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Hello Dolly!

13/09/202613/09/2026 Debra Campbell🥇🔥🦉🎭🎶

Hello Dolly Rating

★★★★★

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Director Noel Browne and his creative team, including the extraordinary costuming by Felicity Hall have once again conquered a remarkable opening night of HELLO DOLLY!

How I LOVE a show by NOVA MUSICAL THEATRE, the team never fail to put on a community show at a professional level! You could easily drop this cast in their costumes into a big city theatre without any questions whatsoever.

I vividly remember seeing the movie (when I used to rate movies as a kid on a list on my door – a reviewer in the making). My Mum loved Barbara Streisand and she said I’d love it and I did – it would’ve been given 10/10 by me back then. This stage production by NOVA no different, a 10/10 for storytelling, singing, acting, costuming, choreography, set design, sound tech., lighting, casting and creativity! Then I would add in the completely AMAZING orchestra and music of course for 12/12.

I take along my neighbour tonight who also can’t believe the standard continually coming on one after the other.

The first thing I adore is the costuming, it is absolutely out of this world and the way the ensemble hold their ‘mannequin’ like poses in still-life moments is praiseworthy giving us a chance to look around the stage at all the colours and styles; long dresses with petticoats and parasols, frills and lace with delicately held reticule bags.

The men look equally splendid in their waistcoats and top hats. I recently learned on a history tour that the taller the top hat, the wealthier the gentleman. I particularly liked the orange, bright green and cobalt blue, but honestly everyone looked incredible in every scene. Those who danced around in white trimmed with colour too looked lovely with the lighting; you’ve got the picture!

Playing ‘Dolly Gallagher Levi’ (matchmaker meddler/organiser) is Susan Warner and what a show she puts on almost like she is performing for both audience and cast. A voice you could hear in any Broadway production and perfect persona for character. Susan is one of those seasoned performers you enjoy from the second she speaks her first word. She does the role with ease, her singing, her dancing (and dance-teaching), her acting and more; it is a privilege to appreciate such commanding attention. Absolutely LOVED watching her. Oh and her final courture – WOW!!

‘Horace Vandergelder’ is in character by John Leahy. I’ve seen John in a number of shows now, including him cast alongside my own daughter in Nova’s ‘Music Man’. My daughter now works overseas, but I know her experiences in community theatre only helped her become employed as a performer. John is every bit suited to playing the ubrupt half-a-millionaire beside Dolly. I love his loudness, stubbornness and watching him interact with all on his path to run his business and find a new wife. Will he eventually marry Dolly? Will he be tempted or shocked by the promise of an oochy-koochi with the fabulously played ‘Ernestina Money’ by Pamela Briathwaite in her pink feather boa that looks rather good on Horace too 😉

16 guys choreographed on stage for ‘It takes a Woman’ has everything down to Ra-Ra-Ra, and it’s just a taste, as this lot are back in lots of whacky waiter chaos at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant headed up by ‘Rudolph Reisenweber’ played strict and proper by David Sly.

Shout out to Daniel Sultana (ensemble) when the audience went wild after he bravely pulled off a HIGH flip-fall amongst plates and pheasants much to the delight of all. These full-on fun crazy good scenes are constant throughout, so you can eagerly anticipate another one. ‘Put on Your Sunday Clothes’ was my favourite.

Finally, I cannot even begin to give enough credit to:

Rafaela Cleeve Gerkens as ‘Irene Molloy’, in a word (from the lady sitting behind me) “WOW”, but in fact I have no words, just go hear her sing!

Hayley Wooten as ‘Minnie’, lovable from outset, this girl can ACT! She’s adorable!!

Patrick Cottin as ‘Cornelius’ just fantastic, he’s exactly like you expect and want him to be, a little awkward on purpose but heartfelt with telling us of his new-found love for Irene.

Nathaniel Calleja as ‘Barnaby’, so cute in this role, no wonder he already has a long list of credits in the program.

