Thursday 30 December 1999

The Hobbit, Dec 30 1999


adapted by Gilly McInnes with Anketell Theatrical Productions
 at Playhouse, Dec 30 1999 until Jan 16, 2000
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

If you are deeply attached to your own vision of Bilbo Baggins, do not panic. This visual theatre production of Tolkien's The Hobbit should fulfil your dreams.

This return season, which has had money thrown at it by its producers, has higher production values (it looks more expensive) and some new staging of Gilly McInnes' adaptation by director, Christine Anketell.

The story is a classic hero's journey. The Wizard, Gandalf, (Henri Szeps) commandeers the sweet and unlikely Bilbo to accompany dwarves on an adventure to kill Smaug, the dragon, and reclaim the Lonely Mountain for the Dwarf King, Thorin.

This is ideal family entertainment. Even the scary gremlin-like goblin doesn't make littlies cry.

Puppets are cleverly crafted by designer, Philip Millar, and his cluster of puppet makers. Bilbo , Dwarves, Wolves and Gollum are child-size. Wood Elves, and Goblins are adult-size while the Trolls, Eagle and Dragon are enormous.

 Bilbo has a vulnerable, wide-eyed face which captures his naivete, obsession with cake and his courage and integrity when facing of goblins and dragons. Lachlan Haig gives him a wry and child-like personality.

Gollum, the luminous cave-dwelling creature, is given an appropriately creepy existence by Terry Ryan. His hissing and riddling meet all expectations.

The puppeteers, wearing full black outfits, are onstage throughout but become virtually invisible as the magic of the story evolves. They provide voices for characters and most are strong actors.

Henri Szeps, with his resonant voice, is a fine Gandalf. Children and adults alike gasp at his illusions which have been created by magician, Ross Skiffington.

Design is important in this production. Set and costume (Mark Thompson) create a sense of magical, mediaeval time and place. Location and mood are provided by Philip Lethlean's atmospheric lighting design. He creates spooky Mirkwood, flying eagles, pools of Water in Gollum's cave.

Allan Zavod's evocative and eclectic music provides an excellent operatic edge to these epic stories.

There are only a couple of weaknesses. Some of the scene changes are clumsy and the Eagle, which is an actor wearing flapping wings, is awkward compared with the fine illusions of the other creatures.

This is a show worthy of Tolkien's imagination.

by Kate Herbert



Wednesday 29 December 1999

Fame: The Musical, Dec 28, 1999


Conceived by David de Silva 
Book by Jose Fernandez 
Lyrics by Jacques Levy 
Music by Steve Margoshes 
at The State Theatre from December 28, 1999
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

If you are sitting in your bedroom, waiting to be discovered, get out now. Fame High School is where you ought to be. But be prepared, 99% of its graduates disappear into oblivion - or perhaps just back into their bedrooms.

Fame, the movie, opened in 1980 and the High School of Performing Arts on which it was based, subsequently became known as Fame High.

Fame The Musical, is really entertaining. Musically, it is lively and well-sung by a fine young cast. Kelley Abbey has choreographed some colourful, peppy and eclectic routines.

Director, David Atkins, keeps the pace rocking along with seamless scene changes. He does not take advantage, though, of the entire set design. The scaffolding on the apron of the stage is used only once in the entire show while the staircases are climbed, danced on and moved about like Leggo.

However, Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore's original title song from the movie is by far the catchiest show tune in the production.

Do not expect to hear other songs from the movie. Fame (I Want To Live Forever), or rather half of it, is the only original number included. The cost of the original score was evidently prohibitive.

The lead roles are played by a fine collection of local and overseas talent.

The highlight was the golden vocal chords of Thelma Houston who is appearing in her first musical theatre production. Her duet, The Teachers' Argument, with Margi De Ferranti was a joy but her solo, These are My Children, was a tribute to this effortless voice with exceptional skill and range.

Choreographer, Abbey, is also on stage and is passionate and compelling as the tragic young would-be star, Carmen Diaz. de Ferranti, Tony Sheldon and Peter Collingwood are well-cast as the Dance, Acting and Music teachers.

Amongst the young actors, Miguel Ayesa is versatile, funny and magnetic as the precocious Jo Vegas. Peter Murphy employs his fine voice, reminiscent of a young John Farnham, as the romantic and diligent Nick Piazza. English performer, Leon Maurice-Jones, captures the bravado and vulnerability of the street-wise, school-shy dancer, Tyrone.

Fame The Musical is a good night in the theatre coloured with passion and joy tinged with some poignant moments.

by Kate Herbert



Wednesday 22 December 1999

Volunteerism in the Arts - Dec 22 1999


Writer: Kate Herbert

Melbourne is a city full of voluntary workers - and they are not only on tuck shop duty.  The arts industry is riddled with volunteers. The vast majority is women who range from highly skilled artists or administrators to bored housewives or retirees, seconded students or young artists trying to build an industry network

What was once community-mindedness, is now a major pathway into employment. The arts have always relied on artists working for little or no financial remuneration. Artists are expected to live on the ecstasy of creative inspiration or the occasional opening night when they can rub shoulders with the great and the beautiful.

I'm telling you, eventually you've gotta make a buck or starve.

Managers at the MTC, Playbox, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Big West Festival and La Mama, list three main reasons people volunteer: for on the job training, industry networking or to fill in time when the kids leave the nest.

From February to December 1999, I spent two days per week working voluntarily for the Big West Festival. Why? To rediscover a sense of community which was eroded by government policy over these last years, and to create a network in the festival industry. Even there, employment relies on "who you know."

It became clear that festivals (the exception being Melbourne Festival) could not survive without volunteers. Alice Nash, General Manager of Big West, lists 130 volunteers. At least seven worked the entire year unpaid and 85 worked on the festival day in November. Two volunteer theatre graduates, Assimina Simmons and Andrew Casey, stage managed The Great Outdoors community project independently.

Ironicaaly, even the co-ordinator of volunteers, Kate Williams, was a volunteer. She took two weeks leave from her regular job to do the festival.

Melbourne Fringe Festival, according to artistic director, Virginia Hyam, (OK) has only three ongoing paid staff. In the lead up to the festival in September, there were 25 paid part-time co-ordinators plus 100 volunteers. "To pay them would be an enormous cost", says Hyam.

