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For Reviews prior to
2009 click here
Trial by Jury and Other Legalities
Presented by Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria:
Venue: Old Melbourne Magistrates Court
Reviewer: Bill Connellan
Date Reviewed: Saturday 20th June 2009
With most of the cast filling multiple roles of various significance
there were some standout performances and a number of delightful
cameo appearances.
Immersed
Presented by: Collaboration the Project
Venue: Forum Theatre
Reviewer: Lisa George
Date Reviewed: Monday, 22nd June 2009
Melbourne’s finest choreographers through to Full-time performing
arts students came together to showcase Melbourne’s elite.
Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story
Presented by:
Live Theatre Productions
Venue:
The Palms at
Crown
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: Friday 26th June, 2009
Rave on!
I
Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Presented by: PEP Productions
Venue: Doncaster Playhouse
Reviewer: Jennie Brown
Date Reviewed: Saturday 20th
June 2009
PEP deserves an audience to see this show. Obviously Julia and her
team have put much heart and sole into this production and it does
showcase the talents of ten capable performers.
Terra Nova
Presented by:
Starlight Theatre
Co-Op
Directed by: Shane
Rodwell
Venue:
Centre Stage Theatre, Spring Hill, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Monday 15th June 2009
Nigel Riley picked up his performance in Act two after an ordinary
effort in Act one. I was impressed by his powerful performance when
his character, Taffy, suffered from delusion.
Proof
Presented by: Lilydale Athenaeum
Theatre Company Inc.
Venue: Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre
Reviewer: Angela Ellis
Date Reviewed: Tuesday 16th
June 2009
Lilydale once again delivered an excellent piece of theatre and
whilst I still can’t remember my times tables or add up a bill
without diving for the calculator, maths for the first time became a
little bit more interesting.
Beauty
and the Beast
Presented by:
MLOC Productions
Inc
Venue:
Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer:
Anne Dewar
Date Reviewed:
Friday 12th June 2009
The cast looked like they had just stepped right out of the story
book and up on to the stage with colourful costumes and a grand
looking set completing the effect!
Les Misérables
Presented by:
Windmill Theatre
Company
Venue:
The Drum Theatre
Reviewer:
Kym Davies
Date Reviewed:
Friday 12th June 2009
The production team has put together a truly talented cast with some
of the most outstanding voices and acting potential I have seen in a
long time.
Oklahoma!
Presented by:
Mountain District
Musical Society
Venue: The Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
Reviewer: Jennie Kellaway
Date Reviewed: Friday 12th June
Although the season is relatively short, there are certainly many
reasons to support MDMS and see this theatre classic it is indeed
very impressive.
Presented by:
Queensland Ballet
Directed by:
Francois Klaus
Venue:
Charles Lisner Studio, Thomas Dixon Centre, West End
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Friday 12th June 2009
The professional year dancers performed the first dance of the
night. I was entertained, but more by the beautiful music that
accompanied the piece, Ave Maria by Bach and Gounod. A
gorgeous piece that even moves a non-classical listener like me.
Busting Out
Presented by:
Andrew Guild and Simon Bryce
Venue: Athenaeum
Theatre,
Melbourne
Reviewer:
Simon
Parris
Date Reviewed: 11th June, 2009
Bawdy Busting
Out is a boobalicious bonanza!
Remember Ronald Ryan
Presented by:
BustCo
Venue:
Phoenix Theatre, Deakin University, Burwood
Reviewer:
Renee Maloney - Theatrepeople Editor
Date Reviewed:
Wednesday 10th June, 2009
The
show was excellent and the directors’ non naturalistic
interpretation of the story of Ronald Ryan in the late 1960’s was
clear and staged in an interesting and exciting way.
Wuthering Heights
Presented by:
Villanova Players
Venue:
The Theatre,
Morningside TAFE, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 6th June,
2009
Beginning in 1801, we are introduced to the home of Wuthering
Heights, where Heathcliff resides. Mr Lockwood, who is moving to his
new home at Thrushcross Grange, is visiting the landlord Heathcliff.
84 Charing Cross Road
Presented by:
1812 Theatre
Venue:
1812 Theatre, Upper
Ferntree Gully
Reviewer:
Chris Baldock -
Theatrepeople Editor
Date Reviewed:
Wednesday 3rd June, 2009
Overall however this was a charming, and I must say, surprisingly
delightful night of theatre. If you have never seen this play or
indeed visited 1812 Theatre before, then this evening comes highly
recommended.