‘Ambrose’ and ‘Ermengarde’ played by Stephen Burton and Hannah Brodribb are great together, they nail the ‘polka’ competition dance and Hannah’s weeping cry is next level.

CONGRATULATIONS to all and let’s hope that HELLO DOLLY! never does go away….

DIRECTOR Noel Browne
MUSICAL DIRECTOR Peter Grant OAM
CHOREOGRAPHER Wayne Robinson
LIGHTING Michael Zagarn
AUDIO Mitchell Raymond
COSTUMES Felicity Hill
STAGE MANAGER Glenys Browne

CAST

DOLLY Susan Warner
HORACE John Leahy
CORNELIUS Patrick Cottin
BARNABY Nathaniel Calleja
IRENE Rafaela Cleeve Gerkens
MINNIE Hayley Wootten
AMBROSE Stephen Burton
ERMENGARDE Hannah Brodribb
ENESTINA Pamela Braithwaite
RUDOLPH David Sly
NIGHT COURT JUDGE Tristan Everett
MRS ROSE Nicole Cooper

ENSEMBLE: Tamsin Ashdown, Lauren Bolzonello, Stephan Brennan, Madeleine Brown, Michael Capon, Carrie Chiu, Eimear Cormack, Raelene Dundon, Ruby Hall, Stephanie Herbert, Philip Liberatore, Estelle Lipovertsky, Aaron McBride, Jett McIntosh, David Nicholls, Warren Overton, Robyn Parker, Hannah Powell, Kaleena Shillam, Daniel Sultana, Brian Sweetman, Tristan Wainwright, Max Reina-Henriksen.
and all the creative and production crew.

Tickets: https://www.theround.com.au/HelloDolly
More info: https://www.novamusictheatre.com.au/

To book tickets to Hello Dolly, please visit https://www.novamusictheatre.com.au/.

Photographer: Gavin D Andrew

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

12/09/202612/09/2026 Debra Campbell🥇🔥🦉🎭🎶

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Rating

★★★★★

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In 1988, out came rave reviews from the critics for the movie of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS.

I, nor my husband, have seen it on stage until tonight. So, after a lovely dinner next door at the Gracious Grace Cafe (highly recommend), we take our seats for the musical version playing currently at a reminiscent olde-world theatre in Lilydale.

The story is predominantly still about a comedic trio, what we’d not-so-politely call ‘scammers’ today, but this is a classic rendition much more exciting than a quick swipe stealing of your credit card or bank account warning. This is true art; a well-thought out and well-played in-person scam with a twist.

A suave British con artist ‘Lawrence Jameson’ brought sophisticatedly to life by Phil Lambert wearing the best high-class suits, devours the purses of wealthy women whilst living in a fancy mansion having had successful rich-tourist season assistance for years from the local Chief of Police.

In contrast, the unapologetic American ‘Freddie Benson’, a newcomer to the sun-drenched Beaumont-sur-Mer resort town, works his own style on gullible ladies who can less afford his attention. I can’t tell you how many times Rob Blowers steals the show here playing lovable larrikin Freddie with ease on comic timing and a definite natural acting ability to liven his character to the max.

Exceptionally well played by both actors; I observed ‘Lawrence’ on purpose watching ‘Freddie’ in some scenes and wondered how on earth Phil didn’t break his serious demeanor for even a split second at Rob’s hilariously acted antics. Experience shows, Phil is in his eighth show at his favourite Melbourne theatre and Rob is making his debut here but on the circuit for a decade – so both bound to asked back again. Sometimes I wish stage shows could also play ‘behind the scenes and bloopers’ like films do (maybe in the foyer afterwards). I’d love to see how much the cast laugh and if the Director can always keep a straight face. We certainly couldn’t between these two!

Anyway, two prospecting men after unsuspecting females enjoying the French Riviera at the same time soon becomes overly competitive for each to survive financially. A ‘winner takes all’ challenge is set, and the unhinged duo’s team target is aimed at the arriving Soap Queen ‘Christine Colgate’. Her father’s factory must produce the most popular washing powders and fabric softeners, she must be worth a bet of say….$50,000?