So the government allows the community to subsidise its arts and training sectors. Consider a festival which has a conservative estimate of 6000 volunteer hours over 6 months. A volunteer is officially worth $14 per hour. That equals $104,000 that the government does not choose provide.

 Liz Jones, Artistic Director of La Mama Theatre in Carlton, says,
"Actors and technicians come to meet other people in the industry." They paint signs, carry heavy objects and form alliances after which they might get a paid gig . "It is a pathway into the industry."

La Mama has a history of loner term volunteers moving into paid positions. One student came on work placement and stayed for seven years as House Manager. La Mama now also has 'work for the dole' volunteers.

Volunteerism is not restricted to small theatres or community events. Major theatre companies, such as Melbourne Theatre Company and Playbox, use volunteer labour. Playbox has 120 people on its Playmates list. Playbox volunteer, John Wise, has worked one day per week for ten years on the payroll.

Others help with occasional mail-outs as do members of the MTC Centrestage Club which comprises members and subscribers of the MTC
.
Says Sioban Tuke at MTC, "They already have a connection with the company and want to get behind scenes." Most do office work or help at functions and are repaid with theatre tickets or invitations to functions.

Both Playbox and MTC attach voluntary assistant directors to many productions as well as students or graduates of publicity, stage management or design. Jessica Wong is a stage manager seconded to the production of Company which opens in the New Year.

It is unlikely that any other industry subsidises itself to such an extent. It is unreasonable for the arts industry and its already over-worked and underpaid personnel, to train its own workers and for workers to volunteer such an inordinate number of hours. Why does the government not formalise or at least acknowledge this hidden layer of the industry?

We are fortunate that the people in these organisations are competent, responsible and careful with their volunteers. They should be compensated for their input. The government should be providing training or jobs for these volunteers if there is actually a market for them in the workplace.

KATE HERBERT

Thursday 9 December 1999

Reserved Seating Only, Dec 9, 1999


Adapted by David Paterson from Peter B. Sonenstein
At La Mama until December 19, 1999
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

It is very easy to avoid exposure to theatre in Melbourne but it is virtually impossible to ignore football.

Perhaps the hilarious collision of these two forms of entertainment in Reserved Seating Only might haul a new audience into the theatre. As Al says (Ross Williams) "football has drama, tragedy, suspense and improvisation."

Melbourne actor, David Paterson, has written a very clever and thorough adaptation of Sonenstein's American play about baseball. He has transposed the story into Aussie Rules land and the MCG springs to life with the first game of the season: Bombers versus Doggies.

Although a third actor appears occasionally, (Paul Laverack) this is essentially a two-hander involving yet another collision of unlike creatures. Al is a fanatical Bombers fan with a reserved member's seat.

He is shocked and appalled to find an unfamiliar woman (Cecilia Specht) usurping the season's seat beside him. She scored the ticket in her divorce from Al's footy neighbour of ten years. She hates football, so why is she there?

In spite of its total focus on a football match, the play is less about footy than it is about myopic prejudice about sports, relationships, gender - in fact, about difference. Men are obsessed about sport. The woman does not understand the attraction and feels ignored and abandoned.

Paterson peppers the sweet burgeoning friendship between Al and Trina, with outbursts of comical Aussie barracking and umpire abuse: "You white maggot," screams Al.

There are rituals which include a pie and a beer at half-time, and unwritten rules such as never putting up a brolly no matter how wet its gets and not questioning your own team's free kick.

Ross Williams is exceptional as Al. In a very detailed emotional performance, he captures the naive, vulnerable, ordinary man who is totally confused by this alien woman and her misdirected anger. He is warm, loyal and willing to teach her about his game.

Specht is an appropriate foil to William's raucous fan. She plays Trina as  a rather petulant, stitched-up critic.

Director, Richard Sarell, has allowed the characters to live but he could have tightened the pace in parts to overcome some awkward moments. His direction lacks theatricality but the play comes to life in the small space at La Mama.

by Kate Herbert

Saturday 4 December 1999

Mental by Back to Back Theatre, 4 Dec 1999


At Athenaeum II until December 12, 1999
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

One of the first and most riveting images in Mental is that of a live dog, caged in a wall of pet travel containers. He is set high on the back wall in his prison: well lit, isolated, confused and barking. Or is he simply barking mad?

He is part of one of three interwoven stories told by Geelong's Back to Back Theatre, which has, as its core members, five actors with some level of intellectual disability. The style, content and performers are, once again, compelling.

The company, with Artistic Director, Bruce Gladwin and three outside actors, has devised stories about intellectual capacity.

In one, Rover, a human-sized fluffy puppy, played by Jim Russell (or is that Jack Russell?) is abused then evicted by Toni, his owner (Sonia Teuben) for soiling the floor. He finds himself part of Dr. Terrance's (Darren Riches) laboratory experiment that enhances his intelligence to international chess-playing levels.

There is a very disturbing moment when he has sex with his nurse and runs off into the night with her.

Meanwhile Toni, his dejected owner, is dumped by her lover and replaced as a phone counsellor by a computer counselling program (Fiona Todd). Ironically, after her anger abates, Toni turns to the Pentium 5500 for help.

In the third narrative, a middle-aged woman (Genevieve Morris) is forced to care for her ageing father (Mark Deans) who suffers with dementia. This is the most moving and real story. Its final poignant image between father and daughter, when the roles of parent and child have been swapped, brings tears to the eye.

The style is broad, non-naturalistic and often clown-like. Concepts of intelligence are addressed, although this is just a jumping-off point for stories rather than an analysis of human intelligence.

The stories are confusing at times but remain entertaining. The visual elements of video design (Rhian Hinkler) and set (Bruce Gladwin) and original music (Hugh Covell) are essential to the show's success.

It is odd to observe that this style, as well as the professional actors, video design, director and composer, now appear to be shared by Arena Theatre and Back to Back. Is there no room for Back to Back to have an individual style?

by Kate Herbert

He Did It Her Way, 4 Dec 1999

At Capers until December 4 to 23, 1999
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

What draws like a magnet, the most conservative audiences from the suburbs to see drag queens? Is it the fascination with otherness, or possibly the desire to rub up against a different sexual preference? Someone must have written a PhD on it by now.

