm, and the transformative power of storytelling. Phoenix Ensemble’s production of Carrie: The Musical embodies this spirit of community theatre in a gripping, raw, and emotionally charged performance that captivates from start to finish.
By Esther Vilar. Translated by Udo Bogert and Laura Ginters. Sport for Jove. Old Fitz Theatre. May 3 – Jun 1, 2024.
This legend of an Irish princess escorted across the sea by a hero knight to marry a Cornish king is as old as William the Conqueror. This modern, translated version by German playwright Esther Williams, short and sharp-edged, follows innumerable tellings of this tale of adulterous and unquenchable love, of potions and murder.
Devised and Performed by Pete Booth and Joel Fenton. Presented by Act React. Switch Room, Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre. 4 – 5 May, 2024.
One of Brisbane’s favourite production companies, Act React has delivered big time on the family friendly entertainment with Flabbergasters. It can often be a challenge to find a show that’s equally as engaging and uplifting for grandma as it is for the kids, especially when it comes to comedy festival programming. That’s why it is such a delight to see shows like this one finding a space in the Brisbane Comedy Festival at the Powerhouse.
By Joanna Murray-Smith. Ensemble Theatre, Sydney. Directed by Shaun Rennie. 3 May – 8 June, 2024
Did someone at the Ensemble know about the showing of the brilliant 8-part television version of ‘Ripley’ before scheduling this play? If so, then congratulations, for the audience seemed completely ready for this ‘spill the beans’ look at ageing writer Patricia Highsmith and her appalling creation. Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith wrote the play, which premiered in Sydney in November 2014 and has been seen in many international cities. It remains enthralling and repellent.
Book and lyrics by Joe Dipietro. Music by Jimmy Roberts. Griffith University’s Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre (QAEMT). Cremorne Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). 2-4 May 2024
Griffith University’s Queensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre chose a certain winner for their second production of this year. As directed by the versatile Jason Klarwein, this production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change is bracing, with plenty of fresh talent, perfectly showcased.
By Ruth Fingret. Director: Olga Tamara. The Hellenic Art Theatre, Building 36, 146 Addison Rd, Marrickville. May 2 -12, 2024
Asylum begins with tension. Three scenes play out simultaneously and Craig, an immigration officer, a husband, and a father, is caught in all of them. Playwright Ruth Fingret places her protagonist in a series of dilemmas, where decision-making and dishonesty juxtapose and diverge in a script that is tight and demanding. Olga Tamara’s direction is just as tight and demanding.
Conducted by Peter Luff. Directed by Lois Redman. Presented by Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Conservatorium Theatre, QCGU, 3 – 4 May 2024
If you’re of the opinion that all opera is over the top dramatic histrionics, The Val Machin Opera Scenes performance would have certainly changed your mind. The annual event returned to Queensland Conservatorium for an unforgettable evening of hilarious opera and classical music. Yes, you read correctly, it was hilarious. The Classical Voice department treated us to comedic excerpts from three operatic works.
By Peter Quilter. Canberra Repertory Society. Directed by Aarne Neeme AM. 2 – 18 May 2024
Tonight is the final performance of the great and celebrated actress Lydia Martin. Keenly aware that she is on the verge of the age when roles dry up, she’s made the decision to upend her life by throwing it all in and running off to live in Geneva with a Swiss banker. Funny, poignant, dripping with irony, Canberra Rep’s The Actress haughtily drapes itself over more than one boundary. Peter Quilter’s script offers directors leeway to emphasise different nuances to tweak the emotional tone.
