MY FAIR LADY – Closing Week!

My Fair Lady Rating

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15

See it by Sunday!

One of the greatest musicals of all time, now playing June 6 – June 15 at The Round: My Fair Lady (based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion) tells the story of Cockney flower-girl Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins who takes a bet that he can pass her off as a lady within 6 months. Made famous by Julie Andrews & Rex Harrison, My Fair Lady won many awards and broke many records since its Broadway debut in 1956. The music is universally known and loved and includes timeless songs such as: Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, With A Little Bit Of Luck, The Rain In Spain, I Could Have Danced All Night, On The Street Where You Live and Get Me To The Church On Time.

The write-up on Babirra Musical Theatre’s website sums it up; this is an all-time favourite, but not one you see being produced often anymore. Suitable for all ages, Babirra have gratefully given the script, set and costuming their expertise and it’s especially a no-brainer for your grandparents to go see. Tickets would make a great gift for them too: https://babirra.org.au/

Having followed the journey of leading lady, Siobhan Judge, playing ‘Eliza Doolittle’, and with my own daughter having taken singing lessons with Siobhan for a while, I predicted she’d probably be fantastic! Exactly that she is; in every scene and every song! Siobhan grew up in the Australian Girls’ Choir and later graduated from Monash University; taking the role of ‘performing arts teacher’ at Melbourne Girls College. Apparently the students love her and I bet she will have carloads from the school grabbing group bookings to be WOWed by seeing both her extraordinary vocal talents in fine tune and acting skills up close in this demanding role. The show is also Siobhan’s debut with Babirra and that’s saying something about how well she plays Eliza – she was made for it and I’m sure she gave this impression in auditions from the start.

So, after being awe-struck by Siobhan’s ability, equally another star performer in the show is Tim Maloney playing her on-stage father ‘Alfred Doolittle’. The belly-laughs from him and from us were non-stop as he commanded our attention from the very first words he spoke and I knew straight away he was going to be a stand out in this production. I learn from the program that Tim has done over 80 musicals, yes 80! No stranger at all to getting full attention from the audience, he shows off that he wholeheartedly loves performing and we loved watching him. In fact, by the end of the show, we were smiling as soon as he stepped out of the wings before he even did anything at all and we were cheering out loud when he took his bow, yet we did not know him prior. Bravo!

‘Henry Higgins’ is a masterful character and masterfully played by Mark Monroe. This character is a bit of a mix up and he’s interesting fun, but mostly (given the dialogue in today’s era) you might want to tell him to be ‘more like a woman’ rather than vote for his desire to have women behave more like men! Mark is excellent though, I laughed at how he paced up and down puzzled by Eliza and her outbursts or trying to control her and teach her to speak properly like a ‘lady’. His colleague on set is of course ‘Colonel Pickering’ played by Tim Murphy, another gem on stage as the kinder of the two gentlemen for the most part. Both are eager to see however if Eliza, with 24/7 linguistic education from Henry, can go from being a ‘common flower girl’ on the street where they met her, to fool those in high society that she might be a ‘duchess’ or maybe even ‘royalty’.

‘Mrs Pearce’ (Henry Higgins’ housekeeper), played by Fiona Carter, isn’t certain she agrees or not with such an idea, but she convincingly helps to care for and look out for Eliza, and Fiona was wonderful in her genuinity.

I waited with anticipation for where Henry says ‘I think she’s got it’ and ‘The Rain in Spain’ from Eliza’s new found pronunciation consumes the auditorium with her operatic flair. I asked Siobhan after the show if going from a tricky ‘Cockney’ accent to a most ‘posh’ English one was hard to perfect. She smiled and said being ‘posh’ was easy, but the Cockney took some practice – she readily had to let go of any embarrassment in rehearsals with extended ‘ahhhhs’ and many an elongated e. I daresay much of the cast had to spend quite a bit of time running lines similarly with the accents required and it’s paid off well as this show wouldn’t be what it is without the vocabulary detail.

 

A ‘test’ outing at the races is one of the most entertaining scenes (complete with loud galloping sound effects), and brings to the stage a loveable enthusiastic ‘Freddy’ played irresistibly by Charles Conway and a not so enthusiastic character in Henry’s very proper mother, played beautifully and engagingly by Patricia McCracken. I always ask someone at interval how they are enjoying the show and two appreciating ladies answered ‘yes, they are all very strong aren’t they and we love the mother, she’s our age’ haha, Patricia had deservingly won their hearts. I think this a special part of live theatre; connecting with certain actors, not just within the show but for you personally.