Whatever it is, Carlotta, the Sydney drag queen, has an almost fully booked Christmas season at Capers, the cabaret venue with a fine host,, great a la carte menu and varied line-up.

Carlotta, who started in the Cross with Sammy Lee's shows, mimes songs, parades sequined gowns, and wears feathers and headdresses to make Carmen Miranda faint with envy.

She crosses the line of taste more often than some will like, but her ad-libbed humour is hilarious much of the time. There are audience members who clap like seals at any blue reference, others who turn to gaping children at her saline breast-flashing.

The irony is that, in spite of her very sexy and beautiful female appearance, Carlotta spends rather a lot of time talking about penises and sex in a way only men do.

Although she is renowned for impersonating women, her funniest impersonation is about the vanity of men as they men preen in front of the mirror in the loos.

Carlotta has a good contralto voice but she mimes songs by glittering female stars. She opens with Shirley Bassey's Big Spender and follows with Julie Andrews' Star, Dusty Springfield's You Don't Have to Say You Love Me then hits the volume with Tina Turner's My Way.

Carlotta alternately abuses and shmoozes her audience. She slips from blue humour to serious talk about Care Australia. He stories about her life on the road are often compelling. She as the model for Terrence Stamp's character in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert . In fact, she still does the desert tours with a company of boy-girls in feathers and tits.

The show is very loose in parts but, when it is tight, it is terrific. You Can bet Carlotta will get a gag out of that line!

by Kate Herbert

Wednesday 1 December 1999

Icarus Orbit by Trefor Gare, Dec 1, 1999


Reviewer: Kate Herbert

Remember David Bowie's Major Tom, "floating in a tin can, far above the world"? Well, he has returned in Australian form, as Captain Tom Simpson, an unemployed tram conductor who got a job through Centrelink as the first Australian astronaut.

Planet earth is blue and there is absolutely nothing he can do. On his ship called Icarus Orbit, his TTT computer system (Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow) crashed when the date clocked over from '99 to '00.

Trefor Gare is alone on stage as Captain Tom. Gare. In his nifty NASA look-alike overall (designed by Melinda Brodie), Tom, our first Austranaut, looks as vulnerable as a child - and he is.

Tom sends intermittent video transmissions home. They become more disjointed as he faces a problematic re-entry. He solves his communications system error with an old home remedy, but his navigation is another story.

Gare devised Icarus Orbit over this year. He employs an idiosyncratic style tht integrates physicality and comic dialogue. He has created a cute and finally poignant narrative with some very funny moments.

My favourite image is a fine theatrical device. Gare creates an illusion that we are looking down, from on high, on a corporate table as three space executives discuss Tom's plight. Gare shifts swiftly between the three distinct characters. More of this clarity of character elsewhere would be effective.

He also creates the illusion of floating in space and provides us, within a simple set, with little magical details such as the blue-green earth floating in space. Lightig and AV design by Jilian Judges, enhance the other-worldliness of the piece.

There is a good deal of Kubrik's 2001, A Space Odyssey in Icarus. Hal is replaced by some metaphysical communication through a nearby orbiting satellite. There is also some comical interference from a Sex Chat Room when Tom is trying to contact earth.

Gare is inclined to pull the dramatic rug out from under his more serious moments, sometimes to the detriment of the emotional and dramatic thread of his narrative.

Icarus Orbit is a light and effective version of space trave Oz-style.

by Kate Herbert



1999 Reviews - Kate Herbert Herald Sun


1999  Reviews Kate Herbert

The following are all reviews published in Herald Sun during 1999. They are still available through www.newstext.com.au

They will all be uploaded in full soon.  KH

 A night that will live forever   Herald Sun, 31-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 057, 386 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW STAGE Where and when: State Theatre from December 28 IF you are sitting in your bedroom, waiting to be discovered, get out now. Fame High School is where you ought to be. But be prepared, 99 per cent of its graduates disappear into oblivion --...

    The Hobbit weaves its magic spell   Herald Sun, 31-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 057, 320 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW THEATRE The Hobbit Adapted by: Gilly McInnes; Anketell Theatrical Productions Where and when: Playhouse until Jan 16 IF you are deeply attached to your own vision of Bilbo Baggins, do not panic. This production of Tolkien's The Hobbit should f...

   Odd couple kick on   Herald Sun, 11-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 101, 406 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Reserved Seating Only Adapted by: David Paterson from Peter B. Sonenstein Where and when: At La Mama; until December 19 IT is very easy to avoid exposure to theatre in Melbourne, but it is virtually impossible to ignore football. Perhaps the hilariou...

    Carlotta's Xmas message   Herald Sun, 07-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 061, 249 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
He Did It Her Way Where and when: Capers until December 23 WHAT draws like a magnet the most conservative audiences from the suburbs to see drag queens? Is it the fascination with otherness, or the desire to check out a different sexual preference? W...

   Stories of the mind   Herald Sun, 06-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 092, 376 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Mental Where and when: At Athenaeum II until December 12 Bookings: 9650 1500 ONE of the first and most riveting images in Mental is that of a live dog, caged in a wall of pet travel containers. He is set high on the back wall in his prison: well-lit,...

   Get your skates on, Marilyn   Herald Sun, 04-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 120, 453 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A carefree moment for one of Hollywood's most tragic stars. Now a batch of rare photos of Marilyn Monroe is going up for auction in Melbourne ~ Page 117 Longing for the shorts Keene Taylor Project Season 9 By: Daniel Keene Where and when: Trades Hall...

    Off the planet   Herald Sun, 03-12-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 089, 280 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Icarus Orbit Where and when: La Mama at the Courthouse, until Dec. 19. Bookings, 9347 6142 REMEMBER David Bowie's Major Tom, ``floating in a tin can, far above the world''? Well, he has returned in Australian form, as Captain Tom Simpson, an unemploy...

   Amanda goes it alone   Herald Sun, 27-11-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 110, 339 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Book Club Where and when: Playhouse; 13 shows from November 25 Bookings: 13 61 66 AMANDA Muggleton is good on stage -- very good. She was compelling, early this year, as Callas in Masterclass and many years earlier as Shirley Valentine, which tou...

