Although its timeless quality and eerily prescient politics make Cabaret ripe for revival, a proliferation of poor directorial choices derails the promise of this new production.
Cabaret review [Melbourne 2017]
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.
BK Opera: Werther review
Adding another layer to Melbourne’s burgeoning independent opera scene, BK Opera distinguishes themselves with a fine performance of Massenet’s romantic tragedy Werther.
The Shanghai Ballet: Swan Lake review
The Shanghai Ballet’s highly traditional production of Swan Lake is distinguished by the exquisite use of a huge corps de ballet of angelic dancers.
Aladdin review [Melbourne 2017]
Shining, shimmering, splendid, Aladdin transports audiences on a magic carpet ride to a whole new world of kaleidoscopic intensity.
Sunday in the Park with George review [Broadway 2017]
Less is so much more as revered musical Sunday in the Park with George returns to Broadway. The staging may be partial, but the music, humour and heart are all there in […]
Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 review
Highly original in style and extraordinarily exuberant in performance energy, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812 is a fresh, exciting and affecting new musical.
War Paint review
A glossy, if rather slender, new musical, War Paint is a chance to luxuriate in the performances of a pair of Broadway’s greatest divas. Two-time Tony Award winners Patti LuPone and Christine […]
Amélie review
As dainty and delectable as a well-cooked soufflé, the new stage musical Amélie is a feather-light confection of pure charm.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory review [Broadway 2017]
Oompa loompa doompety doo I’ve got a Broadway puzzle for you Oompa loompa doompety dee If you are wise you’ll listen to me What do you get when you cut all […]
Bandstand review
A surprise gem, Bandstand transcends its simple premise to deliver a compelling story with terrific music and performance energy to spare.
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