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Six The Musical

9 August 2024 Irena Begelfor

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.

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.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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La Rondine (The Swallow)

9 August 2024 Megan Davis

La Rondine (The Swallow) Rating

★★★★★

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The Victorian Opera’s production of “La Rondine” (“The Swallow”), written by Giacomo Puccini, was an incredible experience. This production featured the remarkable Australian opera singer Kiandra Howarth, who has not performed in Victoria for a long time. It is a special occasion as her 94-year-old grandmother will attend both of her performances to see her perform for the first time.

Kiandra Howarth played Magda, the titular swallow, and she was phenomenal. An Australian lyric soprano, her voice and acting were impeccable. Howarth graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 2010. She then became a company artist at Opera Australia and is currently with the Staatsoper Hannover. Her portrayal of Magda was genuinely captivating.

Another principal character, Lisette, Magda’s maid, was played by Nina Korbe. An award-winning soprano, Korbe has appeared in Opera Queensland’s productions of “La Bohème,” “Die Fledermaus,” “Il Barbiere di Siviglia,” “Peter Grimes,” and Verdi’s Requiem. She has also performed as a soloist with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra, Queensland Ballet, Southern Cross Soloists, and the Goldner String Quartet. Korbe, a proud Koa Kuju Yanlaji Waka Waka woman, champions Indigenous voices and brings depth, humour and charm to her role as Lisette.

Won Whi Choi played Ruggero, the main love interest in “La Rondine.” Choi’s lustrous voice, elegant musicianship, and sensitive artistry have captivated audiences worldwide. He made his Metropolitan Opera debut in 2020 as Alfredo in “La Traviata” to rave reviews. He was set to return for productions of “Maria Stuarda” and “Les Contes d’Hoffmann.” Choi’s performance in this production was no exception; his portrayal of Ruggero was heartfelt and powerful.

The production itself was a unique blend of elegance and simplicity. The sets, with their stunning design, evoked a modern Paris that seemed to exist outside of time. The characters, dressed in contemporary styles that seamlessly melded elements from the 1950s to the 1990s, added a unique charm to the performance.

Attending a production at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda is always a mesmerising experience. The grandeur of the building, with its chandeliers, grand Art Deco architecture, and beautiful marble staircases, is awe-inspiring and complements the grandeur of the opera. It’s a stunning space that marries well with the art form, leaving the audience in awe.

One of the delightful aspects of Puccini’s work is his probable origination of the ‘meet-cute’ trope. ‘La Rondine’ revolves around love, set in a Paris where women dream of meeting a lover who completes them. The opera featured a classic meet-cute scene: a woman in a bar, pursued by multiple men, sits down with a lone man, pretending to meet him, causing the other suitors to leave. This charming trope, now a staple in Hollywood films, was delightful to see in its original form, entertaining the audience.

Puccini’s music, full of cascading trills and beautiful melodies, feels cinematic. His work often feels like classic Hollywood yet is timelessly modern, with sweeping, love-filled narratives. This production of “La Rondine” was a testament to his genius, a fantastic blend of music, narrative, and performance.

The Victorian Opera’s “La Rondine” was a truly outstanding production. With stellar performances by Kiandra Howarth, Nina Korbe, and Won Whi Choi, supported by elegant staging and the enchanting atmosphere of the Palais Theatre, it was an unforgettable experience that showcased the timeless beauty of Puccini’s work.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Show Review: Melbourne International Elvis Festival 2024

5 August 2024 Amelia Williamson

ELVIS PRESLEY The Legend Lives On: 55 to 77 Rating

★★★★★

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The 2024 Melbourne International Elvis Festival staged at the National Theatre in St Kilda offers a 3-hour-long time capsule, transporting Elvis fans back to the pinnacle era of star-studded rock n’ roll. The show is performed by five Elvis tribute artists descending on Melbourne from around the globe, each offering a unique portrayal of the dazzling American icon.

Moses Snow opened the production with vibrant charisma and a youthful glow symbolic of the early success of Elvis. Snow staged choreography unparalleled to any other performer of the night and invigorated the theater with his electric spirit. Snow aptly included “Blue Suede Shoes” in his set, which ultimately became one of the most memorable numbers of the night, and prepared the audience for further exhilaration.

Ted Torres closed the first act with a medley of songs derived from the 1968 ‘Comeback Special’. Torres performed a vocally powerful act, though the high number of hits performed was somewhat disproportionate to his crowd interaction resulting in a slight lack of connection. The artist radiated Elvis best in his ballad covers of ‘Memories’ and ‘If I Can Dream’.