Exceptional work from the whole cast, ensemble was energetic and polished; enjoyed so much the dancers in the imaginary scene and watching the ballroom. Congratulations to all!

Finally, I note I don’t usually review shows where I know lead cast members, but it was indeed a pleasure to see Siobhan pull off ‘Eliza’ knowing this role was a dream come true for her. A group of theatre-lovers, such as BABIRRA, provide individuals the chance to do something they are passionate about, but who may not necessarily want (or choose) to pursue a professional career in that tough industry. A big thank you to the committee and volunteers of ‘amateur theatre’ whose efforts make this happen, and, in the process, give us (the audience) the chance to see more shows.

Babirra Music Theatre is a long well-established musical production company and has always encouraged involvement and participation from the local community, both in performing and behind-the-scenes. Don’t miss this show MY FAIR LADY, or their next: GREASE!

Ticket link and details to be involved via https://babirra.org.au/

Instagram: babirra_music_theatre

Venue: The Round, 379 Whitehorse Rd, Nunawading, is, I think, the very best suburban theatre in Melbourne and likely the biggest newer one – opening in 2023. Easy to get to, park at and with arguably the most comfortable seats and extensive (vegan inclusive) canteen you’ll enjoy in a theatre venue anywhere, plus great coffee before, during and after interval with tables and chairs to wait and chat with the cast afterwards. Very easy access for wheelchairs and assisted-walkers – ‘retirement village’ buses were lined up at the matinee we went to and cars can pull up in a drop-off zone straight outside the door. Enjoy!

CAST:

Eliza Doolittle played by Siobhan Judge
Prof. Henry Higgins played by Mark Monroe
Colonel Pickering played by Tim Murphy
Alfred Doolittle played by Tim Maloney
Mrs Higgins played by Patricia McCracken
Mrs Pearce played by Fiona Carter
Freddy played by Charley Conway
Zolton Karpathy played by Matthew Davies

FEATURED ENSEMBLE
Jamie, friend of Alfred, Lord Boxington – Steven Keane
Harry, friend of Alfred – Brent Denison
Higgins’ butler – Mark Curran
Higgins’ footman – Paul Ash
Mrs Hopkins & Mrs Eynsford-Hill – Ann Hubbard
Queen of Transylvania & Lady Boxington – Catherine Bolzonello
George, Bartender – Garry Barcham

ENSEMBLE:
Esther Bruerton
Owen Davies
Isobel Edmondson
Michael Fang
Emma Gilding
Mia Grasso
Beth Hanlon
Steph Herbert
Abby James
Christine James
Alysa Kimpton
Yvette Lipovetsky
Aaron McBride
Tommy Murphy
Lotte Papson
Liam Rosewarne
Avalon Waterfall

Director – Alan Burrows
Musical Director – Marty Macaulay
Choreographer – James Kaiser
Assistant Director – Mark Cluning
Set Design – Barry Pearce
Costume Designer – Ely Tapp
Co-Production Managers – Jo Brincat, Steve Cavell
Hair/Make-up, Wigs – Louise Reeder, Maren Holm
Set Construction – Garry Barcham and Team

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT: Gavin D. Andrew
Design: @luke.jay.designs

To book tickets to My Fair Lady, please visit https://www.theround.com.au/whats-on/my-fair-lady-babirra.

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Elvis Tribute Artists: Jack Gatto & Charlie Gaylard

Jack Gatto & Charlie Gaylard Show

Jack Gatto & Charlie Gaylard Show Rating

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10

The promo read: For the first time ever, two of Australia’s finest Elvis tribute artists share the stage for an unforgettable night of music! Charlie Gaylard, the 16-year-old sensation from Colac who’s putting the Elvis world on notice, joins Jack Gatto, the Geelong powerhouse with arguably the best Elvis voice in the world. Backed by the world-renowned Tributes In Concert Band—soon to perform for Elvis Presley Enterprises in Memphis—this two-hour spectacular promises electrifying performances, classic hits, and the ultimate tribute to The King.

Jack Gatto, 29, is a born entertainer; a vocalist, guitarist and drummer, with exceptional versatility; he understudied for The Wiggles. So, yes, even without perfecting his tribute in performing the vocals, charisma and audience interaction of ‘Elvis’, he’s a very accomplished and engaging performer. Unexpectedly, I learn that he’s also a wildlife and zoo reptile keeper, but tonight he dons a blue studded jumpsuit and leaves the crocodile shows behind for something else mesmerizing on stage….ELVIS!

