Melbourne Musical

Sweet Charity – Closing Days

Sweet Charity

Sweet Charity Rating

★★★★★

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Firstly, ‘Sweet Charity’ is a musical with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Dorothy Fields and book by Neil Simon. It was directed and choreographed for Broadway by the legendary Bob Fosse and based on the screenplay for the 1957 Italian film Nights of Cabiria. A show so rich in big name history is no easy feat to pull off and the team at the Mountain District Musical Society currently playing the show at Karralyka Theatre in Ringwood have done an outstanding job.

‘Charity Hope Valentine’ is a taxi dancer, a dance partner-for-hire at a seedy dance hall in New York City. Though the job may be decidedly undesirable, Charity’s hopeful romanticism and unfailing optimism lift her out of her circumstances and help her reach for a life beyond. In the past, she’s been strung along and hung out to dry by a series of bad relationships and lousier men. When she meets Oscar, a neurotic, shy actuary seemingly from another world, will she finally find true love at last?

With a laugh-a-minute script by the incomparable, the audience is destined to fall in love with Charity’s limitless spirit, as she lives life “hopefully ever after.” This exuberant, groovy, hilarious musical comedy includes hits such as Big Spender, If My Friends Could See Me Now, I’m a Brass Band and Baby, Dream Your Dream.

 

Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity

So, having read and seen many a Sweet Charity production before, my expectations are quite high. The “just want to be loved” leading lady Charity is bright and bubbly as played by Madeleine Magetti with an excellent authentic accent from New York. According to the program, this is her dream role, and what a role; this show is all Charity! Madeleine brought to the main character a sense of longing for the audience to feel for her situation, and laughter of course, but we also knew that Charity was seeking even more than love; for acceptance of who she is and the future she dreams of.

‘Oscar’ played by Leigh Roncon was just sooooo much fun, what a talent in comedy! The elevator scene cannot be beaten with claustrophobic Oscar and the upbeat positive Charity trying to hold him together and not panic; it’s professional quality from both of them in this extensive scripting.

There’s LOTS of dancing in the show and LOTS of great musical numbers, the orchestra is a simply amazing; one of the best I’ve heard in an amateur production for sure.

‘Big Spender’ always packs a punch and that theme (that is impossible not to like) is played throughout the show – I loved watching all the girls act it up in their own personality, all of them different but giving the same story to their men visitors “open for business” LOL.

My favourite group rendition was definitely ‘Rhythm of Life’ with Daddy Brubeck played by Jason Sainsbury-King taking over the stage with his band of new age church hippies under the bridge. If you grew up in the 60s you’re going to tap your feet, sing along and enjoy everything about this and the spot-on costuming, full of flower power; I didn’t want it to end!

 

Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity

A standout solo for me was sung by Vittorio played by Julian Campobasso with ‘Too Many Tomorrows’ and the Beehive & Blonde duet ‘Baby Dream Your Dream’ by Nickie and Helene, played by Nicole Kapiniaris-Anson and Hayley Wooten, was only one part of a show filled with their incredible talents as Charity’s two best friends in the dance hall.

The dance hall scenes are great by all the cast and the ensemble too in this show got plenty of shine time, especially in ‘I love to cry at Weddings’ where I think they were able to ad lib and did such a good job.

Bonus points on clever use of the set, the fountain lake, the big window in the apartment and the props and clothes with the line “hide in the wardrobe” – I couldn’t even tell Charity was there in plain sight as she disappeared into the rack.

The supporting cast bounced well off each other. Both my friend and I felt the enthusiasm and love between them all on stage, and the way in which everyone makes up the finale bows was a fabulous finish with tons of applause for all:

Herman: Michael Gibson
Ursula: Ella Miatke
Carmen: Ellen Lane
Rosie: Jessica Clark
Suzanne: Amber Orchard
Betsy: Gaynor Borlase
Frenchy: Stephanie Vienet
Elaine: Jade Bishop
Alice: Olivia Poggi

Ensemble: Katherine Gloss, Samara Trimble, Ainsley Thomson, Steve Atkinson, Talwyn Gibson, Mark Curran, Nick Toovey, Kyah Pritchard.

