The perfection of this 1994 production makes it hard to be anything but grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy it again. And yet, its very familiarity adds something of an insult […]
Opera Australia: La Traviata review [Melbourne 2022]
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.
Girl From the North Country review [Melbourne 2022]
Artfully conceived and oh so lovingly crafted, Girl From the North Country tempers a heart rending narrative with the heart soothing balm of more than twenty exquisitely arranged Bob Dylan songs.
IOpera, Melbourne Opera: The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny review
Absent from the Melbourne mainstage for over four decades, The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny returns to rich life thanks to the combined resources and talents of local independent […]
To Barbra, with Love review
A rose-tinted rollick down memory lane, To Barbra, with Love showcases hit after cherished hit as Melbourne Symphony Orchestra complements a terrific quartet of vivacious vocalists.
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: The Phantom of the Opera review
A perfect choice for the grand Handa Opera treatment, beloved classic The Phantom of the Opera has never looked so spectacular.
Hamilton review [Melbourne 2022]
Australia’s theatre capital takes its turn to host the Room Where It Happens, as Hamilton arrives in sensational form, setting off a theatrical powder keg at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne.
An American in Paris review [Melbourne]
Swoon-worthy dance and design grace the mighty State Theatre as international hit musical An American in Paris jetés into town.
Next to Normal review [Melbourne 2022]
The crackling electricity of rock musical Next to Normal lights up Chapel off Chapel in a deeply affecting production, centred upon the exquisite lead performance of Queenie van de Zandt.
Theatrical: If/Then review
Powerhouse vocals distinguish the very welcome season of 2014 Broadway musical If/Then, neatly produced by burgeoning local company Theatrical.
Melbourne Shakespeare Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
In idyllic surrounds, A Midsummer Night’s Dream makes for charming end-of-summer entertainment, the youthful hijinks brought merrily to life by Melbourne Shakespeare Company.
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