    Repression taps a nerve   Herald Sun, 20-11-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 120, 431 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Review THEATRE Nightfall Where and when: Playbox at Beckett Theatre; until December 11 Bookings: 9685 5111 Reviewer: Kate Herbert IN Jenny Kemp's evocative production of Joanna Murray-Smith's play, Nightfall, repression is the dominant theme. Everyth...

   Silliness mars Fred's promise   Herald Sun, 19-11-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 081, 320 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ReviewTHEATRE Fred by Beatrix Christian Where and when: Fairfax, Victorian Arts Centre until December 18 IF only Beatrix Christian had quit while she was ahead at the interval, Fred would be a great black comedy. But she mistakenly carried on for a f...

    War and peace out of Africa   Herald Sun, 17-11-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 047, 392 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Debrief by Angus Cerini and James CeriniWhere and when: Noodle Theatre at Theatreworks until Saturday PEACE-KEEPING sounds like a comfortable, peaceable way to be a soldier -- a picnic compared with active duty. Well, Debrief, a play about Australian...

   Sweltering Cats   Herald Sun, 16-11-1999, Ed: 1 - FIRST, Pg: 051, 378 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THE Cats tent tour preview season in Darwin is said to be hot. Stinking hot, that is. It would seem the sophisticated airconditioning system cannot cope with the daytime temperatures in the far north. Well, what can you expect when you hold a show in...

   LAUGHS WITH THE WORKING CLASS   Herald Sun, 05-11-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 091, 374 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Passionate Woman Where and when: Comedy Theatre until Saturday night THE British domestic farce, A Passionate Woman, is a clever blend of gags and pathos. The playwright, Kay Mellor, also wrote the funny and moving Girls' Night, starring Julie Walt...

    DELIVERING MIXED MALE   Herald Sun, 29-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 087, 348 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Certified Male Where and when: Athenaeum Theatre until November 20 CERTIFIED Male does not take itself too seriously. It does not try to knock down gender boundaries or educate men about sexual politics, nor does it self-consciously attempt to give w...

    RETURNING TO THE SCENE OF A BLOODY EPISODE   Herald Sun, 27-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 052, 410 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE A Return to the Brink Where and when: Playbox at Merlin Theatre until November 13 Reviewer: Kate Herbert Bookings: 9685 5111 A COUNTRY must reflect its own culture and history through its art. Return to the Brink is a valiant attempt to repre...

   SAND AT CORE OF CHOPIN PEARLS   Herald Sun, 25-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 088, 425 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Nocturne for Lovers By Bruno Villien, adapted by Gavin Lambert. Fairfax Studio, until October 30 THE stars of Leslie Caron's performance, Nocturne for Lovers, are Frederic Chopin's music and George Sand's passions. But "lovers" is a misnomer for the ...

   HOME COMFORTS   Herald Sun, 22-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 083, 368 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE Home Sweet Home: Leonard's Last Hurrah Where and when: Comedy Theatre until October 30 LEONARD is back. He vibrates with vitriol and despair. Reg Livermore's alter-ego is incarcerated in The Twilight Home in Katoomba, sometimes chained to a ver...

    DRAMA FADES IN LOVE TALE   Herald Sun, 19-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 058, 320 words , NEWS
THEATRE Ninth Moon by Daniel Keene (Keene/Taylor Project) Where and when: Beckett Theatre until October 31 PLAYWRIGHT Daniel Keene is committed to unveiling social inequities. His collaboration with director Ariette Taylor has produced a cavalcade of...

    VIVID STAGE ADAPTATION IS NO PLAIN JANE   Herald Sun, 16-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 105, 386 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jane Eyre Adapted by: Polly Teale Where and when: Shared Experience Theatre at Playhouse until October 23 Reviewer: Kate Herbert JANE EYRE is a gaspingly moving story. This adaptation for stage by Polly Teale and English company Shared Experience cap...

   REAL SAX APPEAL   Herald Sun, 09-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 114, 307 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Sax Diaries Where and when: Fitzroy Gallery until tonight Reviewer: Kate Herbert I WAS sucked in by The Sax Diaries' outrageously fraudulent publicity - but it was worth it. The Sax Diaries is what quality Fringe Festival fare should be. It is pe...


 POLITICAL BUFFOONS   Herald Sun, 09-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 117, 396 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Business . . . As Usual Where and when: La Mama at Carlton Courthouse, until October 16 Bookings: 9347 6142 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THE clowns are in government....

    REVENGE SWEET PAY OFF   Herald Sun, 08-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 387 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Author's Voice Where and when: North Melbourne Town Hall until October 16 Bookings: 136 166 REVENGE is a dish best served cold. The gnomish character Gene in Richard Greenberg's play, The Author's Voice, knows how to dish it out at the fi...

   BEYOND THE FRINGE   Herald Sun, 06-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 045, 404 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Up With Youth Where and when: Great Escape Theatre Company at North Melbourne Town Hall, until October 17 Bookings: 9329 6276 UP WITH YOUTH is part of the Fringe Festival, but it is not fringe-style theatre. Its content is not focused on youthful ang...

    WILL HITS FEVER PITCH   Herald Sun, 04-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 089, 431 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
COMEDY Terra Wilius Will Anderson Where and when: 8.30pm at The Diggers' Room, North Melbourne Town Hall, until October 9 DON'T kiss Will Anderson. He has glandular fever. It's amazing he can stand up at all much less do stand-up comedy. Anderson is ...

   THIS GIRL IS SERIOUSLY FUNNY   Herald Sun, 02-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 112, 401 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Funny Girl Where and when: The Production Company, at Melbourne Concert Hall, Sept 30, Oct 1-2 CAROLINE O'Connor is a card-carrying musical-comedy phenomenon. As Fanny Brice, she is stunningly versatile, attacking gags, drama, choreography and song w...

   PLAY SNUFFS OUT REALITY   Herald Sun, 01-10-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 078, 396 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE micky.com.au Where and when: La Mama until October 17 IT was only a matter of time before the '90s cyber world collided with theatre. In Patrick Marber's play Closer we see an on-line sex chat room. In micky.com.au, the protagonist, Mick (Ste...

   MONKEYING AROUND A SCREAM   Herald Sun, 28-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 052, 377 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Reverse World Where and when: North Melbourne Town Hall; until October 3 Bookings: 136 166 THINK of the style of Monkey, the dubbed Japanese television series about the adventures of the Monkey King, and transpose it to the stage. You have something ...

