Melbourne is treated to an exclusive return season of the celebrated Maina Gielgud production of eternal ballet classic Giselle.
The Australian Ballet: Giselle review [2018]
Simon Parris
I have appeared in about 40 productions over the past forty 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, then went on to direct Hot Mikado and the Australian premiere of 13. I have since gone on to direct/choreograph The Music Man Jr and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.
At my next school, I was Head of Productions, overseeing up to a dozen productions each year and directing another seven musicals, including The Music Man, Brigadoon and How To Succeed in Business Without really Trying.
I reviewed 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 was on the Board of The Opera Studio Melbourne.
I am a keen audience member, having seen 58 shows in six weeks in a 2012 trip to New York, as well as 57 shows during 6 weeks in London/Europe earlier the same year.
I hope you enjoy reading the news and reviews at 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: A Doll’s House, Part 2 review
Compelling acting and prescient storytelling elevate the almost too clever “What if?” premise of A Doll’s House, Part 2.
The Production Company: The Boy from Oz review [2018]
Rohan Browne deservedly Gets His Name In Lights as he takes centre stage in this spectacular new production of much loved Australian musical The Boy from Oz.
Melbourne Opera: Der Rosenkavalier review
Melbourne Opera presents an evening of romance peppered with comedy in a handsome, well cast new production of Richard Strauss’ Der Rosenkavalier.
Great Performers: Stuart Skelton review
Escaping a wet, wintry Melbourne night, music lovers gathered before the warmly lit stage of Elisabeth Murdoch Hall to enjoy an all too rare appearance from mighty Australian heldentenor Stuart Skelton.
Melbourne Theatre Company: An Ideal Husband review
In their keenly anticipated season of An Ideal Husband, Melbourne Theatre Company matches the sparkle of Oscar Wilde’s wit with a gleaming production bejeweled with dazzling performances.
Sumi Jo and José Carbó: Mad for Love review [Melbourne]
Treasured soprano Sumi Jo brought her Mad for Love Australian tour to Melbourne Recital Centre with special guest baritone José Carbó.
Victorian Opera: William Tell review
In a mighty achievement, Victorian Opera presents an epic evening of magnificent music as they return Rossini’s William Tell to the Australian stage after some 140 years.
Opera Australia: Madame Butterfly review
Opera Australia delivers an authentic, high quality opera experience with their 2018-2019 regional tour of Puccini’s exquisite tragedy Madame Butterfly.
Mamma Mia! review [Melbourne 2018]
It may be winter in Melbourne, but inside the newly refurbished Princess Theatre there is nothing but idyllic Greek island sunshine as Mamma Mia! returns in a new production.
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