Charlie Gaylard has already got his ETA (Elvis Tribute Artist) career kicking goals (after being inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s 2022 movie – he wasn’t even a fan before seeing it) and he has only been doing this for a year and a half.

At the huge annual Parkes Elvis Festival in January, which I attended, a lady behind me said (as Charlie rolled by in a pink suit in the vintage car street parade), ‘Hubba Hubba Who’s That?’; someone replied ‘It’s Charlie! How can you not know him?’, another said ‘Yeah, he’s the boy Go Charlie!’ LOL – Charlie smiled his perfected Elvis lip and waved back (bonus that he does look alike). These fans were in their 70s, and definitely not the usual fanbase for a 16 year old singer, but next time, given Charlie’s rapidly growing popularity, they may be bringing their grandchildren.

There were apparently (according to my chats with locals) more young people at the NSW Parkes festival this year than any prior and probably same with the growing Geelong Elvis Festival (according to the owner of the motel I stayed at this weekend), and, whilst my daughter (19) was no doubt one of the youngest audience members at this show in Geelong, she is a huge Elvis fan and was singing the words just as well as the grey haired gentleman with a walker aide on the aisle; both of them having a great time.

For two non-stop hours we enjoyed toe tapping tunes, hard-belt lyrics and soft sweetness up there on that stage with banging traditional lighting as good as any nightclub, an extraordinary band and in-theme back-up singers. Along with a bit of comedy from both Jack and Charlie, the crowd loved every second from everyone contributing to the spectacle and the two hours flew by.

My Mum played ‘Elvis’ a lot (she was one of those actual teen fans of his heyday, just like most watching this sold out concert at The Sphinx). I knew pretty much all his music by the time I was 12, thanks Mum! In recreating the love, there were quite a lot of ladies like my Mum eagerly going up for a scarf given out by Jack, just as the real Elvis did for his lucky fans.

My favourite song is and always has been HOUND DOG and tonight was no exception with LOVE ME TENDER a close follow up. I could list a heap of others also that were mind blowingly good; Suspicious Minds, Blue Suede Shoes, Burning Love, etc. etc. each and every one totally authentic; our jaws dropped in disbelief on multiples, “just like watching the real thing” my daughter agreed.

My daughter didn’t once look like she’d had enough, the atmosphere of seeing live music she has discovered is far better than ‘clubbing’. Her faves were LITTLE LESS CONVERSATION by Charlie and the duet rendition of JAILHOUSE ROCK where Charlie and Jack were on stage together for the end of the show.

Throughout the night, every single person of any age around us was smiling and cheering in astonishment at the likeness of Elvis as a young performer by Charlie and as a more mature man with Jack on the mic. They were both incredible at showing us his different eras. Jack was generous in giving the scarves out to the ladies too, it was all such fun!

Elvis was one of the most incredible entertainers of all time and what a privilege for these two to keep his stage presence alive, Vegas style! Love love loved!!

Follow @domarpaproductions for updates and give them a huge round of applause for everything they are doing to bring Elvis back for the ‘oldies’ and hopefully introduce more of his undying music to the ‘youngies’.

If you didn’t fly to America in your youth to see Elvis live in concert (or you weren’t born then); you CAN be transported back in time – just go see Jack Gatto and Charlie Gaylard. The two speak highly of each other; they know they are not the real Elvis and the crowd knows it of course; everyone goes along because they loved everything about Elvis from his famous voice to perhaps his even more famous dance style which shocked the world – it’s all part of the fun and the memories and these two tribute artists do Elvis proud! Both Jack and Charlie are down-to-earth and humble of their ability to light up the lives of those watching them as ‘Elvis’ for a night. “Thank-you very much!”

You might likely catch Jack and Charlie together again in November – book quick because they sell out quick, they just have added this new show by popular demand.

See: https://geelongelvisfestival.com.au/ in Geelong or keep posted on all shows ‘Elvis’ via promoters DOM ARPA PRODUCTIONS https://domarpaproductions.com.au/

Venue & Parking: can’t miss the huge “Sphinx” so easy to find and venue has plenty of parking, but it was fairly full for this event so go early, we did however queue outside for a while.