Congratulations to Director/Choreographer Di Morgan, Musical Director Vicki Quinn and your production team. We loved it – a happy night out with a bestie who also loves musical theatre.

The Karralyka Theatre in Mines Rd Ringwood is one of the best suburban venues – easy to get to, easy parking, comfortable seats and very reasonable ticket prices. Ticket link: https://www.karralyka.com.au/Theatre/Touring-and-Community/MDMS-Presents-Sweet-Charity

The program is great, too. Give whoever put that together for this show a clap. Make sure you get one. I often think amateur theatre programs are better than professional ones. It has lots of information and pictures of everyone in the cast and creative team.

SWEET CHARITY is playing the rest of this weekend until their Sunday, 27 October matinee – ‘you should see it now’ and note in your diary Mary Poppins in June 2025: https://www.mdms.org.au/

Photo credit: Gavin Andrew

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The Addams Family Inclusical – A Spectrum Of Success!

The Addams Family

The Addams Family Rating

★★★★★

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Once a year… it’s time for ‘Stars and the Moon Theatre’ to celebrate the stage with their intoxicating Musical Inclusical.

This year it is Wednesday and her kooky family who gather at the Alexander Theatre telling a gripping adventure with swordfights, potions, explosions, and scarier still, family dinners.

Director Lauren McKinnon, Musical Director Charlotte Greenslade, and Choreographer Benjamin Curé, together with an award-winning creative team, have brought the iconic Addams Family to life and it’s WAY better than good.

Stars and the Moon (STaM) is a unique ALL-ABILITIES theatre company. Their castmate model pairs performers with and without disabilities to support each other to make moving and accessible theatre with, not despite, their diversity. It is absolutely AMAZING! At first I did wonder “how will this work”, being on stage together as two people playing one character for all the roles in the show, but IT WORKS and dare I say it as my daughter agreed; we thought it was better than just one person.

Joining the contagious double-clap engages us immediately in the music we know so well… BA DA DA DUM… ‘click click’ and then ‘When You’re an Addams’ kicks in, I almost want to jump up to bunny hop and twist with them all giving quite the spooktacular opening.

So fantastic how they introduced all the “Ancestors” who complete the show atmosphere in strange and deranged costume sets of themes like cavemen, sailors, prisoners, clowns, ballerinas etc etc etc. Such fun and clearly this cast ensemble were loving the experience too. And the make-up, oh the make-up!

The set, the lighting and the energy from everyone on stage is so enthusiastic and who wouldn’t want to shake it with Cousin ITT – my favourite costume of seemingly bodylength dreadlocks, but can the Addam’s family be ‘normal’ for one night?

I’ve always loved the Gomez and Morticia characters. Gomez’ expression on everything is spot on, he’s so entertaining and Morticia is impeccable in her mannerisms and her unique ‘blackness’. Sometimes loving each other to bits and sometimes having a few marital issues, all four bounce off each other as if the roles were made for four people instead of two. The concept is again, genius!

 

The Addams Family

The one-liners keep coming…. I’m still laughing at the hilarious mention of Scomo to Covid 19 and Morticia in the bedroom…

Wednesday as we all know has come into her own fame these days and it must’ve been a thrill to be cast as her – she is everything she should be and might be getting married… or will she? The acting by these girls is very good and they will keep you enthralled.

Pugsley took me back to watching him on The Addams Family re-runs as a kid and his electric chair face, ‘eeeek’… all he wants is for his sister to continue the torture…

The startling appearance of THING at the dining table was timed well and FULL DISCLOSURE showed off overwhelmingly impressive vocal talents – Alice, the mother of Lucas who might marry Wednesday, belting it out and standing on the table (a surprising move for her character) got applause that would’ve woken the dead!

Lurch and Uncle Fester were brilliant and could have stepped straight out of the TV series … they really have got all of this right and everyone plays their parts so well to intertwine this story of family differences.

So, will Gomez’ daughter Wednesday and Mal’s son Lucas tie the knot? Scenes throughout the show are full of comic emotion and messages about how to work things out, but if it all fails, well death is just around the corner to look forward to anyway.

