Having held a mirror to Australian society for more than 50 years, master comic performer Barry Humphries shows no signs of slowing down in this “farewell” tour. There is even a brand […]
Eat Pray Laugh! Barry Humphries’ Farewell Tour review
Simon Parris
I have appeared in about 40 productions over the past thirty-three 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 for St Michael’s Grammar School, then went on to direct Hot Mikado and the Australian premiere of 13 for St Michael’s. I have since gone on to direct/choreograph The Music Man Jr and Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr for St Michael's.
I review 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 I am currently on the Board of The Opera Studio Melbourne.
I am a keen audience member, having seen 58 shows in six weeks in New York this year, as well as 57 shows during 6 weeks in London/Europe earlier this year.
I hope you enjoy reading the news and reviews at Simon Parris: Man in Chair. I would love to hear your thoughts on the shows covered here so please feel free to leave your comments.
Cosi Fan Tutte review
Melbourne Opera has built up a stable of talented, entertaining singers, so what better opera than Cosi Fan Tutte, with no less than six major roles, to show off the skills of […]
Queen Lear review
A powerful woman comes to favour her youngest daughter – sound familiar? Even when scheduling this bold adaptation a year ago, MTC could not have foreseen how timely and relevant the concept […]
The Producers review
The Production Company has set a very high standard for their 2012 presentations, gathering a sensational cast for the deliriously funny musical comedy The Producers.
Sondheim to Australia for Rush in Forum
Melbourne musical theatre’s “best kept secret” was officially revealed today when prolific producer John Frost announced his upcoming revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum.
Moonshadow review
After one of the most inscrutable marketing campaigns in recent memory, the veil is finally lifted on brand new musical Moonshadow.
Annie review [Melbourne]
Ever-loveable orphan Annie has made her way back to musical-loving Melbourne after a two-town tryout up north.
Wagner’s Dream Comes True
When New York’s Metropolitan Opera decided to stage a new production of Wagner’s epic Ring cycle, their first in over 20 years, Director Susan Froemke was there to capture every twist and […]
The Merry Widow review
Given the current financial unrest in Europe, perennial favourite The Merry Widow is perhaps more topical than ever.
An Officer and A Gentleman The Musical review
Director Simon Phillips and team redefine the boundaries of music theatre in this gripping, moving and ultimately uplifting new musical.