    MOVING MANIC MOMENTS   Herald Sun, 27-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 110, 421 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Alive at Williamstown Pier Where and when: Beckett Theatre; until October 2 FORMER MP Neil Cole's prize-winning play about his own experience of manic depression, Alive at Williamstown Pier, is both funny and moving. Dave (Ross Thompson) is an MP who...

    ISLAND'S FRESH FIELDS   Herald Sun, 27-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 114, 284 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Parallax Island by Maude Davey and David Pidd Where and when: At North Melbourne Town Hall, until October 3 HAVE you ever looked at something through water or glass and thought it was much closer than it actually was? Well, that's the parallax view. ...

   OLD PREJUDICES, NEW FACES   Herald Sun, 21-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 051, 388 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Normie and Tuan by Alex Buzo Where and when: La Mama until October 3 IN Australia we may outwardly have a more sophisticated and cosmopolitan culture compared with that of 1969. We have restaurants and languages from 90 or more countries. How...  
 AUDIENCE LEFT TO PONDER MEANING   Herald Sun, 20-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 114, 376 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
An Accidental Departure Where and when: in La Mama (in association with Footscray Community Arts Centre); until September 26 IT is not the role of theatre to make an audience feel stupid. It is certainly not the role of community theatre to mystify i...

    WALK ON WILDE SLIDE   Herald Sun, 15-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 055, 412 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Wilde Inside HOW difficult it is to understand another's love, obsession and degradation. In his monodrama, Wilde Inside, Frank Gallacher reaches inside the magnificent Oscar Wilde and shows us his torn and bleeding heart. Wilde plumbed the depths of...

   A LITTLE NIGHT MAGIC   Herald Sun, 08-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 046, 388 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Big Midnight Performed by: Lunchtime Theatre Where and when: The Old Ballroom, Trades Hall, until September 10 LUNCHTIME is not the time for either heavy food or entertainment. For 10 years, Lunchtime Theatre (formerly Soup Kitchen) has provi...

    DEATH OF A CLAN.   Herald Sun, 06-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 091, 401 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Blood Sister Where and when: Trades Hall, until September 26 THE poor old Kelly clan was an unhappy one. Ned was hanged, Dan burned to death, Mum was jailed and sister Kate drowned. There is nothing glamorous about their lives. Daniel Keene h...

   WHAT A JOLLY GOOD WAR   Herald Sun, 03-09-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 081, 342 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Henry 5 Bell Shakespeare Company Where and when: Athenaeum 1 until September 18 IT IS difficult to make slaughter appear heroic in these times. We cannot picture balmy fields filled with sword-wielding knights of the realm without imagining the bodie...

    BLOKES BEHAVING BADLY   Herald Sun, 28-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 116, 366 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Boneyard Where and when: La Mama; until September 12 Bookings: 9347 6142 ONE of women's greatest fears is that men, when left to their own devices, resort to more primitive behavior. Think about Lord of the Flies. Even little boys degenerated int...

   PURSUIT OF BECKETT IS A LITTLE OFF KEY   Herald Sun, 27-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 075, 254 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Burnt Piano JUSTIN Fleming was born on the day Samuel Beckett's Godot opened: January 3, 1953. Burnt Piano is the outcome of his imaginative exploration of a woman so obsessed with this same coincidence of her own birth, she stalks poor old B...

   THEMES GASP FOR AIR   Herald Sun, 21-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 112, 397 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Clive Potter: Poet By Anthony Breslin Where and when: at Theatreworks; until September 5 IT is nothing short of courageous to write, direct, design and perform one's first play. Courageous, or just plain foolhardy. Visual artist Anthony Breslin has w...

    BOB DOWNE HAS 'EM DOUBLED OVER   Herald Sun, 20-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 079, 449 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
CABARET Bob Downe: Million Sellers Where and when: Continental Cafe, until September 5 IT'S time to recast The Boy from Oz. Bob Downe has the cheesy dance steps, an even cheesier grin, a collection of shirts to weep for and several dozen '60s and '70...

    FRONT ROW   Herald Sun, 20-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 079, 392 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
New role KATE Herbert, a Herald Sun theatre reviewer, is enjoying being on the receiving end for a change. Her play, Bauernhof, showing at La Mama in Carlton, has not only won wide critical acclaim but has incited demand for extra performances. Criti...


 FAMILY AFFAIRS OF HEART   Herald Sun, 14-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 120, 402 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Little Brother and A Party in Fitzroy Where and when: Trades Hall until August 28 Bookings: 9662 3555 PERHAPS it was not coincidental that the opening night coincided with the industrial relations protest rally. The play addresses issues arising in a...

   ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TRACKS   Herald Sun, 13-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 075, 396 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Who's Afraid of the Working Class? Where and when: at Trades Hall until August 14 Reviewer: Kate Herbert IT should come as no surprise that Jeff Kennett cops a hefty serve of vitriol in the opening monologue of Who's Afraid of the Working Class? It i...

    SNOWED IN WRITER MELTS HEARTS   Herald Sun, 09-08-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 094, 354 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE Bauernhof Where and when: La Mama Theatre, until August 22 KATE Herbert doesn't explain what propelled her to the village of Gedelitz, just west of what used to be the Berlin Wall, early in 1997. Whether by chance or design, she took refuge in ...

    ROD'S IN A SCREAMINGLY FUNNY STATE   Herald Sun, 30-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 075, 403 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Major Event: the Final Report from the Comedian-General on the state of the State Written and performed: by Rod Quantock Where and when: Trades Hall, until September 4 THE words "politics" and "absurd" should be incompatible, but Rod Quantock provi...

    JULIA'S WRAPPED   Herald Sun, 27-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 073, 461 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
EVERY night after rehearsals, actor Julia Blake heads home to do a spot of knitting - a scarf for her character in the La Mama play, Bauernhof. She also hunts for props - a pair of mittens, pots and pans, odds and sods. Never before has this doyenne ...

   UNFORGIVEN AND NOT FORGOTTEN   Herald Sun, 27-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 073, 397 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Stolen Where and when: Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, to August 7 Reviewer: Kate Herbert Bookings: 9685 5111 THIS second season of Stolen is, theatrically, a smoother ride but is still an emotional roller-coaster. The stories of five Aboriginal children...