Avenue Q
Venue: Comedy
Theatre,
Melbourne
Reviewer: Simon Parris
Date Reviewed: 4th June, 2009
Finally
Australian audiences are treated to the hilarious world-wide smash
hit Avenue Q!
Café
Latte
Presented by: Mornington CEF Players
Venue: St Peter’s Hall, Mornington
Reviewer: Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed: Friday 29th May 2009
Entering the intimate
hall of St Peters, it was pleasant to see a creative set, using the
whole stage and parts of the auditorium to make up the Cafe that is,
Cafe Latte.
Fiddler on the Roof
Presented by: Babirra Music Theatre
Venue: Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
Reviewer: Kym Davies
Date Reviewed: Friday 29th
May 2009
This
timeless, superbly crafted piece of theatre has been
enthusiastically reproduced by Babirra Music Theatre for an
appreciative and willing audience.
August:
Osage County
Presented by:
Melbourne Theatre Company
Venue:
The Arts Centre, Playhouse
Reviewer:
Adam Rafferty
Date
Reviewed: Thursday 28th May, 2009
A
three-act play running for three hours and twenty minutes (including
intervals) could be a burden on its audiences, but August: Osage
County is certainly not.
Martin Short - Live
Presented by:
Crown Melbourne & A-List Entertainment
Venue:
The Palms at Crown
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date
Reviewed: Thursday 28th May, 2009
Martin’s
Greatest Hits
The Debutante Diaries
Presented by:
Blackbird Productions
Venue:
QUT Gardens
Theatre, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date
Reviewed:
Sunday 24th
May,
2009
The
hilariously honest Debutante Diaries will have you in shock
and stitches.
The Truth About Kookaburras
Presented by:
Metro Arts and Pentimento Productions
Venue:
Sue Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, Edward St, Brisbane
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date
Reviewed:
Friday 22nd
May,
2009
The Truth About
Kookaburras is an eye-opener with more levels than a sky-scraper and
more layers than an onion.
Speed the Plow
Presented by:
Human Sacrifice Theatre
Venue:
Chapel off Chapel, Prahran
Reviewer:
Chris Muir
Date
Reviewed:
Sunday
17th
May 2009
Human Sacrifice Theatre’s performance is an impressive exposé of the
shady making and breaking of deals that take place in the offices of
the cowboys (and a femme fatale temp) that make up Hollywood’s
extended cast.
A Little Night Music
Presented by:
Opera Australia
Venue:
State Theatre, The Arts Centre
Reviewer:Simon
Parris
Date
Reviewed: Thursday 21st May 2009
Sigrid sings!
Footloose
Presented by:
Whitehorse Musical Theatre
Venue:
The Besen
Centre, Burwood
Reviewer:
Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed:
Sunday 17th May, 2009
I think that Whitehorse Musical Theatre is on the right track to
countering its recent financial difficulties – simpler staging, a
great production team and a focus on new members. I hope that
Footloose sets the company well on the road to financial
recovery.
The Sound of Music
Presented by:
Nova Music Theatre
Venue:
The Whitehorse Centre, Nunawading
Reviewer:
Anne Dewar
Date Reviewed:
Friday 8th May, 2009
Beautiful singing, delightful children, a gorgeous leading lady,
wonderful costumes and beautiful backdrops made for an enjoyable
production presented by Nova Music Theatre.
Cabaret
Presented by: JYM Theatre co.
Venue: Phoenix Theatre, Elwood
Reviewer: Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed: Thursday 14th May 2009
On a whole, I enjoyed the show, I thought the direction by Brendan
Cohen was well thought out, his actors really connected with his
vision & they portrayed the show with great diction and
believability
Into The Woods
Presented by: UMMTA
Venue: Union Theatre, University of Melbourne
Reviewer: Julia Roper
Date Reviewed: Saturday 9th May 2009
Overall, there were comedic moments that were either smudged or
overlooked entirely. Nevertheless the finished product was a fine
piece of theatre and congratulations should be extended to all
involved.
Twelfth Night
Presented by:
Starlight
Theatre Co-Op
Venue:
Centre Stage Theatre, Spring Hill, QLD
Reviewer:
Kellie Scott
Date
Reviewed:
Friday 1st May 2009
Strobe lighting, short skirts, skinny jeans and singing may not
sound like Shakespeare but Twelfth Night
has become a dazzling production with slapstick, studs, sparkles and
seductive sounds thanks to
Starlight Theatre.
Cabaret
Presented by:
Dandenong Theatre Company
Venue:
The Castle
Reviewer:
Anne Dewar
Date
Reviewed: Saturday 9th May 2009
Upon walking into the
Castle I was greeted by a lovely Fraulein who seated me at a table.