This show was nothing like I expected. Yes, I knew it would be good as I had heard the STaM shows were high standard, but this? I did not expect a show where they could easily play in any theatre in Melbourne and still get a no-hesitation full-standing ovation from even the toughest critics. These people on stage are incredible, they absolutely crush the meaning of ‘all-abilities’, every single one of them – and their abilities as a group, WOW WOW WOW!!

My final note therefore are words from Grandma Addams “stop tik tokking and pick up a book” or grab a script – whoever you are – get into Theatre!

When I wrote this review there were very few tickets left and now they are SOLD OUT, so don’t miss their next show and check out INSTAGRAM @starsandthemoon_theatre or website https://www.starsandthemoon.org/

Theatre notes: Sign language is provided on the side stage with this show and the theatre caters for wheelchair access of course. Performers in wheelchairs are on stage too – remember, this is an ALL abilities show like no other!

Even though I did not personally know anyone in the show, I felt an immense sense of proudness on what this special theatre company had accomplished as they took their bows. Supporting the arts is so important, but supporting all-abilities in the arts, let’s champion these efforts.

Congratulations to the ENTIRE CAST & TEAM:

WEDNESDAY – Ruby Alford & Thanh-Tuok Autran
LUCAS – Alexander Gilbert & Dimitri Gosios
GOMEZ – Gabe Harari & Max Nunes Cesar
MORTICIA – Aisha Sivac & Lizzie Locke
UNCLE FESTER – Mark J Rintoull & Zac Parkes
PUGSLEY – Kade Groves & Meg Heathcote
GRANDMA – Jodi Sanders & Nixy Antmann
ALICE – Ashleigh Cole & Ellie Goldenberg
MAL – Bailey & Tal Ellinson
LURCH – Gilbert Esse & Joseph Folwell
THING – Jaimie Chapman & Viv Kane
COUSIN ITT – Zac Chester & Benji Arndt

ANCESTORS – Amy Tapp, Tamara Stanton, Asher Stanton, Brendan Saffer, Michaela Sacho, Michelle Gauci, Charli Cantoni-Bud, Lyndall Peachman, Ciara Wilson, Bille Ream, Daniel Kraus, Claudia Nanovich, Hope Challis, Monique Lustig, Uri Lowinger, Alice Johnson, Mia Penso, Adam Geller, Mark Polonsky, Conor Wilson, Theodora Tran, Cameron Miller, Kahli Anquetil-Kneale, Tahli McLean, Carlia Slade, Danni Miller, Dani Filip, Devin Goralsky, Ella Dunne Riseley, Netanel Morris, William Jasper, Lexi Kelsall, Zoe Better, Cheryl Plaut, Ebony May, Sally Elliott, Amit Shahar, Kate Skinner, Ryan Wilson.
Stage Manager: Ari Mosberg, Cast Manager: Tyla Manager, Front of House: Netanel Morris, Set Designer: Harry Gill, Costume Designer: Jessamine Moffett, Lighting Designer: Sidney Younger.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY book is by Marshal Brickman and Rick Elice, MUSIC & LYRICS by Andrew Lippa, BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED by Charles Addams.

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The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County Rating

★★★★★

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Many in the audience will be familiar with the highly successful film, based on the book, starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood, but here we are now sitting in Melbourne’s Beaumaris Theatre for the musical version of The Bridges of Madison County.

As a fan of the movie, with a full house on opening night and being in this great little theatre again (where I did my very first review for ‘Whats The Show’), I can’t wait!

As the lights dimmed above our seats, I found the opening of the show very touching with the photographic screen rolling of times gone by and excellent live music accompaniment. This is the type of theatre where you don’t need to dress up or be knowledgeable on the Arts, we can all just sit back and relax to enjoy what is ahead. My husband really enjoyed the show and was so pleased he could wear his jeans and windcheater. Well, we are off to an Iowa farm…..