   A KID WITH ENERGY OVERLOAD   Herald Sun, 26-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 100, 362 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Prima Facie Kid Writer and performer: Angus Cerini Where and when: La Mama until August 2 ANGUS Cerini burns so much energy during his 70-minute solo show, The Prima Facie Kid, that one can almost see sparks fly from him. This is the fourth in a ...

    ENGAGING IN A LIFE OUT LOUD   Herald Sun, 24-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 108, 254 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Shadows and Light Writer and performer: John Bolton Where and when: Trades Hall, until Aug 6 IT'S refreshing to be spoken to in the theatre. Usually we sit in the dark and, if we are naughty, whisper to our neighbor. John Bolton seems to look each on...

   BRECHT PLAY POINTS FINGER AT FASCISM   Herald Sun, 23-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 075, 350 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui Translated by: Ranjit Bolt Where and when: MTC at Playhouse until August 21 THE final line is the most chilling moment in this Bertolt Brecht play. "The bitch that bore him is on heat again." It is a comment to halt t...

    FIVE WAYS TO CONNECT   Herald Sun, 17-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 108, 432 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Quintet, by Graham Henderson Where and when: at La Mama until August 1 THE collision of the poetic and the theatrical can be a fine accident. Some of Graham Henderson's prolific writing (42 plays since 1976) makes lyrical theatre. Others are less suc...

    NEW PLAY FAILS TO DELIVER   Herald Sun, 17-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 114, 327 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Possession Written by: Glenn Shea Where and when: National Theatre, until tomorrow NEW plays by indigenous Australian artists are no longer rare events. Plays such as Up The Road, Seven Stages of Grieving, Stolen and Box the Pony have surfaced in the...

    PINTER'S PEARLS REAL GEMS   Herald Sun, 16-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 087, 406 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Lover and The Collection by Harold Pinter Where and when: Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre, until August 14 IN a recently screened interview with Harold Pinter, he exuded an atmosphere akin to that of his plays. He was cryptic, slow to respond, consi...

    EUREKA, SOLO BUT LIMITED   Herald Sun, 03-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 117, 411 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carboni (or The Consequences of Some Pirates Wanting on Quarter Deck a Rebellion) by John Romeril Where and when: La Mama at the Courthouse until July 10 Playwright John Romeril is almost the last of our political playwrights. He is committed to rabb...

    STREETS AHEAD   Herald Sun, 02-07-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 077, 425 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Cloudstreet Adapted by: Nick Enright and Justin Monjo Where and when: Malthouse until August 1 CLOUDSTREET is the perfect title for this play: it has its feet on the earth and its head in some other misty world. This adaptation (Nick Enright, Justin ..

.    MERRY GO ROUND   Herald Sun, 26-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 119, 450 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Merry Widow Original book and lyrics: Victor Leon and Leo Stein Where and when: State Theatre, Victorian Arts Centre, until July 31 FRANZ Lehar's The Merry Widow typifies the sensual, cultured, fun-loving reputation of the Viennese. It is..

.    A BODY OF WORK   Herald Sun, 25-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 387 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
REVIEW THEATRE Where and when: La Mama, Carlton, until July 11 Reviewer: Kate Herbert WATCHING an acrobat makes one marvel at the human body, but even a skilled acrobat such as Amanda Owen can still be astonished by the workings of flesh and bone. Ow..

.    LAW OF THE CONCRETE JUNGLE   Herald Sun, 21-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 106, 325 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Popcorn by Ben Elton IN these increasingly litigious times, it is interesting that Melbourne is seeing two plays dealing with rubbery law. In Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Portia manipulates law to save Antonio and punish Shylock. Ben...

   SILLINESS PREVAILS   Herald Sun, 19-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 114, 313 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare Bell Shakespeare Company Where and when: Athenaeum Theatre; until July 3 THE novelty of seeing The Merchant of Venice riddled with adolescent jokes, sexual innuendo and anachronistic costumes rapi...

    CERTAINLY NO PICNIC   Herald Sun, 11-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 084, 384 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Picnic Where and when: La Mama at Victoria University E Theatre until June 20 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THIS production is simply a sandwich short of the full picnic. The migrant experience provides great material for narrative in the theatre as do ...

   A FEISTY MAME   Herald Sun, 04-06-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 085, 393 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Mame Where and when: Melbourne Concert Hall until tonight A USTRALIA produces high-quality musicals and in them we see local stars of international standard. The intention of the Melbourne-based group, The Production Company, under the patronage of J...  


 YOUR SAY   Herald Sun, 31-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 016, 609 words , NEWS
GST on books will hurt kids THE decision to tax books will have a direct effect on children. Kids learn to read by reading and being read to. Their attitude to books is largely formed before they start school. Wealthy families will happily pay the ex...  
 DOUBLE ACT BELONGS IN DOG HOUSE   Herald Sun, 28-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 088, 345 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Dogs Play and A Few Roos Loose in the Top Paddock Where and when: Playbox, at Malthouse, until June 19 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THE short play is not necessarily easier or simpler to write than the full length. It requires the same sense of...

    BOY, THE STAR GLITTERS   Herald Sun, 24-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 100, 437 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Boy from Oz Where and when: Princess Theatre, from May 21 PETER Allen may have been the epitome of glitzy gay cabaret but his life was no cheery cocktail. Nick Enright's dramatic script for The Boy from Oz provides an interesting counterp...

    TWO LIVES IN ONE PLACE   Herald Sun, 22-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 107, 368 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Poetsday by Ross Mueller Where and when: La Mama until May 30 POETSDAY is an expression little used but pretty damned useful. It is an acronym for, "Piss Off Early. Tomorrow's Saturday". Poetsday is also the title of Ross Mueller's new short ...

    WILLIAMSON'S GOOD VIBES   Herald Sun, 17-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 106, 421 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Corporate Vibes Queensland Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company Where and when: Playhouse, Victorian Arts Centre, until June 19 DAVID Williamson, in his comedies, has systematically worked his way through social issue...

