Based on initial impressions of Chiaroscuro from the marketing materials alone, one could be misled into thinking that the show is an in-your-face rock concert. One of the pull quotes describes Chiaroscuro as ‘explosive’ and the central image is of Shiloh Coke wearing an eccentric outfit with metallic blue lip-stick. As glorious as the image [...]
*This review shares my initial thoughts on Mercy following its rehearsed reading on 27 September, no star rating has been given* In the rehearsed reading of Mercy, the actors take their seats on stage at the start. They are joined by an actor whose role is to read the stage directions. During the performance, the [...]
In a game of Word Association, when asked to describe New York, ordinary is probably the last word to spring to mind. Although this musical is firmly grounded in the bustling city which never sleeps, the material which the musical centres on is, well, ordinary. Here we follow four New Yorkers: a romantic couple; a [...]
Normality is a tuneful new musical comedy about Norman Goodman, a computer and keyboard enthusiast who unexpectedly lands a job in the corporate world. The show, created by Nige Reid and Jules Kleiseris, is currently in development and had its first staging in the downstairs Studio space at the Other Palace. The actors had just ten days [...]
It’s no secret that I’m an ardent fan of Mr Jason Robert Brown. He possesses the unique ability to compose a rousing and heartfelt score (See Parade, Last Five Years). Although he’s received critical acclaim and awards for his music, his shows haven’t had much luck in enjoying a healthy run on Broadway. When Bridges [...]
Tree hasn’t been given a star rating in this review. Not only because I’m starting to question how meaningful star ratings are. But when a show is riddled in controversy, it’s difficult to take an ‘objective’ look at the piece. So this is not a typical review, but a collection of thoughts of and around [...]
The recent revival of Evita at the Regents Open Air Theatre has divided audiences. The musical charts the rise and fall of Eva Perón. Eva is born out of wedlock and has humble beginnings as a performer who dreams of going to the city. Through manipulation and cunning, she ascends to become one of the [...]
‘Working’ is a musical adaptation of Studs Terkel’s 1974 book with interviews from a cross-section of individuals talking about their jobs. Some people go to see musicals to escape all thoughts of their 9 to 5. But in this musical, working life is exactly what you’re confronted with. Given our political climate and the people [...]
Bag Lady is a top-ranking piece of new writing. Stephanie Manton has written and stars in this semi-autobiographical show which takes place at the Combined Cadet Forces' (CCF) annual camp. It’s hilarious, heart-warming and delves into a topic which isn’t often represented on stage. In this solo performance, we join the young Kelly Carmichael (Stephanie [...]
Trial of Love is a black comedy horror, loosely based on the Chinese story of Wang Kui Betrays Guiyung. Directed by Sally Jiayun XU, it’s a promising piece about dispelling mystic curses, fusing styles from Chinese and Japanese cultures. There are some strong performances, yet this production doesn’t quite feel like it has reached its [...]
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