Set in 1965, the story is an intense, 4 day impromptu love affair between Francesca Johnson (Candice Sweetman), a beautiful Italian woman who married an American soldier to flee war-ravaged Italy, and National Geographic photographer, Robert Kincaid (Michael Gray), after he pulls into Fran’s driveway whilst her family are away at the State Fair.

Candice is just wonderful playing the main role of ‘Fran’, ‘Frannie’, “Francesca’ and ‘Mum’ depending on who is talking to her, and when she is singing her stage presence comes alive completely! Her eyes actually sparkle (good lighting effects or beautiful eyes – or both) and her smile lights up the stage, but when she is sad or reflective, her character’s emotions are felt with a tug of empathetic heart strings. I was transfixed in watching her in every scene, experiencing real love and real loss.

Michael as ‘Robert’ is perfection. He is of course the main male role but he’s also ‘the other guy’ because Fran is married to Bud (Adam Rafferty), and you can’t help but wonder throughout the show, should she or shouldn’t she? Who could resist Robert, he’s not only handsome and caring, he lives in the moment, tries not to think about things too much and travels the world – his life is far removed from Fran’s. What could they possibly have in common?

Whilst there is plenty of ‘oooo’ from the audience at the loving moments portrayed by the main characters, perhaps the ‘sexiest’ was performed with extra enthusiasm by Marge (Liz Catford), Fran’s envious neighbour. She is so funny and you’re definitely going to laugh! Especially when her hubby Charlie (John Tacey) steps in. At many times they prove themselves to be the most supportive neighbours.

Fran and Bud’s teen children Carolyn (Sienna Iscaro making her debut at Beaumaris) and Michael (Jordan Poyser) are absolutely fantastic talents x 2. If you have teenagers you will relate to them even more and they’ll give you hope too that teenagers aren’t always teenagers LOL, they do grow up! My favourite conversations were Michael’s with his Dad about driving the car (a conversation very like those that my husband sitting next to me and I have had with our 18 year old) and Carolyn’s nervousness being calmed by her Mum – Mum is always the one to call in a crisis, like when you are about to try and win ‘Steer of the Year’ with a cow you raised HAHA.

This musical is full of rich emotion about the choices we make and how they shape our lives. Internally yearning, as the day that Robert must leave approaches, Fran faces confusion and dilemma. Can she, in reality, abandon her children and loyal husband? Could there be a chance that such a spontaneous relationship with Robert would survive over time? Would it be worth the risk?

This show tells the past, the present and the future – you won’t be left wondering anything, it is a story you also are unlikely to forget. This performance will certainly stay with me far longer than the movie did as it is more in depth in explaining the emotions and timelines of everyone within.

I’ll give a quick shout out to the excellent ensemble too, as the ensemble in my mind always makes the whole show what it is – those little bits and pieces from them either in the background or foreground round out scenes to make them more memorable. My favourite was the waitress who obviously had her own opinion of how Robert and Fran should or should not be!

You must see this show if you are a fan of the story or anything remotely like it. It is truly captivating and the music and singing is beautiful with amazing voices, heartfelt lyrics and some very comical moments too. You will laugh and you will cry and you will relate to something or someone in almost every scene.

The show is running 9 – 24 August 2024 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Road, easy to park in the surrounding streets. It’s a lovely little local theatre with mostly tiered seating (flat floor for rows AA-CC) and good access for wheelchairs too. Programs are provided along with a more than adequate canteen pre-arrival drinks and interval snacks.

Support local theatre and ENJOY!

Tickets via: www.trybooking.com/CSETI

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JASON ROBERT BROWN | BOOK BY MARSHA NORMAN

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY ROBERT JAMES WALLER

DIRECTED BY COLIN ARMSTRONG | MUSICAL DIRECTION BY SUE FLETCHER

CAST:
Francesca – Candice Sweetman
Bud – Adam Rafferty
Robert – Michael Gray
Michael – Jordan Poyser
Carolyn – Sienna Iscaro
Marge – Liz Catford
Charlie – John Tacey
Marian & Young Francesca – Jessica Almery
State Fair singer & Chiara – Amelia Little
Ensemble – Daniel Ischia & Christine Wood

Photography credit: Pietro Giordano

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Six The Musical

Six The Musical

Six The Musical Rating

★★★★★

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Step into the royal extravaganza as SIX the Musical arrives in Melbourne, igniting electrifying emotions with its daring and empowering reimagining of history.