   GOING THE WHOLE HOG   Herald Sun, 14-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 077, 328 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) HOW many kilos of ham can fit on the Athenaeum II stage? Glynn Nicholas, Russell Fletcher and Sean O'Shea manage to cram a whole herd of porkers into this production. The entire works of Will are condensed...

    JOURNEY CAPTURES THE PAIN   Herald Sun, 05-05-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 047, 386 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Long Day's Journey into Night Where and when: Fairfax, Victorian Arts Centre; until May 29 FAMILIES may be designed to test our patience, but the family in Eugene O'Neill's play, Long Day's Journey Into Night, would drive a saint to drink. In...

    OPERA WITH SUDS   Herald Sun, 24-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 109, 265 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Ed Byrne IT ain't over till the skinny Irish guy sings, goes the opera adage. Irish comic, Ed Byrne manages to create a fabulous comedy routine out of Mozart's opera, Cosi Fan Tutti. Byrne has the easy, witty patter we expect from the Irish and seems...

    NO SLEEP FOR WAR'S BLOODIED VICTIMS   Herald Sun, 21-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 041, 344 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Sleepers Where and when: La Mama, until Sunday THERE is a horror in hearing the experiences of victims of war. When we see footage of Kosovo refugees speaking of their pain, loss and grief, it touches us in a way no report can. Sleepers, written by G...

   GREAT BODY OF WORK   Herald Sun, 17-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 115, 374 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE 98.4% DNA being human, by desoxy Theatre Where and when: David Williamson Theatre, Swinburne University, Prahran; until May 2 THERE is a peculiar irony in watching Teresa Blake and Daniel Witton of desoxy Theatre in their physical theatre sho...

    GREEN LIGHT FOR LAUGHS   Herald Sun, 17-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 120, 366 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
COMEDY Jeff Green Where and when: Lower Melbourne Town Hall; until April 25 ENGLISH comic Jeff Green had very entertaining wriggly hips the last time he was here. He still has them but he's keeping them covered with a suit jacket this Comedy Festival...

   WEDDED WITHOUT THE BLISS   Herald Sun, 16-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 076, 330 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Secret Bridesmaid's Business Where and when: Playbox at Merlin Theatre until May 8 WHY are weddings such tense occasions? The list of things that can go wrong is endless. But the one hitch you never anticipate is the groom having it off with ...

    PAR FOR THE COARSE   Herald Sun, 13-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 048, 413 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Craig Charles Where and when: Athenaeum Theatre 1, until April 25 IF YOU are a Red Dwarf fan or you like really crude comedy, Liverpool's Craig Charles will be your sort of stand-up. There are glimmers of genuinely funny material and he has talent, t...

   BIG NEWS NIGHT   Herald Sun, 10-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 118, 405 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Good News Week Where and when: Melbourne Town Hall. Next shows - April 21, 7pm and 9.30pm Reviewer: Kate Herbert THE recording of Good News Week for TV took so long they should call it Good News expect-to-be-here-all-Week. It ran for 21/2 hours and a...

   AJAYE STRIKES A CHORD   Herald Sun, 10-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 120, 423 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Franklyn Ajaye Where and when: Trades Hall, until April 27 FRANKLYN Ajaye has a voice like a tropical breeze. He croons his stories as he roams about the stage at the Trades Hall, peppering every joke with deep chuckles and chortles. We're lucky he's...

   HERE'S HUMPHRIES   Herald Sun, 08-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 050, 347 words , HIT
Barry Humphries Remember You're Out Where and when: The Princess Theatre; limited season BARRY Humphries has certainly done his homework. Remember You're Out is topical, accurate and as acerbic as one would expect from the acid-tongued Melbourne boy ...

   NONE SPARED BY ROD   Herald Sun, 06-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 040, 429 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Rod Quantock Where and when: The Capitol Theatre, Tues.-Sun. until April 25 THE adulation continues: I am still head of the Rod Quantock fan club. He's a comic genius and his new show for the Comedy Festival is everything you want from our lone, trul...

    TRIPLE TREAT OF CUTE FUN   Herald Sun, 05-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 092, 435 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
COMEDY Tripod Where and when: Melbourne Town Hall, 7pm Tues.-Sun. until April 25 CUTE and funny comedy-musical trios are popular. Perhaps three performers allow far more variation than two, three voices provide a bigger sound, the repertoire can be m...

   BLOODY TERRIFIC   Herald Sun, 03-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 110, 321 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE Bloody Yanks Where and when: La Mama, until April 11 Bookings: 9347 7142 Reviewer: Kate Herbert AUSTRALIANS seem to accept racism towards only one nationality: America. Surely being guilty of a yen for world domination cannot excuse prejudice. ...

    JUST JOKING AMONG FRIENDS   Herald Sun, 03-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 112, 388 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
COMEDY Jimeoin Where and when: Melbourne Town Hall; final show tonight JIMEOIN can make a thousand people feel as if he's their best mate. It's as if he is nodding and winking at every one of us with a "know what I mean?" sort of glint in his eye. He...


 WHAT! IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE?   Herald Sun, 02-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 028, 318 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Born Yesterday Performed by: Melbourne Theatre Co. Where and when: Playhouse, Victorian Arts Centre until May 1 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THINK of a really long blonde joke blended with Pygmalion and Citizen Kane, add some Al Capone overtones and you ha...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 02-04-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 028, 496 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Cirque Du Soleil's Saltimbanco Old Scotch Oval, Swan St CIRQUE Du Soleil is not your average sawdust circus. From the moment you enter the tent city, the company's obsession with style is apparent. Cirque Du Soleil's show, Saltimbanco, is sp...

    COMPELLING SWAN BY THE LAKE   Herald Sun, 30-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 049, 382 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Swan Performed by: The Old Van Where and when: Central Springs Reserve, Daylesford Lake, until April 10 SEE The Old Van's production of The Swan at Daylesford Lake but take a hot-water bottle. Autumn can be icy in Daylesford, especially w...

   TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 26-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 086, 525 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Saltimbanco Old Scotch Oval, Swan St CIRQUE Du Soleil is not your average sawdust circus. This show is super slick. From the moment you enter the tent city, the company's obsession with style is apparent. This is a multi-million dollar, mult...

   INFANTILE GRANDMA   Herald Sun, 26-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 089, 339 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Grandma's Dancing Class Where and when: La Mama until April 11 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THE first production of a writer's first play is always going to be a risky affair. The ones which work best are often closest to the writer's own experience. This ...

