Well worth the twenty-five-year wait, this was the Moment, not just for Anthony Warlow to actually play Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde on stage, but also for Australia to finally see a […]
Jekyll and Hyde 25th Anniversary Concert 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.
OSMaD: Miss Saigon review
OSMaD captures the emotional power of modern classic Miss Saigon, distinguishing the new production with a perfectly cast set of performers and a generously sized orchestra.
Victorian Opera: The Selfish Giant review
Victorian Opera continue their extraordinary run of original works, presenting a finely appointed production of world premiere youth opera The Selfish Giant.
CLOC Musical Theatre: Mamma Mia! review
Brightly polished to a gleaming sparkle, jukebox gem Mamma Mia! benefits from fresh, creative design, brought to life by a well-balanced blend of new and experienced cast members who capture the beating […]
Melbourne Theatre Company: Black is the New White review
Christmas arrives early, as uproariously funny romantic comedy Black is the New White ties a big fluffy bow around the shared commonality of family politics, the delicate delineation of race relations and […]
IOpera: Jonny Strikes Up! review
Adventurous opera lovers of Melbourne were treated to a one-night-only concert of 1926 German opera Jonny Strikes Up!, giving the work its long overdue Australian premiere.
From Broadway to La Scala 2019 review
In its third incarnation, From Broadway to La Scala nimbly sidesteps the law of diminishing returns, showcasing a terrific sextet of stage talents in a generous, well considered program.
Opera Australia: Ghost Sonata review
Opera Australia again revels in the creative freedom of presenting a modern opera in a smaller venue, following up 2018 success Metamorphosis by presenting Aribert Reimann’s 1984 chamber opera Ghost Sonata at […]
The Australian Ballet: Peter Wright’s The Nutcracker review
Cherished on every ballet world stage, The Nutcracker can be enjoyed at any time of year, especially as presented in The Australian Ballet’s decadently sumptuous production.
Melbourne Opera: Norma review
Readily meeting sky high anticipation, the new Melbourne Opera production of Norma brings a mighty shine to this revered, and often unattainable, jewel in the crown of the bel canto repertoire.
