‘The Last Five Years’ is an ambitious show to take on; a Jason Robert Brown score is no tame beast, and the intimate vulnerability required for this particular show to really fly asks a lot of its two actors. Castle Hill Players’ production, which runs from the 25th of July to August 16th, and has the pain and humour, the nuance and stillness, that this book and score deserve.
Director Julian Floriano has done a really wonderful job. The staging has to hold together story threads that are moving in opposite directions, and actors who barely have any points of physical interaction; Floriano has created spaces for the songs and actors to shine. Storytelling through character-building is the base required for this show to succeed and it is done excellently here.
Julian Badman of Your Place Architecture has designed a really beautiful and effective set; one of my personal favourites I’ve seen in a theatre recently. Gentle ripples of semi-sheer fabric hang in layered walls across the stage. At different times you can see characters or the band through them, or they are raised to reveal a scene in a new place. Cathy and Jamie (the two characters) move around each other through this mist, the curtains literally lifting to reveal moments of insight.
This show has a rotating cast, and the dates each will be performing is available at the booking link. Opening night began with Cassidy Donovan’s performance of ‘Still Hurting’ which is perhaps the song with the highest profile. Donovan is captivating from the start, and steps to the challenge of such a famous and devastating number with gentle ease. Her comedic moments are some of the highlights, and her energy is excellent.
Levi Burrows’ Jamie is goofy and ambitious, and he nails the moments where Jamie has an open flank. For much of the second act to resonate, Jamie needs to be someone the audience connects to genuinely, and Burrows catches the youthful joy and genuine love to do this.
David Catterall leads the small and mighty band excellently, and the sound mix meant the strings, played by Jade Jacobs, Heather Hinrichs and Ian Macourt, can harmonise evenly and beautifully Chris Everest’s lovely guitar playing. Catterall plays Jason Robert Brown’s intricate piano parts with a delicate touch, and Dominic Yeap-Holliday holds down the rhythm section (on bass) with aplomb. Bernard Teuben’s sound design across the entirety of this trip to the theatre was excellent; I hope the lobby playlist was curated specifically for this because it fit perfectly.
This is the only full-fledged musical on the books for the Castle Hill Players this year, and is definitely worth seeing. If you are not a fan of a the big song and dance of traditional musical theatre, this really good production of this award winning show offers a different way into the art-form. This is a very human story told with both humour and compassion by a skilled cast and band.
The Tony Award-winning Parade: The Musical returns to Brisbane at the Ron Hurley Theatre in Seven Hills, recounting the true and tragic story of Leo Frank (Michael Lewis), a Jewish factory manager in Atlanta, Georgia, who was wrongfully accused and convicted of the murder of 13-year-old factory employee Mary Phagan (Mabel Tamone).
The case—and its aftermath—exposed deep-rooted antisemitism, stark regional divisions, and widespread injustice in early 20th-century America. This pivotal moment in U.S. history not only intensified the rift between North and South but also helped fuel the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan.
Directed by Johnny Peek, this Bump In Productions staging features a cast that seamlessly blends professional and community talent.
Real-life couple Michael and Belinda Lewis lead the production as Leo and Lucille Frank, lending a powerful intimacy to their performances, particularly in the show’s later scenes. Michael gives a deeply sincere portrayal of Leo, the Brooklyn-educated businessman who moved to Georgia after marrying Lucille and took over management of her uncle’s factory. His involvement in the local Jewish community becomes a focal point in the courtroom scene, and his emotional depth in the final act—after conviction and while awaiting sentencing—is both compelling and heart-wrenching.
Belinda Lewis delivers a sublime performance as Lucille. Her disbelief and frustration over the injustice done to her husband drives her to take control (“Do It Alone”) and persuade the Governor to re-open the case (“This Is Not Over Yet”). When Leo is moved to a prison farm, she visits him with a picnic—this tender scene was, for me, the highlight of the show. Their connection during “All the Wasted Time” was palpable, holding the audience in rapt silence.
Jay Monck gives a commanding performance as the ambitious District Attorney Hugh Dorsey, whose political ambitions hinge on a conviction—regardless of the truth.
Mabel Tamone is exceptional as Mary Phagan, imbuing the role with a childlike innocence and warmth. She is perfectly matched by Casey Martin as Frankie Epps (“The Picture Show”), a rising triple-threat performer. Both Tamone and Martin are talents to watch.
The ensemble is strong across the board, with standout moments in group numbers like “There Is a Fountain” and “It Don’t Make Sense.” Matthew McKenzie is magnetic as Jim Conley, especially during the gripping chain gang number, “Feel the Rain Fall.”
