Energetic direction and zany performances are highlights of slick boutique production Reefer Madness.
RL Productions: Reefer Madness 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.
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.
Opera Australia: Das Rheingold review [Melbourne Ring Cycle 2016]
The highly anticipated return of Opera Australia’s world class Ring Cycle begins with a nuanced exploration of the psychological intensity of Das Rheingold.
The Production Company: Dusty review
An absolutely sensational lead performance from Amy Lehpamer is a key attraction in The Production Company’s revival of 2006 Australian musical Dusty.
Ned Kelly, My Love review
In its Australian premiere season, chamber musical Ned Kelly, My Love presents a new and poignant angle on the legendary story of Ned Kelly.
Melbourne Opera: Anna Bolena review
Melbourne Opera continues their lavish presentation of Donizetti’s Tudor Trilogy with the Australian professional premiere of dramatically charged bel canto opera Anna Bolena.
Nine the Musical in Concert review
Maury Yeston’s ravishing score for Nine the Musical was finally heard in Melbourne again last night in an impeccably staged concert with a superb cast.
Life Like Company: The Light in the Piazza review
Perfectly cast and handsomely staged, the Melbourne professional premiere of exquisitely romantic gem The Light in the Piazza shimmers with radiant beauty.
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