Accommodation: Geelong is an easy commute from Melbourne. We stayed at Rippleside Park Motor Inn a 5min drive from the venue and can highly recommend as a great basic affordable motel centrally located for seeing any show in Geelong – it’s always nice to go away for a night as well to see a show out of town and Geelong has a lot to offer.

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Nice Work If You Can Get It

Nice Work If You Can Get It

Nice Work If You Can Get It Rating

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7

“What the world needs now, is love, sweet love.” Quoted in the Director’s note in the program for ‘NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT’ playing at The National Theatre in St Kilda 16-31 May presented by CLOC Musical Theatre. Mark also said he would add the word “laughter” to the above quote, and this show has done just that with the whole cast wholly embracing the story with “froth and fizz”.

This musical was one I had not heard of before. How that is possible I’m not quite sure as it’s definitely my type of musical; full of comedy that has you laughing out loud, Gershwin songs we recognise from a bygone era and set in the 1920s with plenty of tap dancing to boot. Don’t know how I’ve missed this title to date, but very happy to now share my viewing experience and highly recommend all ages to go along and enjoy this hidden gem of Broadway. Ticket link: https://www.cloc.org.au/

CLOC Musical Theatre doesn’t need any introduction, especially in Melbourne; they have been operating at the forefront of amateur theatre for over 50 years! Their productions are of a standard that ooze professional quality and the set on this one – WOWZERS!!!

Imagine you are seeing on stage a ‘Barbie’ style dream-house for a moment and that’s where you’re going. A huge pink beach house on Long Island belongs to the mega-rich ‘Winter’ family, but is hardly ever used. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, those circumstances give way to a trio of goofy criminal friends who decide to hide their stash in the house. After all, no one will be there.

I don’t like to give away too much of the plot, because I know there will be others, like me, who will be seeing this for the first time, but if you like shows like Guys & Dolls and Thoroughly Modern Millie, you’re going to definitely LOVE this one. NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT is a quirky comical love story between two (or three) people with lots of equally amusing sideline stories which all tie in perfectly together at the end, even ties you don’t think will be revealed. It’s a bootlegging blast!

My favourite character was ‘Eileen’ (‘the finest interpreter of modern dance in the world’), played by Lisa Nightingale, her bath scene is hilarious and delicious! Shout out again to the set builders, the costume designers conjuring up the bubbles and flowing pink fabric, and, the amazing gals in the ensemble, who make this scene one to remember forever.

Lead roles were all faultless. Award-winning Will Hanley, back at CLOC for the 6th time, smashes the role of playboy ‘Jimmy’; opposite him is the exceptional voice of Lauren Holcombe playing wallet-stealing ‘Billie’ – these two are a communicative combo. Some of their sequences especially with dancing up and down many stairs required a lot of skill – well done; also to the choreographers who would have given much thought into pulling that step timing safely together.

Liz O’Hanlon playing ‘Duchess Estonia’, who falls for the impostering manservant of the house, is excellent; her characterisation being very clear and absurdly funny. I and my friend (giggling constantly beside me) absolutely loved her in the scene where she finally succumbed to the secret alcohol, and Joshua Saunders (famously known for his meme face) playing ‘Cookie’, who carries her off the table, is splendid – they both indeed precisely land these comedic situations.

The entire ensemble is colourful magic – well done to all of them, no show is complete without the ensemble and there’s great engagement from all of them in every moment. There are some well-known names amongst and a couple I personally immediately recognised were Tyler-Rose Shattock, a legendary coach in the world of calisthenics and Caleb Waterworth who has grown up from being a child in the professional show of Matilda to touring recently with the Australian Ballet. Caleb in particular had me in stitches with face expressions and his movement antics in the beach scene.

Our biggest laughs though came from watching the portrayal of Jimmy’s mother ‘Millicent Winter’ played by Lee Threadgold, her story unfolded gradually, but you will have to go and see the show to see why……
‘NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT – A New Musical Comedy’ is promoted by the President of CLOC as a chance to forget the outside world for a few hours. Just enjoy yourself – no need to think, no need to worry – enjoy the music, laugh, smile and be part of a simpler time.

Well, we nailed that, THANK YOU EVERYONE!