Several over the top, bizarre cabaret characters were mingling with
the Audience and it set up a great atmosphere straight away.
Miss Saigon
Presented by:
CLOC Musical Theatre
Venue:
Alexander Theatre, Monash University - Clayton
Reviewer:
Chris Hughes
Date
Reviewed: Friday 8th May 2009
You really have to work for your applause. It’s with this in mind
that I should say that the discerning crowd roared and cheered
during the curtain call, showing their appreciation and admiration
for a job very well done.
Parade
Presented by:
New Beat Theatre Company
Venue:
Union Theatre, University of Melbourne
Reviewer:
Renee Maloney
Date Reviewed:
Friday 24th April 2009
Chookas to the
cast and crew of ‘Parade’ for the rest of their run and I do urge
everyone to get down to see the show. It makes for a great night
out.
Call Girl the Musical
Presented by:
Margaret Fisk OAM, Simon Myers and Greg Dee
Venue:
Chapel off Chapel
Reviewer:
Melissa Trickey
Date Reviewed:
Tuesday
21st April 2009
The second coming of Call Girl the
Musical gets it right the first time – no need to phone a friend!!!
A Musical Showcase
Presented by:
Mountain District Musical Society
Venue:
Althenaeum Theatre, Lilydale
Reviewer:
Felicity Hill
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 18th April 2009
The audience was delightfully entertained to the point where one
member (who shall remain nameless) almost laid an egg
Rhythm n’ Runners
Presented by:
Triple Threat Performing Arts
Venue: Blakison Theatre,
Geelong Performing Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Lisa George
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 18th April 2009
Not only did the tappers perform excellent rhythm with street tap
sequences and routines, they added body percussion to blend it with
the challenge handed to them in several dances by the Hip-Hoppers
World War Wonderful
Presented by:
Karin Muiznieks – 2009 Melbourne Comedy Festival
Venue:
Studio 2, Northcote Town Hall
Reviewer:
Chris Baldock
Date Reviewed:
Thursday 9th April 2009
Along the way, Muiznieks throws a wonderful series of Andrew
Sisters-style songs at us that are so clever, so naughty, that their
brilliance almost takes your breath away
Bombshells
Presented by:
Purely Pensive
Productions
Venue:
Banksia Theatre,
Heidelberg
West
Reviewer:
Julia Roper
Date Reviewed:
Saturday 4th
April 2009
Congratulations to Purely Pensive Productions and all involved
in Bombshells. It was a thoroughly enjoyable show.
Good Things
Presented by:
1812 Theatre
Venue:
1812 Theatre, Upper Ferntree Gully
Reviewer:
Susanna Nelson
Date Reviewed:
Friday 27th March 2009
The
1812 Theatre is a delightful suburban gem tucked away behind the
main strip of Upper Ferntree Gully.
The Wedding Singer
Presented by:
Fab Nobs Theatre
Inc
Venue: The New Fab Factory, Bayswater
Reviewer:
Nathan Soutar
Date Reviewed:
Wednesday 1st
April 2009
This show has several numbers where the stage is literally full of
dancers ‘busting a move’ and having seen how many names were in the
cast list I was curious to see how they could all possibly fit on
the stage during these numbers.
The 25th
Annual Putnam County
Spelling Bee
Presented by: Catchment Players of Darebin
Venue: Banule Theatre -
Viewbank College, Heidelberg
Reviewer:
Emmalee Bell
Date Reviewed:
Sunday 29th March 2009
The
move from Darebin Arts Centre to the Banyule Theatre was a good one,
not only financially, but artistically as well.
La Traviata
Presented by:
Melbourne
Opera
Venue:
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed:
24th
March
2009
Boy meets girl; Boy gets girl; Girl does of consumption.
Gutenberg! The Musical!
Presented by:
Neil Gooding Productions, Ian Stenlake and James Millar
Venue:
Chapel Off Chapel
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed:
21st
March
2009
OK, so the holocaust wasn't in 1450 but apparently anti-Semitism was
basically caused by illiteracy.
Beat N' Move Euphoric
Presented by:
Collaboration
The Project
Venue:
Theatreworks, South Yarra
Reviewer:
Robbie Carmellotti
Date Reviewed:
Friday 6th
March
2009
This group have managed to get together some of Melbourne’s leading
professional dancers and mixed in some fantastic up and coming
talent to put on a non-stop dance extravaganza of Jazz, Tap,
Contemporary, Lyrical and Hip Hop into a fast moving and well paced
2 act show.