Musical Director Michael Keen brings Jason Robert Brown’s score vividly to life with the support of an accomplished live orchestra positioned offstage. Maureen Bowra’s choreography plays to the cast’s strengths, with intricate staging that immerses the audience in key moments.
Overall, Parade is an extraordinary and moving production—not to be missed.
Parade: The Musical runs through 3 August at the Ron Hurley Theatre, 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills QLD 4170.
Late Late At Night: The Rick Springfield Story Rating
★★★★★
Click if you liked this article
3
The Late Late at Night: The Rick Springfield Story promises a show with heart and nostalgia as the audience is taken down memory lane with the Australian-American icon: and it delivered.
Jackson Carroll’s flawless depiction as Richard Springthorpe, otherwise known as Rick Springfield, was a perfect balance of learning about the struggling musician’s life and performance of his classic hits. Although Springfield navigates heavy topics, including mental health issues and personal losses, Carroll showcased these struggles in a sensitive and somewhat endearing manner. The show acts as a reminder that the glorified icon who graced our radios with the rock and pop anthems Jessie’s Girl and State of the Heart is also a man trying to find his way.
The excitement of the audience was tangible as soon as the music commenced. Carroll immediately hooked in the audience with his emotive voice, alternating between the piano and guitars, helping viewers construct Springfield’s elusive world. The minimalist stage set-up, decorated with key pieces possessing significant meaning to Springfield, emphasised his isolated journey of discovering who he is; and what truly brought him joy. The use of lighting and audio recordings to construct the world of Springfield effectively reflected his declining mental health, as well as core events that led him down the path of self-destruction and self discovery.
The enthusiasm and energy Carroll maintained throughout the one-man show is highly commended, which was met with a standing ovation. The skill in carrying a show from beginning to end, jumping between monologues, different characters and the music of Springfield is remarkable. As he acted and sang, jumping between timelines and showcasing the origin of Springfield’s beloved songs, Carroll made it look effortless. One of the highlights of his distinguished performance was the seamless shift between all stages of Springfield’s life. We watched Rick Springfield address the audience like old friends before diving into his experiences as a boy, to a teen trying to make his dream a reality, a man that falls a part when fame does not give him everything he thought it would; to an icon that realises the true meaning of happiness.
Fans of Rick Springfield, old and new, will not be disappointed when they embark on this journey to learn about the man behind the music. The Late Late at Night: The Rick Springfield Story offers fans a chance to learn his story, but will also find themselves reflecting on the true meaning of happiness as they watch Springfield muster his courage to right his wrongs and find his purpose. Witnessing the story of the icon battle and overcome his lifelong struggles offers a gentle reminder that even those we idolise are indeed human, and just like them, we too can overcome our darkest days.
Based on the real-life story of history’s Grace O’Malley – an Irish Chieftain and notorious pirate, The Pirate Queen is an adventure chronicling the compelling, inspiring heroine who led an extraordinary life as a rogue, lover and mother in 16th-century Ireland. To protect her people and save her one true love, O’Malley must confront the one woman more powerful than her — her fierce rival, Queen Elizabeth I of England.
From the writers of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, the show combines classic storytelling and a sweeping score, with the powerful, vibrant traditions of Irish dance and song, to create a modern musical event that is both historic romance and a timeless epic.
Excited to be celebrating their 80th anniversary in 2025, MLOC Productions is the third oldest community theatre group in Australia. Founded in 1945 as the Mordialloc Philharmonic Society, they originally attracted return service men and their wives to form part of an 80-strong choir. Early performances included the opening of 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. By 1985, the group had become Mordialloc Light Opera Company (eventually abbreviated to MLOC) and have been performing a variety of productions in south-east Melbourne ever since. The Pirate Queen is an Australian first!
Being a new production to Australia, I had no idea what to expect and no pre-conceived expectations which is always adds difference either way because most shows (especially musicals) one has usually seen or at least heard about before. All I knew was that MLOC had done their amazing promo photo shoot at The Polly Woodside in Melbourne which intrigued me to see the show along with advice from a friend who went to the opening night and had loved it.
Firstly, this is a HUGE show requiring HUGE vocals and the main roles especially really have their work cut out for them in every song. HUGE applause therefore to Ella Fryer in her first lead role in a musical (playing ‘Grace O’Malley’) and Nickolas Brown, also his first lead role in a full-scale show (playing Grace’s true love ‘Tiernan’).
