View Post

‘A performance for the ages’: FUNNY GIRL – Broadway

In Broadway, International, Musicals, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Reviews by Simon ParrisLeave a Comment

No doubt about it, Lea Michele is the Greatest Star, singlehandedly salvaging a train wreck of a revival and tuning it into a white hot hit. Not seen on Broadway since its original 1964 production, Funny Girl returns with a redesign of the 2016 London production, retaining direction by Michael Mayer and updates to Isobel Lennart’s original book by show-doctor Harvey Fierstein.

View Post

FROM DOWN UNDER: Come From Away in Melbourne

In Australia, International, Musicals, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Reviews, Touring by Simon ParrisLeave a Comment

The unique energy and passion of Come From Away are destined to be remembered for years; at this point it feels hard to believe that another show will usurp its special place any time soon. Lovers of musical theatre who are yet to experience Come From Away are strongly encouraged to take this final chance to see the show, and those who have already been will need little encouragement to return.

View Post

FROM DOWN UNDER: 9 to 5 the Musical in Melbourne

In Australia, International, Musicals, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Reviews, Touring by Simon ParrisLeave a Comment

Bubbly, bold and brassy, 9 to 5 the Musical is a well-timed wallop of feel-good fare. Proving an ideal fit for a cinema-to-stage adaptation, hit 1980 movie 9 to 5 provides three leading ladies for the price of one, not to mention the scope, fully realised, for an all-singing, all-dancing set of stenographers and executives. Hailing from Broadway in 2009, 9 to 5 the Musical soared to new life in a restaged production for London’s West End in 2019, its hearty feminist power amplified again for a new generation.

View Post

FROM DOWN UNDER: Six in Melbourne

In Australia, International, Musicals, Opinion, Other Recent Articles, Reviews by Simon ParrisLeave a Comment

Given its fringe origins, Six is an ideal fit for Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre, flooding the relatively intimate space with throbbing music and rock stadium lighting. The heady combination of mega-talented cast, glittering production and fabulous material conjures an irresistibly electric atmosphere, grabbing the audience by the lapels and not letting go for the breathlessly brisk 75-minute running time.