Romeo & Juliet
Presented by:
M & M Productions
Venue:
Cromwell Road Theatre. South Yarra
Reviewer:
Angela Ellis
Date Reviewed:
Wednesday 4th March
2009
M&M
Productions have taken on the heavy & brave task of not only
tackling Shakespeare (and one of his most loved and famous stories),
but attempting to modernise and bring it into the 21st Century.
David Hobson and Teddy Tahu Rhodes In Concert
Presented by:
Andrew McKinnon Presentations
Venue:
Frankston
Arts Centre
Reviewer:
Simon Parris
Date Reviewed:
Saturday
7th March
2009
A rare
chance to see (and of course, hear) two of Australia's most popular
opera stars.
Fame -
The Musical
Presented by:
SPX Waterdale Players
Venue:
Riverdale Theatre at Parade College
Reviewer:
Gavin Dean
Date Reviewed:
Friday
27th
February 2009
Overall
this was a very enthusiastic cast, brimming with excitement and all
seemed to have a lot of fun performing this piece.
Leader of the Pack: The Ellie Greenwich Musical
Presented by:
Cardinia Performing Arts Company
Venue:
Cardinia Cultural Centre
Reviewer:
Anne Dewar
Date Reviewed:
Sunday
22nd
February 2009
As
is the case with most juke box musicals, the music is the real
standout. There were so many songs, so many routines, and SO many
wonderful colourful costumes!
I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Presented by: Ballarat Light Opera Company
Venue: Helen Macpherson Smith Theatre,
University of Ballarat
Reviewer: Nathan Soutar
Date Reviewed: Saturday 21st February 2009
They delivered on a show that requires a great deal of talent and
commitment from each performer in a relatively small ensemble cast
and judging by the 5 minute ovation from the audience after the cast
had left the stage they certainly succeeded in connecting with their
audience
Abba Mania
Presented by: Crown Melbourne, Jon Nicholls and Handshake
Venue: The Palms at Crown
Date Reviewed: 18 February, 2009
Reviewer: Simon Parris
It’s Back to
the Seventies, crocheted hats and all!
In Harmony
Presented by: SLAMS Musical Theatre Company
Venue: Knox Road Theatre
Reviewer: Christian Cavallo
Date Reviewed: Friday 6th February 2009
The harmonies, the dynamics and arrangements of all of the
choral work were stunning.
Brassed Off
Presented by:
STAG &
Shepparton Brass Band
Date
Reviewed: 7th February, 2009
Venue:
WestSide Performing Arts Centre,
Mooroopna
Reviewer:
Felicity Hill
This is a long play but if you can get to see this production you
won’t be disappointed. If you’re a fan of Billy Elliot or The Full
Monty you’ll really enjoy this.
Forbidden Broadway: Greatest Hits Volume One
Presented by: SHooSH Productions
Venue: St. Cromwell Road Theatre,
South Yarra
Reviewer: Chris Baldock
Date Reviewed: Wednesday 4th February 2009
This is a musical that I always thought would not work locally.
Thank you Nathan, Brad et al for proving me wrong.
Reworks: Altered Musical Theatre
Presented by: The 4th Wall Productions
Venue: Burrinja, (Dandenong
Ranges Community Cultural Centre)
Reviewer: Nina Strahan
Date Reviewed: Friday 30th January 2009
In a bold move to bring this festival to the outer suburbs,
Brian Dixon and the cast of Reworks have shifted musical numbers
into a completely different light – with great success.
Zanna, Don't!
Presented by:
Quirky Productions
Date
Reviewed: 30th January, 2009
Venue:
Chapel off Chapel
Reviewer:
Simon Parris - Theatre People Editor
Quirky Productions make their debut with a Midsumma treat.
I Did It Her Way
Presented by:
CEL
Productions
Date
Reviewed:
20th January, 2009
Venue:
The Renaissance Theatre, Kew
Reviewer:
Julia Roper
I did it HER way…
conjures up a few thoughts, doesn’t it? Add JC La Fontaine into the
mix and the possibilities multiply. Suspected options aside, this
original cabaret has been formed with songs usually performed by
women.
This
Is Our Youth
Presented by:
Inside Job Productions
Date
Reviewed:
16 January, 2009
Venue:
Fortyfive Downstairs
Reviewer:
Adam Rafferty – Theatre People Editor
This
production suffers nothing from the youth of its stars and in fact,
often glows with its youthful enthusiasm.
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