Verdi’s richly melodious tragedy glistens again as Opera Australia returns its much loved Moshinsky staging of Rigoletto to the Melbourne stage.
Opera Australia: Rigoletto review [Melbourne 2019]
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.
Melbourne Theatre Company: Così review
Much loved, oft-produced Australian comedy Così is treated to a rather lavish revival in this co-production from Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company.
Barnum review [Melbourne 2019]
An all too rare independent musical theatre production, the new Australian staging of Barnum sees Todd McKenney embrace the chance to play iconic huckster P. T. Barnum.
Opera Australia: West Side Story review [Melbourne 2019]
Opera Australia complements their dazzling new outdoor production of West Side Story in Sydney with the return of this traditional staging to Melbourne, differentiating the casting by showcasing a new generation of fresh […]
Muriel’s Wedding the Musical review [Melbourne]
It’s Broadway meets Broadbeach, as hotly anticipated Muriel’s Wedding the Musical arrives on the Melbourne stage with a sizzling splash.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: West Side Story review
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 […]
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 […]