Opening the second act was star-studded, all-round performer Jay Dupuis. Dupuis is the winner of several Elvis tribute accolades and is recognized as Graceland’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist World Champion. Such distinguished achievements were on full display throughout his set, with highlights including “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You” and “In The Ghetto”.

Dupuis is adorned with a natural ability to charm and tease the audience, with impeccable improvisational ability to allure crowd members and create a genuinely magnetic experience. Dupuis was the first act of the night to hand out scarves as Elvis did throughout the 1970s, making him an instant fan favorite.

Bruno Nesci performed an enjoyable set with clear confidence and conviction as Canada’s first performer to make it to the Top 5 in the Ultimate Elvis Contest. Nesci conveyed genuine interest in his Melbourne audience and mastered the art of creating interpersonal connections through dialogue. “You Gave Me A Mountain” was particularly memorable for his strong vocal abilities and commitment to the iconic aura of Elvis.

David Lee closed the production with everlasting energy, impressing audiences with his ability to sustain momentum toward the end of the third hour. Lee candidly introduced his wife to the audience before memorably performing “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.

Overall, the show had moments of awe, excitement, and charm, but ultimately ran past its prime, and could have benefited from each artist performing a slightly shorter set. A curtain call of all performers would have worked well to increase the feel of a well-rounded Elvis tribute rather than encourage a comparative analysis of each performer. The show was also let down in part by inconsistencies in sound and lighting. A strange faltering light frequently distracted the show and microphone audio issues caused hassle for the performers, provoking ongoing rambling from the audience.

Besides some shortcomings, what was most special about the show was witnessing such commitment to the aura of Elvis, which embodied connection, charm, and seduction of the female gaze. The show overall had moments of genuine joy and lust which so wonderfully opened the world of Elvis to younger audiences, and celebrated the remembrance of fond memories for long-time fans.

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre – Romeo & Julie

27 July 2024 Jessie Fitzpatrick

Romeo & Julie Rating

★★★★★

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Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre’s Romeo & Julie is a captivating and raw modern tale of young love. Loosely inspired by the star-crossed lovers of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, the audience is transported to Wales with a contained cast of 5.

The naturalistic dialogue and pared-back set plants the audience firmly in the present day – this is a twist on the classic play with a gritty reality that underpins each scene. Damon Baudin’s Romy and Shontane Farmer’s Julie have an undeniable chemistry (“If I was flirting with you, you wouldn’t know”), their budding romance constantly interrupted by the forces that surround them – a baby, an alcoholic mother (an impactful and comedic performance by Belinda McClory as Barb), and a looming spot at Cambridge.

This creates an immediate dramatic tension, as the audience is aware that Romy and Julie are on borrowed time. Despite the chaotic lives of the characters, moments of humour and lightness throughout add reprieve, as writer Gary Owen succeeds in nailing both the language of modern-day teenagers and the complexities of family dynamics.

The set design and lighting expertly convey the claustrophobia that Romy, and later Julie, experience – the walls of set literally begin slowly closing in. The space is cleverly used by rearranging the minimal furniture between scenes, allowing the audience to pause and absorb the high emotions. The effective visual of a beach contained in a small window symbolises both hope and entrapment, yet even in these outdoor scenes, Romy is still constrained by the bulky prop of Neve’s pram.

Back inside, the colourful baby lights reflecting around the room is a beautiful visual choice – yet it serves to capture the ever-present nature of Romy’s baby and responsibility, Neve, the thing that both brought Romy and Julie together, and might just tear them apart.

A central theme throughout the play is that love is an active choice – when presented with a choice, Romy chooses to raise baby Neve, just as Claudia Greenstone’s Kath cherishes her stepdaughter Julie, posing to her “isn’t it worse to not be in charge of your life?”, questioning the themes of fate that dictated the lives of Shakespeare’s original characters. Another fresh element of the play is the agency that Julie exhibits.

In contrast to many portrayals of the famous character, she is smart (which is contrasted with an illiterate Romy), sassy and ambitious, and Farmer excels at capturing the angst and pining of a teenage girl experiencing her first love against all common sense. In an ode to the conflict of the original play, Justin Hosking’s Col wears a royal blue coloured outfit in a nod to the Capulets as he confronts Romy, who wears the Montague’s signature red – the same red jacket that is worn by Julie as she navigates the falling out with her parents.

The play both begins and ends with Dire Straits’ classic song “Romeo and Juliet,” as impactful speeches and painful decisions leave the audience pondering the timelessness of young love and the pressures of familial expectations.

Photographer: Jodie Hutchinson

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

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