Whoever can convince Christine to part with her fortune will win! The losing swindler will walk away from their thefty tricks upon this ultra-luxurious territory.

‘Christine’ played with kind innocence by Madeleine Magetti (instantly recognized her voice from seeing her play the lead in Sweet Charity), is fantastic in this role allowing her to be two personalities in one with a switch up not everyone will see coming.

As with all shows holding space in a time gone by, I look forward to seeing all the clothing sourced for costuming. I particularly loved Christine’s pristine mint green dress, admired the trailing red satin gown and many pieces from this golden era in the opening numbers.

Gabi Bergman, one multi-talented performer for sure is shown off in her ‘western swing’ attire as ‘Jolene’ enthusiastically driving the song ‘Oklahoma?’ with plenty of smiles as the ensemble dance up chaos around her. This energy also gets a few gasps from onlookers to see the flexible talent of Phil as he spins Lawrence into a heel tap and toe before a high kick! What a scene!!

Woo-Hoo Phil, you’re an inspiration to my hubby who used to be a dancer, proof that everyone should just keep dancing for joy, or as my hubby said perhaps pulling a hamstring 😉

We laughed and laughed and there were so many scenes in which we did – the romantic night/morning between Andre and Muriel was a stand out with such clever lyrics, and Freddie’s ‘Great Big Stuff’ got a great big cheer from the audience. Many memorable lines from the movie are turned into these song and dance spectacles with the ensemble taking a large part to encompass the whole set – fabulously simple but effective in changing constant props. Whether it be a feather duster dancing around or a candlestick holder amusingly used, it all makes the show very creative with some ad-lib moments too (I’m pretty sure reference to Trump is not in the original script).

Surprisingly a romantic subplot between Lawrence’s crooked authority ally, ‘André’, played tongue-in-cheek perfectly by Tim Murphy, and character ‘Muriel’ portrayed with pzazz by Lauren Seymour, adds an extended side story all of its own.

When ‘Jolene’ entertainingly calls out Lawrence for far more than he bargains, hidden away ‘brother’ “Ruprecht” (alter-ego Freddie) comes to the rescue with Rob smashing out this quirky character equally.

Despite having some differences, and of course lots of songs added, the original story remains and is just as enjoyable in fun as the 1988 film.

This production of DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is OK for all ages I think in today’s world (note there is one swear word yelled in fun and some even funnier suggestive innuendoes) but it will probably be especially popular with an older generation and anyone who loved the movie will be impressed.

Congratulations to:
Director: Alan Burrows
Musical Director: Mark Cluning
Choreographer: Nicole Kapiniaris-Anson
Asst. Director: Francesca Carl
Music Supervisor: Colin Prowasky
Set Designer: Barry Pearce
Lighting Designer: Deryk Hartwick
Costume Designer: Maria Smedes
Props: Gina Ingham & Steve Turner
Production Manager: Nicholas Ryan
Stage Manager: Steve Tanner
Asst. Stage Manager: Bella Da Silva

CAST
Lawrence – Phil Lambert
Freddie – Rob Blowers
Andre – Tim Murphy
Christine – Madeleine Magetti
Jolene – Gabi Bergman
Muriel – Lauren Seymour

ENSEMBLE
Gaynor Borlase
Abby James
Jess Lowman
Gary Barcham
Horatio Yen

DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS is playing NOW at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre from 10 – 26 September
Venue address: 39-41 Castella St, Lilydale, Victoria (free street parking). The theatre itself is adorned inside with historical stories to read about including the Dame Nellie Melba room – so interesting. They provide free tea/coffee and snack at interval, plus a complimentary pre-show and after-show drink.

Ticket link: www.lilydaleatc.com

Box Office tel.: (03) 9735 1777 if vouchers suit better as an excellent gift idea for the person who has everything!
Next show up is ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS playing 19 Nov – 5 Dec 2026

To book tickets to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, please visit https://latc2020.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/152495.

