The Australian Ballet finds an ideal balance between classical story ballet and classical abstract ballet in this delightful evening of Frederick Ashton masterworks.
The Australian Ballet: The Dream review [Melbourne]
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.
StageArt: A Super Brady Cabaret review
Packed with unabashedly joyful tunes, A Super Brady Cabaret is wickedly funny.
Anything Goes review [Melbourne 2015]
Everything old is new again as a sensational cast brings daffy delight Anything Goes roaring back to life.
StageArt: Dreamgirls review
Legendary Broadway musical Dreamgirls finally makes its Australian premiere in this flashy presentation from innovative, uncompromising independent theatre company StageArt.
Opera Australia: Don Carlos review
Verdi’s grandest opera is given the meticulous and magnificent treatment it deserves in this most welcome revival, the glittering centerpiece of this very well received Melbourne Autumn season.
Ned – A New Australian Musical review
Dramatically charged content, stirring, melodious music and terrific performances contribute to a distinguished world premiere for Ned A New Australian Musical.
CLOC Musical Theatre: Mary Poppins review
The wind must be in the east, as Mary Poppins flies back onto the Melbourne stage in a lavish, lovingly crafted stage spectacular.
Opera Australia: Don Giovanni review [Melbourne 2015]
In a staging that is as magnificent as it is ingenious, director David McVicar breathes fresh life into trusty favourite Don Giovanni.
Opera Australia: Madama Butterly review [Melbourne 2015]
Moffat Oxenbould’s cherished production of Madama Butterfly goes out in high style with sublime soprano Hiromi Omura giving an exquisitely calibrated tour de force performance.
The Sound of Music Story book review
The myriad of decisions, events and talents that miraculously combined to create beloved film The Sound of Music is lovingly and insightfully described in Tom Santopietro’s fascinating new book The Sound of […]
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