A brilliant choice for the first musical to be presented as the annual Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour, West Side Story is given lavish, large scale treatment in what is essentially a […]
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: West Side Story review
Simon Parris
I have appeared in about 40 productions over the past thirty-three years. Favourite roles include Eugene Fodor and Junior in (separate productions of) Crazy for You, Mr Fox in Mack and Mabel, Max in The Sound of Music, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Julio in Paint Your Wagon, Marcellus in The Music Man and Grantaire in Les Miserables.
I have directed several school productions. I choreographed Urinetown and Little Shop of Horrors for St Michael’s Grammar School, then went on to direct Hot Mikado and the Australian premiere of 13 for St Michael’s. I have since gone on to direct/choreograph The Music Man Jr and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr for St Michael's.
I review music theatre and opera for Theatre People and the Sunday Herald Sun (Melbourne). I served on the Music Theatre Guild of Victoria Committee for five years as Treasurer and I am currently on the Board of The Opera Studio Melbourne.
I am a keen audience member, having seen 58 shows in six weeks in New York this year, as well as 57 shows during 6 weeks in London/Europe earlier this year.
I hope you enjoy reading the news and reviews at Simon Parris: Man in Chair. I would love to hear your thoughts on the shows covered here so please feel free to leave your comments.
The Australian Ballet: Cinderella review [Melbourne 2019]
As witty as it is romantic, The Australian Ballet’s characterful production of Cinderellamakes an unplanned yet very welcome return visit to Melbourne, showcasing the glorious partnership of married principal artists Ako Kondo […]
Melbourne Theatre Company: A View from the Bridge review
Stripped raw and utterly lean, the new Melbourne Theatre Company production of A View from the Bridge thrives on the strength of its compelling characters and elegantly spare language, hurtling towards its shocking, […]
Jersey Boys review [Melbourne 2019]
Ever the Big Men in Town, the Jersey Boys are back for their third Melbourne season and their music remains an energetic, infectious joy.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child review [Melbourne]
In which Man in Chair keeps the secrets. Melbourne takes its place in the international spotlight with characteristic flair as the cosmopolitan city hosts the world’s third production of theatrical phenomenon Harry […]
Victorian Opera: Parsifal review
In presenting this long overdue Melbourne premiere season of Parsifal, Victorian Opera gives Wagner’s final opera an intelligently conceived, splendidly performed production.
Melbourne Theatre Company: The Lady in the Van review
Melbourne Theatre Company begins the new year with a showcase for revered actress Miriam Margolyes, who takes on the cantankerous title character in Alan Bennett’s The Lady in the Van.
Melbourne Opera: The Flying Dutchman review
With confidence and polish that cover all aspects of production, Melbourne Opera takes on another Wagner opera, The Flying Dutchman, with further success.
Hadestown review [London]
Imaginatively conceived and artfully staged, new musical Hadestown is a heady combination of music, dance and mythology.
Violet review [London]
An ideal choice for an off-West End season, Violet features an exceptional lead performance from Kaisa Hammarlund.