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When the Healers Need Healing: A Tender Journey Through Trauma and Memory

12/09/202612/09/2026 Nicole Salinger🥈⚡🎭😂🎪

The Memory Mirror Rating

★★★★★

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As I sit in my seat, a wave of tranquility fills my soul. I am transported to a place that feels rustic, with dry leaves scattered across the ground, basked in dreamy orange and blue light. Two walls on either side of the stage are layered in natural calico material and sage detailing, setting a countrified scene, with a gorgeous outline of trees peaking through. Teamed with light country music playing in the background, I immerse myself in nature’s sounds, save for a blue emergency light, that flashes on and off to my right.

The location? The lush landscape of the Blue Mountains, at a Mind, Body, Spirit festival, a yearly celebration, where a close-knit mountain community gather together to celebrate their traditional merrymaking.

To start, we are introduced to Banjo, the old town larrikin, who draws us in with his humour and entertaining antics. Dressed as a town jester, he promotes the festival’s mystical magic to all and sundry, even us, the audience, are made to clap and participate to become part of the town’s supportive populace. Where we feel the love and support of an entire community.

Yet, under all the ribbing and light-hearted silliness, lies Daniel – the protagonist, a local paramedic who is at his wit’s end, living in survival mode. Years of workplace trauma have taken their toll. He has given years of support to others, but has pent up emotions, clouded judgements and personal demons sitting on his psyche from the past that even he knows he has no more control over.

By a stroke of good fortune, a pair of beloved black cockatoos perched on a branch, Huggin (meaning ‘thought’) and Muggin (meaning ‘memory’), who usually face each other, symbolising balance, are suddenly out of synch. For Muggin is seen by Daniel, to be facing the other direction, away from Huggin. To Daniel and the rest of the townsfolk, this signifies a heavy omen, a mystical plea for help that sets of a chain of events in motion. Yet, it sends Daniel on his own unexpected hero’s journey to healing his inner demons. A vault of his long-buried memories starts to crack open, revealing fragments of trauma he had experienced in the past, down to a specific memory that he sought to erase, which he had spent a lifetime avoiding, and suffering in the process.

In dedicating his life to saving others, this play poses the ultimate universal question regarding these ‘angels on earth’. Who is there to pick up the pieces when they themselves are struggling with trauma and need support?

The answer in this show, is in the healing power of the community they keep. Under the superb direction of Drew Tingwell, this production is brought to life by an extraordinary cast of Australian stage and screen actors who are simply superb.

Notably, Don Bridges as Banjo is the show’s charismatic and eccentric welcome wagon, inviting us into a warm, whimsical mountain environment of open acceptance, with his rogue-ish antics and quick-witted, hilarious timing.

Gabriel Partington, as Daniel, brims with breathtaking emotion throughout the show, perfectly exemplifying the complex roller coaster ride of how suppressed trauma can infiltrate the mind, body and soul. For every nuance, every layer, every physical choice, was flawlessly played, and no doubt, an award-worthy, challenging role to master.

But Margot Knight, simply shines as Mrs. Munro, a wife and mother who balances her life’s complexities with admiration and courage – dedicating her life to her husband and community. Only an actress of her calibre can combine underlying, unimaginable grief with a majestic presence that shines from the inside-out, that invites an audience into her soul so seamlessly and so unapologetically – to feel her character’s unspoken burdens: a journey through the darkness back into the light.

Themes of trauma and the enigma around memory are woven brilliantly throughout this tender work, with flashbacks, memory competitions, and a mythical mirror thrown in, that when looked into, a repressed memory starts to appear. Written and conceived by award-winning playwright Georgina Luck, this world premiere struck me as a beautiful piece of heart-felt theatre that caters to all age groups, and defines the full spectrum of the human experience: including humour, grief, ageing and stress, and how our bodies and minds learn to (rightly or wrongly) adapt and survive through these difficult life transitions.

This show is a must-see for those who believe in something more than what they view in front of them. It is a story of how life can indeed rebalance itself; not by virtue of struggling alone, but with the power of a village behind us. To walk us on through, and bring us back to life.

