Melbourne continues to enjoy a full and rewarding program of high-class opera, wondrous dance and high profile visiting artists.
Opera and Ballet Year in Review 2018
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.
Peter Pan Goes Wrong review [Melbourne]
Wickedly funny, Peter Pan Goes Wrongis summer holiday family entertainment minted to perfection.
Musical Theatre Year in Review 2018
Five decades into his storied career, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber dominated the Melbourne musical theatre scene in 2018.
The Australian Ballet: Storytime Ballet: Coppélia review
The Australian Ballet continues their cleverly conceived Storytime Ballet series with Coppélia, an ideal first ballet for young audiences.
Opera Australia: Evita review [Melbourne]
What a difference a theatre makes. Resplendent in Melbourne’s State Theatre, Evita now has the lighting, sound and space to make it the spectacle it deserves to be.
The Australian Ballet School: La Sylphide & Other Works review
The Australian Ballet School ends their year with a selection of well-chosen highlights to accompany the welcome addition of La Sylphide to their repertoire.
Rent review [Melbourne 2018]
Youthful energy and intelligent direction burn brightly in this exhilarating new production of evergreen modern classic Rent.
Melbourne Theatre Company: Twelfth Night review
Gorgeous design, cunning direction and a dreamy cast combine for the pure pleasure of Twelfth Night, an early Christmas present from Melbourne Theatre Company.
Opera Australia: Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg review
The sterling result of the determined and loving labours of countless talents, Opera Australia’s Melbourne presentation of Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg is a shimmering musical and visual treat, with added interest coming […]
Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Diaries 2018 review
On an ordinary Sunday, Melbourne theatregoers were treated to the extraordinary talent Broadway legend Mandy Patinkin.