In the world of SIX the Musical, each of King Henry VIII’s six wives breaks free from the overshadowing presence of their infamous husband. Crafted by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, this contemporary, all-female, pop-infused production presents each queen as a bold and influential pop star. Instead of following a conventional musical storyline, each queen narrates her version of events, reclaiming her narrative through modern pop songs in a concert-style format.

Every time SIX the Musical graces Melbourne with its presence, I make sure to be part of the audience. Each show surpasses the last. It’s as though the queens inject a fresh burst of energy into every performance, making each one feel like the best yet.

The passion and excitement they bring to the stage continuously raise the bar higher and higher. This show is rich with clever dark humor that stems from the trauma and struggles of the six wives married to Henry VIII. The audience can’t help but get swept up in the whirlwind of this musical from the word go. Packed with non-stop action in just 80 minutes without a break, patrons are instantly drawn in, captivated, and then swiftly released back into reality.

In this production, you’re in for a royal treat with the incredible lineup of queens on stage, each vying for the title of the most hard-done-by. Kimberley Hodgson plays Catherine of Aragon, exuding power and resilience, and commanding the stage with regal strength. Deirdre Khoo breathes life into the tragic yet spirited Anne Boleyn, infusing the character with a sassy and unapologetic energy. Loren Hunter’s portrayal of Jane Seymour radiates tenderness and compassion, bringing a dash of heartfelt warmth.

Zelia Rose Kitoko shines as Anne of Cleves, delivering a powerful, bold performance that keeps you glued to your seat. Her stunning “red” costume reveal is a showstopper, adding an extra level of captivation to her already mesmerizing presence on stage. Chelsea Dawson’s rendition of Katherine Howard brings a fierce and competitive edge to the performance as she strives to outshine her fellow queens, boldly declaring her supremacy whilst singing, “I think we can all agree, I’m the best among these three.” Lastly, Giorgia Kennedy, portraying Catherine Parr, the queen who outlives Henry VIII, unites the queens with a blend of maturity and care, bringing a harmonious conclusion to this captivating tale of the six queens.

Six The Musical

While the queens take center stage, the true magic lies in the intricate details of the show. Emma Bailey’s tech-pop Tudor court design seamlessly blends the opulence of 16th-century England with a contemporary twist. This modern interpretation of historical aesthetics creates a visually stunning and engaging backdrop for the queens to shine.

The exquisite costumes, crafted by Gabriella Slade, are masterpieces, tailored to match the unique essence of every character and their historical background. They draw inspiration from images of the 16th century and infuse a modern twist, creating a blend of historical accuracy and contemporary appeal.

Choreography plays an essential part in this musical. Drawing inspiration from the unique stories of the queens, the pulsating music, and the powerful lyrics, Carrie-Anne Ingroulle captures the essence of each queen, skillfully blending various genres like hip-hop, rock, house, dance, and technical jazz to create a captivating dance spectacle that complements the energy and passion of the queens on stage.

The talented swings include Gabriella Boumford, Thalia Smith, Dance Captain/Swing Chiara Assetta, and Resident Choreographer/Assistant to the Director/Alternate Swing Cristina D’Agostino. The lighting (Tim Deiling) and sound (Paul Gatehouse) are perfectly executed. The orchestrator is Tom Curran, and the Musical Supervisor is Joe Beighton. The show is supported by the SIX on-stage band, including Music Director/Keys Claire Healy, Assistant Music Director/Keys Heidi Maguire, Kathryn Stammers on drums, Danielle Colligan on guitar, and Ann Metry on bass. This new and exciting company comes together under the helm of Australian Associate Director Sharon Millerchip.

Originally produced by Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, and George Stiles. Produced in Australia by Louise Withers, Michael Coppel, and Linda Bewick.

Long live the queens of SIX and the electrifying magic they bring to the stage! This is a fun show, and I will endeavor to see it again next time SIX the Musical is on tour.

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