Broadway is at its best when even a bio-musical is a solid gold hit. Sterling talents collaborate to bring the story of ill-fated crooner Bobby Darin to supremely entertaining life.
Just in Time review [Broadway]
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.
Boop! review [Broadway]
Sunshine in a bottle, Boop! is a delectable confection that happily entertains the delighted audience without expecting much of anything in return.
Gypsy review [Broadway 2025]
The jewel in the crown of the musical theatre canon gleams all the more brightly in this immaculately staged revival, with the great Audra McDonald leaving her all on stage as ferocious […]
Real Women Have Curves review [Broadway 2025]
A joyful celebration of humanity and devotion to dreams, plus a healthy dose of body positivity, Real Women Have Curves raises the roof with infectious music and delightful comedy.
Sondheim’s Old Friends review [Broadway 2025]
Not a day goes by Not a single day But you’re somewhere, a part of my life And it looks like you’ll stay A luxurious cast of living legends and rising stars […]
Redwood review [Broadway 2025]
Idina Menzel defies gravity all over again, flying high in original new musical Redwood. An inspiring tale of self reflection and communing with nature, Redwood sees grieving parent Jesse take inspiration from […]
Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour: Guys and Dolls review
Evergreen Broadway Golden Age classic Guys and Dolls flourishes with the super-sized outdoor Handa Opera treatment, the glittering Sydney skyline a worthy stand-in for New York City itself.
Jesus Christ Superstar review [Melbourne 2025]
Perennial favourite Jesus Christ Superstar blazes back onto the stage, making a highly welcome return in this latest and greatest production of the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice rock opera.
The Maybe Pile: Boys on the Verge of Tears review [Melbourne]
Uniquely conceived and sharply executed, Boys on the Verge of Tears takes the audience on a gripping ride through boyhood and beyond.
The Australian Ballet: Carmen review [Melbourne 2025]
Strikingly modern and darkly psychological, John Inger’s Carmen delivers an exhilarating showcase for the sharply focused talents of The Australian Ballet.
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