The mighty Melbourne Ring Cycle dominated the 2016 year of opera, with an entertaining assortment of productions seen throughout the preceding months.
2016 Opera Year in Review
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.
Music Theatre Year in Review 2016
Australian audiences’ love affair with music theatre continued apace in 2016, with at least eight new Australian musicals playing alongside the glossy commercial productions and the exciting independent premieres.
The Australian Ballet: Storytime Ballet: The Nutcracker review
The Australian Ballet’s Storytime Ballet series continues with a perfectly judged children’s version of seasonal favourite The Nutcracker.
The Australian Ballet School: The Snow Queen review
A perfect showcase for the talents of the students of The Australian Ballet School, beautifully produced ballet The Snow Queen is wonderful holiday entertainment.
Vic Theatre Company: The Gathering review
A tremendously talented young cast and well-realised direction allow original Australian musical The Gathering to be seen in its best possible light.
Opera Australia: Götterdämmerung review [Melbourne Ring Cycle 2016]
In an electric performance of Götterdämmerung, the mighty Melbourne Ring Cycle concludes as it began, with glorious singing, meticulous direction and innovative staging.
RL Productions: Reefer Madness review
Energetic direction and zany performances are highlights of slick boutique production Reefer Madness.
Vic Theatre Company: The Last Five Years review
Blessed with a terrific pair of leads, The Last Five Years makes a welcome return in this affecting involving and insightful production.
Opera Australia: Siegfried review [Melbourne Ring Cycle 2016]
The heroism of Siegfried plays out in a highly theatrical setting as Opera Australia’s addictively compelling Melbourne Ring Cycle continues.
Opera Australia: Die Walküre review [Melbourne Ring Cycle 2016]
Fifteen singers deliver four hours of glorious singing and splendid acting as Opera Australia’s presentation of The Melbourne Ring Cycle continues with Die Walküre.
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