EVERYONE is:
Ric Birkett, President CLOC Musical Theatre
Mark Taylor, Director
Susan Lewis, Choreographer
James Rooney, Assistant Choreographer
David Clausen-Wisken, Musical Director
Victoria Horne, Costume Designer
Marcello Lo Ricco, Sound Designer
Justin Karakai & Sally Martin, Co-Set Designers
Brad Alcock – Lighting Designer
Will Hanley playing ‘Jimmy Winter’
Lauren Holcombe playing ‘Bille’
Lisa Nightingale playing ‘Eileen’
Joshua Saunders playing ‘Cookie’
Thomas Myszka playing ‘Duke’
Melanie Ott playing ‘Jeannie’
Chris Anderson playing ‘Senator Evergreen’
Liz O’Hanlon playing ‘Duchess Estonia’
Mike Gardiner playing ‘Chief Berry’
Lee Threadgold playing ‘Millicent Winter’

ENSEMBLE: Tim Allison, Bryce Dunn, Simone Lay, Madeleine Magetti, Robert Mulholland, India Morris, Thomas O’Reilly, Claire Robinson, Sujanthan Satkumarajah, Tyler-Rose Shattock, Ashley Tynan, Tailem Tynan, Caleb Waterworth, Hayley Wootten.

NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT Music and Lyrics are by George & Ira Gershwin, Book by Joe DiPietro, inspired by Material by Guy Bolton and P. G. Wodehouse.

Venue: https://nationaltheatre.org.au/

To book tickets to Nice Work If You Can Get It, please visit https://www.cloc.org.au/nicework.html.

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Ocean: With David Attenborough

OCEAN with DAVID ATTENBOROUGH

OCEAN with DAVID ATTENBOROUGH Rating

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8

UNMISSABLE. That was the first word shouting out loudly in my head when thinking about how I would tell people what I thought of ‘OCEAN with DAVID ATTENBOROUGH’.

This PHENOMENAL film is so much more than watching ‘nature’ and hearing the now 99 year old’s famous ‘voiceover’ we have grown to expect and appreciate in any of his documentaries.

The movie ‘OCEAN’ is, in parts, like a horror movie. Thankfully however, in other parts, a lifeline of information; a jaw-dropping visual learning experience that only the superpowers of David Attenborough and his team could present on big screens across the world.

You must see it on the big screen. It is a production piece like you have never seen before. It contains material never seen before. No matter how knowledgeable you are in ‘saving our planet’, you will undoubtedly learn things you did not know about in detail. You will be shocked. You will be hopeful. This movie will change your view of everything about our planet and our future. For sure, you will never look at the ocean in the same way again.

The legendary Sir Attenborough says himself that he would find it difficult to believe a dreaded fate was inevitable if it wasn’t for just one thing; the ocean can rebuild itself, if we let it. We must. We must protect it.

We must tell as many people as possible to go and see this movie. We must act. We must communicate to everyone in government who can help make the right decisions to make changes to laws worldwide and plead with them to act now. Hence my review – if just one more person sees this movie because they are curious – one more person may pray and tell another… and so on….. we all have to do something. We can at least all do something small to help something so big!

Next month in June, leaders across world nations will meet in France at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and vote on whether or not to effectively protect 30% of our oceans. In the world currently that percentage is less than 3%!!! How can this be? How can we NOT be already adequately protecting the vast ecosystems our planet needs to thrive?

How can it be legal for huge 24/7 factory-like ships to trawl through and totally decimate stunningly beautiful underwater landscapes in minutes that have taken hundreds of years to grow, as if they were using a hoe over a garden bed to take out a few weeds in the backyard? This practice is, put simply, MADNESS!

The planet, in some form, may ultimately survive, but we as a species may not. Unassumingly stated by an interviewee in the movie, this was what my daughter and I somberly took away from our time sitting together in awe at The Waverley Cinema in Pinewood. A lovely little local cinema (which I grew up visiting as a child and still with cheap tickets) delivered the most powerful message I have ever heard in a movie anywhere. I said that to the door attendant on the way out and he replied ‘that’s what everyone has said’.

Like everyone else, I don’t need any study background or a degree in marine biology to tell me that I want my children’s great-grandchildren to have a healthy planet to live on – don’t we all want that?

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIZAdCtKT_g

NOTE: The Waverley Cinema, 41 Centreway, Pinewood Shopping Centre, Mt. Waverley is part of the Showbiz group of cinemas and offers not only traditional movie viewing of all the latest and favourites on their four screens, but also group deals, fundraising opportunities and special events.

Check them out: https://waverley.showbizcinemas.com.au

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