To book tickets to The Memory Mirror, please visit https://events.humanitix.com/the-memory-mirror.

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Japan Jazz Nights: Celebrating 50 Years Of Australia–Japan Friendship; Tour Dates Announced!

11/09/2026 Breaking News

Discover the next generation of Japan’s thriving jazz scene with Japan Jazz Nights, a large-scale touring performance series that will take place across seven Australian cities in October 2026: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.

Presented by The Japan Foundation (JF) and Eight Islands Co., Japan Jazz Nights is being held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia. This exciting lineup features four groundbreaking Japanese artists at the forefront of the contemporary jazz scene: BIGYUKI, STEREO CHAMP, Tenors In Chaos and Misaki UMEI.

Japanese jazz has recently enjoyed a resurgence in popularity worldwide, with growing attention being paid to its contemporary scene. Starting with BIGYUKI’s performance at Melbourne International Jazz Festival, this extensive national tour gives Australians the rare chance to experience firsthand the creativity, diversity and vitality of contemporary Japanese Jazz.

Japan Jazz Nights will also include exciting collaborations with local Australian artists at performances throughout the tour. Through the universal language of music, this initiative aims to foster meaningful connections between Japan and Australia and strengthen cultural ties between the two countries.

For both longtime jazz lovers and newcomers to the genre, Japan Jazz Nights is an unmissable opportunity to experience these musical icons, as they showcase the beauty of their craft and shape the future sound of modern jazz.

Japan Jazz Nights Touring Schedule
Date: October 16, 2026 (Fri), Doors 8pm
Venue: Max Watt’s (Melbourne)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website / Tickets: BIGYUKI – Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Date: October 17, 2026 (Sat), 1pm – 5pm
Venue: Fed Square (Melbourne)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website: Free Jazz at Fed Square – Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Admission: Free

Date: October 18, 2026 (Sun), 7pm
Venue: Oddio (Adelaide)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Adelaide International Jazz Festival
Event Website: TBA
Tickets: AIJF Presents: Japan Jazz Nights – BIGYUKI

Date: October 19, 2026 (Mon)
City: Sydney
Details: TBA

Date: October 22, 2026 (Thur), 7pm
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel (Melbourne)
Performers: Tenors In Chaos, STEREO CHAMP, Misaki UMEI
Event: Melbourne International Jazz Festival
Event Website / Tickets: Tenors in Chaos + Stereo Champ + Misaki Umei – Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri) 10pm
Venue: Liberty Theatre (Perth)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: Perth International Jazz Festival
Event Website: BIGYUKI (JPN) • Perth International Jazz Festival
Tickets: Megatix – BIGYUKI (JPN)

Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri)
City: Brisbane
Details: TBA

Date: October 23, 2026 (Fri)
Venue: Molly (Canberra)
Performers: STEREO CHAMP
Details: TBA

Date: October 24, 2026 (Sat)
Venue: Canberra Nara Peace Park (Canberra)
Performers: STEREO CHAMP
Event: Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Event Website: Canberra Nara Candle Festival | Canberra Nara Candle Festival
Admission: Free

Date: October 25, 2026 (Sun), 7pm
Venue: Liberty Theatre (Perth)
Performers: Tenors In Chaos, UMEI Misaki
Event: Perth International Jazz Festival
Event Website: Japan Jazz Nights • Perth International Jazz Festival
Tickets: Megatix – Japan Jazz Nights

Date: October 25, 2026 (Sun), 7pm – 8:30pm
Venue: The Barn (Hobart)
Performers: BIGYUKI
Event: CJF Presents
Event Website: BIGYUKI (JPN/USA) – Rosny Farm
Tickets: Tickets for CJF Presents 2026

Date: October 29, 2026 (Thur) 7pm – 10pm
Venue: Heaps Normal Health Club (Sydney)
Performers: UMEI Misaki, Cracked Suzies
Event: Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival
Event Website: Misaki Umei x Cracked Suzies | SIMA
Tickets: Tickets for Misaki Umei & Cracked Suzies + Dorka

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