I think the character of Grace probably sang the equivalent of about an hour total, unbelievable stamina up there girl, good job!
Tiernan’s solo ‘I’ll Be There’ was a memorable rendition of heartfelt connection we hope all our men feel for us women, and coming from someone so young, very impressive!
Their entire supporting cast has enthusiasm to boot, (boots donned from the era of course). Varying ages in the show from Grace’s son (played by Jake Christie) to those like Evleen (played by Margot Sephton a MLOC life member) with a ton of stage presence over decades was lovely to see. It’s so important in theatre to bring up the next generation and that’s why I think community theatre groups just keep going full steam ahead; they are full of encouragement and support, both on and off the stage and they are not afraid to try something new.
The story of The Pirate Queen resonated a little of Disney’s ‘Mulan’ at the start as Grace pretends she’s a boy to get onto her father’s ship unnoticed, ‘Les Mis’ with sorrow and hardship, then throwing in some interesting accents similar to that given in ‘SIX’ and ‘Hamilton’. This newcomer to musical theatre certainly has the potential to fit in right where aiming its sword.
And no pirate themed anything would be complete without a sword fight or three. I particularly liked the one where they used slow motion and moderate strobe effect lighting (favourable note here that full/fast strobes are so unsuitable for many watching and though this show could’ve used them they didn’t).
Stormy seas are brought to life with the sudden drop of a massive sail giving us on our seats a gasp with it plummeting near the actors underneath, but yes, thankfully it was part of the theatrics, phew!
Transportation to the Emerald Isle is made authentic by the beautiful music and Celtic feel (special mention to Matthew Horsley, Claire Rainey & Brodie Nash on the pipes and whistles). The energy and true Irish dancing to this music has you toe tapping and there is great musicality in the choreography, as also noticed and mentioned by the friend I went with. We gave a shout out to Wendy Perrow. I couldn’t take my eyes off her quick feet embracing the poetry in motion of all those hops and heels up with the biggest smile of enjoyment on every step; she was having a ball portraying the Irish liveliness of more joyous scenes in weddings and birth celebrations (a baby born on stage, was a new one for me).
The costuming is exquisite; an embellished white gown of the Queen, the rich red and gold of those who guard her empire, and those dancing around the maypole with puffed sleeves, long petticoats and velvet ribbons – wonderful details along with those pirate outfits and boots on the ship sailing Clew Bay in 1558, the domain of the O’Malley clan.
‘Clan Rivalry’ is one thing I’ve experienced first-hand; I married a ‘Campbell’ and I found out you cannot visit the Highlands even these days without comments about their history with the ‘MacDonalds’ competing for dominance from every tour guide and pub owner…. However in this show the O’Malleys must make alliances with the O’Flaherty clan and so together the fathers of Grace O’Malley and Donal O’Flaherty (played entertainingly by Tyler Delacretaz) make a pact, and Tiernan, Grace’s true love, must step aside. Will he ever have the chance to reunite with her again? After all, Grace did say ‘you have my hand’ earlier…..
One thing is surely known after seeing The Pirate Queen’s curtain closing, the adventure spirit is alive and well in amateur theatre and I look forward to more shows from MLOC.
Congratulations to the creative team and cast, it takes bravery to put on a show that hasn’t been seen here before and you have conquered!
CAST
GRACE Ella Fryer TIERNAN Nickolas Brown LORD BINGHAM Keegan Dart QUEEN ELIZABETH I Niamh McPartland DONAL O’FLAHERTY Tyler Delacretaz DUBHDARA Jarod Rhine-Davis CHIEFTAN O’FLAHERTY Nicholas Bywater EVLEEN Margot Sephton MAJELLA Bridie Clark
Venue: Frankston Arts Centre, 27-37 Davey St. Frankston, Vic. The venue (undergoing some renovation currently didn’t affect our viewing) has its own paid car parking onsite, lots of street parking around the area plus heaps of restaurants and cafes, but there is also a generously sufficient bar, coffee and snack bar inside the theatre venue itself too.
Production Team: Artistic Director – Chris Ryan Musical Director – Matthew Pines Choreographer – Bridie Clark Vocal Director – Alyssa Sorgiovanni Production Manager – Debbie Jenkins Sound Designer – Daniel Bowen & James Dobson Lighting Designer – Daniel Bowen & Chris Ryan Costume Co-ordinator – Debbie Jenkins
Book by ALAIN BOUBLIL, CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG, RICHARD MALTBY JR. Music By CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG Lyrics By ALAIN BOUBLIL, RICHARD MALTBY JR., JOHN DEMPSEY
