It’s so nice to have Mrs Dolly Levi back where she belongs, bringing infinite joy to capacity audiences on Broadway. At one time Broadway’s longest running musical, Hello, Dolly! shines again in […]
Hello, Dolly! review [Broadway 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.
A Bronx Tale review [Broadway 2017]
Filling the gap for New York baby boomers left by the closure of mega hit Jersey Boys, ambitious new musical A Bronx Tale has entertaining moments but struggles to overcome the unusual […]
Dear Evan Hansen review [Broadway]
Modern, fresh and wholly original, Dear Evan Hansen hits the zeitgeist of the current dangers of loneliness despite the perpetual availability of digital connections and the constant barrage of digital communication.
Come From Away review
Contrasting many of the mega-budget, high-tech new musicals, the simple staging of Come From Away wins hearts with its soaring humanity.
Anastasia the new Broadway Musical review
Gorgeous music and impeccable design combine to tell a captivating story in the long awaited stage adaption of Anastasia.
Groundhog Day the Musical review
Reuniting many of the high wattage talents behind Matilda, new musical Groundhog Day is a slickly produced, crowd-pleasing show in the best Broadway tradition.
In Transit review
New Broadway musical In Transit is doubly unique, winning points for both its originality and for being an entirely performed a cappella.
Sunset Boulevard review [Broadway 2017]
To borrow Norma Desmond’s expression, Glenn Close is enjoying a phenomenal “return” to Broadway, and to her 1994 Tony-winning role, with this unique, glossy, concert-like staging of Sunset Boulevard.
Victorian Opera: The Princess and the Pea review
Victorian Opera presented another authentic introductory opera experience with this highly accessible, sweetly amusing production of The Princess and the Pea.
The Australian Ballet: Faster review
Presenting an expertly curated mixed program, The Australian Ballet begins it Melbourne 2017 season in superb form. Faster showcases the company with a well-matched trio of cutting edge contemporary works, two of […]
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