Performing Arts Reviews:
2008–2022

  Sydney Symphony Orchestra presents BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE, with Bach and Brahms, in the Concert Hall, at the Sydney Opera House. November 29. December 1 and 2. BLUEBEARD’S CASTLE is one of a concert item from three B’s of the music world: Brahms, Bach and Bartok. Besides the initial B as a common denominator/cue for this concert it is also a presentation of three works that involves the human voice supported by an orchestra. The first work was from Johannes Brahms: Alto Rhapsody, Op.53 with mezzo soprano, Michelle DeYoung and Men of the Opera Australia Chorus. A leader in the Romantic…

  The Old 505 Theatre Company present KNOTS, created by Gareth Boylan, Kerri Glasscock and Michael Pigott, at the Old 505 Theatre, Eliza St, Newtown. 5 December – 17 December. KNOTS is a new Australian play, created by Gareth Boylan, Kerri Glasscock and Michael Pigott. It is, apparently, the third instalment of a trilogy which began in 2014 with TWELFTH DAWN, followed by SEEN UNSEEN, in 2015. At a late stage in this nearly 90 minute play we are, amusingly, told that art does not necessarily have to have meaning. KNOTS self-devised by this company has an arresting text that…

Photo by Brett Boardman Belvoir and Vicki Gordon Music Productions present BARBARA AND THE CAMP DOGS, by Ursula Yovich and Alana Valentine, in the Upstairs Belvoir, Belvoir St Theatre, Surry Hills. 2-23 December. “Now let in the love”, are the final words of the song of this new Australian play (with music): BARBARA AND THE CAMP DOGS, co-written by Ursula Yovich and Alana Valentine. It is an irresistible invitation and love is what permeated the tremendous reception that the audience gave this performance/this play. In between the opening song which begins with the lyrics: “Look at the sun and do not…

Photo by Lisa Tomasetti Sydney Theatre Company presents A Sydney Theatre Company and Global Creatures Production, MURIEL’S WEDDING – The Musical. Book by PJ Hogan. Music and Lyrics by Kate Miller-Heidke and Keir Nuttall. Based on the Motion Picture by PJ Hogan, with songs by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson, originally written for ABBA. At the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. Well, here it is, a new Australian musical. It is based on the film of MURIEL’S WEDDING of 1994, an iconic, quirky, favourite of the nation. At its centre is a misfit, Muriel, who embarks…

Sydney Symphony Orchestra present GRIPPING SHOSTAKOVITCH, in the Concert Hall, at the Sydney Opera House. 15 November, 17 November and 18 November. I was taken to the GRIPPING SHOSTAKOVITCH concert by a dear friend. It was made up by the Cello Concerto No.1 in E flat major, Op.107 and the mighty, gripping, Symphony No. 8 in C minor, Op.65, conducted by Vladimir Ashkenazy, in the Concert Hall, at the Sydney Opera House. I am a relative ‘babe in the woods’ in my knowledge of music. However, I have, in my blissful ignorance, come to believe that Shostakovich is the GREAT…

Photo by Ashley de Prazer Motherboard Productions and Griffin Independent present, VIRGINS AND COWBOYS, by Morgan Rose, at the SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross. 30 November – 16 December. VIRGINS AND COWBOYS, is a new Australian play by Morgan Rose. This production was first presented in Melbourne from the Theatre Works season – the original cast in situ. In the first section of this play three ‘Cowboys’ are sitting, ostensibly – since they seem to be talking directly to us, as well – around a table with some beers in their suburban home and are talking to Sam (Kieran Law) about…