Reviews

Déjà Revue - The Wharf Revue 2018

Written and created by Jonathan Biggins and Drew Forsythe. Sydney Theatre Company. The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre. 23 October – 3 November 2018

The insane pace of intrigue in Canberra of late is a mixed blessing for satirists. While, the material is bursting out of Parliament House on a daily basis, the current news cycle is so crazy that the writers of a show like The Wharf Revue need to sprint to keep up. This was the first show without composer Phil Scott, whose music was so much a part of the revue’s successful formula. And that was even before Drew Forsythe (both a major performer and half of the writing team) fell ill and had to withdraw from performing for six weeks.

Don Giovanni

By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. West Australian Opera. Directed by Göran Jävefelt, Rehearsal director: Roger Press. His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth, WA. 20 - 27 October, 2018

Although Don Giovanni was written in 1787, and this Göran Jävefelt production was developed in 1991, this opera is truly an opera for our times. Don Giovanni, a nobleman who uses his power to seduce, and is not averse to raping women or murdering those who stand in his way, is not far removed from power wielding men whose exploits have recently come to light. 

The Campaign

By Campion Decent. Tasmanian Theatre Co. and Blue Cow Theatre Co. Tasmania. Directed by Matt Scholten. Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre. October 22-November 3, 2018

The Campaign exudes warmth, humour and optimism. All bitterness is eschewed and the culmination, celebratory.

This is an important play. Many young people today will not have been aware of events of the late 80’s and 90’s which lead to the repeal of legislation discriminatory to the LGBTIQ community and yet these same young people enjoy a world that is more tolerant and inclusive as a result.

One and the Other

Devised & performed by Debra Batton & Sue Broadway. La Mama Courthouse, Carlton VIC. 17 – 28 October 2018

A show put together and performed by a couple of old troupers.  They might prefer ‘middle-aged’, but they shouldn’t mind ‘old’ since that’s the powerful if underlying ‘message’ of this show.  ‘Old’ maybe, but still at it – still lithe, skilled, funny and fierce. 

Heathers the Musical

By Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy. MACMS. Lighthouse Theatre, Macquarie Uni. October 19 – 27, 2018

Macquarie University Musical Society’s performance of this new musical, based on the 1989 film of the same name, was filled with an energetic youthful cast of talented students.

The cult/classic film that has now recently been turned into a TV Series on Stan, has a many themes that stand true in society today - Popularity, Depression and Teen Angst.

Shrek The Musical

Based on The Dreamworks Animation Motion picture and book by William Steig. Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire. Music by Jeanine Tesorei. Gosford Musical Society. Laycock Street Theatre. October 19 – November 10 2018

Shrek has captured hearts and minds as a film globally for the best part of two decades, so when DreamWorks announced a musical adaption, it didn’t come as a surprise. However, what Shrek The Musical does, which is unusual, is to take that which is loved about the film and give it a completely new life. With music by Tony Award winning composer Jeanine Tesori and book & lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire – it’s well crafted, as tongue in cheek as the movie, and caters for a broad spectrum of audiences.

Amigos Para Siempre

Queensland Pops Orchestra. Conductor: Patrick Pickett. Queensland Three Tenors (Greg Moore/Adam Lopez/Nathan Kneen). Concert Hall, QPAC. 20 October 2018

Queensland Pops’ last concert for the year was a love-fest of tenor tunes, dazzling concert showpieces and Latin music. It was also a 20year celebration of Greg Moore’s first appearance with the Pops.

Moore, Adam Lopez and Nathan Kneen met each other at university back in the nineties and have been friends ever since. The fact that they all have terrific tenor voices is a plus.

Don Giovanni

By Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Opera Q. Director: Lindy Hume. Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: Johannes Fritzsch. Playhouse, QPAC. 19 Oct – 3 Nov 2018

Director Lindy Hume’s feminist reinterpretation of Mozart’s masterpiece for the #Me Too era works brilliantly. Darkly austere in its setting, piercingly clever in its use of light, and a rock-star performance of the title character, the production ticks all the right boxes.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam

Adapted by Steve Rodgers from the novella by Peter Goldsworthy. National Theatre of Parramatta. Riverside Theatres Parramatta. October 18- 27, 2018

Playwright Steve Rodgers, who adapted this story by Peter Goldsworthy for the stage, says this play “is about love and grief”. Director Darren Yap describes it as a “deeply moving story … full of pain and full of love, where family is everything.” It is all of this – and more – and, as such, it is a play that requires tenderness and understanding, sensitivity and compassion.

Andrew O'Keefe "Shouts" Johnny O'Keefe

Palms at Crown Melbourne. 19 & 20 October 2018.

The life and music of the legendary Johnny O’Keefe (JOK) are energetically revived with candour and humour by his nephew Andrew O’Keefe. This show highlights the monumental importance of Johnny O’Keefe as Australia’s first true rock ‘n’ roll star.

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