    ARMS UP IN THE AIR   Herald Sun, 20-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 103, 317 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Centrestage With Your Arms Up Where and when: Courthouse Theatre, until next Saturday Reviewer: Kate Herbert A SHOW-BIZ family is a strange creature. Growing up with parents who did the Tivoli must have been a peculiar environment. Choosing t...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 19-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 080, 349 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Show Boat Regent Theatre, until March 28 BIG show with a big cast, lavish sets and costumes. It's easy to see why Marina Prior is the darling of musical producers. Her characterisation of Magnolia, from an innocent to star to wise woman, is ...

    PERFECT FOIL TO YOUR REALITY   Herald Sun, 15-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 079, 421 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
I Love You. You're Perfect. Now Change. Book and lyrics: Joe Di Pietro Music: Jimmy Roberts Where and when: Atheneaum Theatre 1, from March 12 Reviewer: Kate Herbert I LOVE You....

    
TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 12-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 078, 431 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Show Boat Regent Theatre, until March 28 BIG show with a big cast, lavish sets and costumes. It's easy to see why Marina Prior is the darling of musical producers. Her characterisation of Magnolia, from an innocent to star to wise woman, is ...

   SLOW DEATH IN THE SICK ROOM   Herald Sun, 12-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 078, 437 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Sick Room Where and when: Malthouse, Southbank, until March 27 Bookings: 9685 5111 Reviewer: Kate Herbert THERE are better plays in Stephen Sewell's repertoire than his most recent work for Playbox, The Sick Room They include The Blind Giant is D...

   HILARIOUS WAR IS FOUGHT BY THE BOOK   Herald Sun, 06-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 108, 358 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Terms and Grammar of Creation Where and when: Domed Reading Room, State Library; until March 13 Reviewer: Kate Herbert IT IS nothing new to be shafted by a co-worker or a boss. Evidently it was common practice in the Victorian Public Service, eve...

   TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 05-03-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 080, 313 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Don Quixote State Theatre until March 9 THE Australian Ballet's Don Quixote is a reminder of what it takes to tackle this most difficult of all ballets. Li Cunxin, as Basilio, slices through the action on mercurial feet and amuses the audien...

    BELIEVE IT, RIPLEY'S A SCARY GUY   Herald Sun, 26-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 081, 346 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Theatre The Talented Mr Ripley Where and when: Fairfax, Victorian Arts Centre, until March 27 TOM Ripley is the quintessential psychopathic anti-hero. He appears to be normal, but beneath his stylish, well-mannered veneer lurks a heartless, egoistic ...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 26-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 461 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Horses for Courses Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, until March 21 THIS is a racy exhibition that takes a studious look at racetrack culture . . . the memorabilia, horses, hats and hatpins....

    LIFTING THE CURTAIN ON THE REAL WILDE   Herald Sun, 22-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 090, 434 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Judas Kiss MTC at Playhouse, until March 20 RECENTLY, we have been swamped with versions of Oscar Wilde's story: Wilde, the film starring Stephen Fry, Abbey Theatre's Secret Fall of Constance Wilde and now David Hare's The Judas Kiss. We crave a ...

   TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 19-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 080, 480 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Much Ado About Nothing Royal Botanic Gardens GLENN Elston's production cocks a snook at the more staid traditions of Shakespeare. It is almost a rock concert. Everybody plays electric guitar and belts out a mean rock tune with the support of...

   A CHILLING JOURNEY WITH ANNABEL   Herald Sun, 12-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 081, 389 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Chilling and Killing My Annabel Lee Where and when: Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, until March 6 A MAN confesses to a murder. There is no evidence, no body. Well, not for this particular crime. However, the murder of prostitute Annabel Lee at a ...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 12-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 461 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE The Misanthrope Fairfax until tomorrow SIMON Phillips' production of Moliere's The Misanthrope may not correct anybody's vices, but it is intelligent, classy, cunning and uses a witty translation by English playwright Martin Crimp. The text ...

    SLINGS AND ARROWS   Herald Sun, 06-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 103, 358 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Kill Hamlet Where and when: La Mama until Feb 21 ANALYSING theatre may be an act of despair or hilarity. Kill Hamlet is both. Actor Daniel Schlusser capers, pontificates, chats and declaims, dissecting the theatrical process and challenging our preco...

   WENDY'S ON SONG   Herald Sun, 05-02-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 093, 273 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Dusty, Doris and Me Where and when: Caper's to Feb. 20 SINGER Wendy Stapleton is the latest musical act to grace the stage of Caper's Dinner Theatre in her peppy new show, Dusty, Doris and Me. Much of the program comprises signature tunes of ...


 NEW LEITH ON LIFE   Herald Sun, 30-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 100, 379 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Samantha Leith Made Up Where and when: The Laundry, 50 Johnston St, Fitzroy; until February 6 WHEN cosmetics become high art, culture has surely reached a low ebb. Samantha Leith's show works from the premise of "make-up as existentialism". Does anyb...

   THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR   Herald Sun, 29-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 083, 399 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Mates by Tom Lindstrom La Mama at The Courthouse until February 13 SOME old blokes talk about the war. Others stay mute. The three battered old veterans of Changi in Tom Lindstrom's play, Mates, reminisce incessantly. The only worthy interrup...

   TO SEE OR NOT SEE   Herald Sun, 29-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 084, 309 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE The Misanthrope SIMON Phillips' production of Moliere's The Misanthrope may not correct anybody's vices, but it is intelligent, classy, cunning and uses a witty translation by English playwright Martin Crimp. The text is pacy, provocative, h...

    MORE LIKE A LECTURE THAN A DRAMA   Herald Sun, 23-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 104, 384 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE What Do They Call Me? Playwright: Eva Johnson Where and when: Trades Hall; until January 30 Bookings: 9639 3282 Reviewer: Kate Herbert ONE of the roles of theatre has always been to educate. Eva Johnson's autobiographical play What Do They Ca...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 22-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 494 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum State Theatre until February 6 THIS is not a show for the politically correct or intellectual, but it is an expertly performed bit of fun. Jon English heads a cast of seasoned comic actors. Ther...

    NANA TAKES OFF AS QUEEN OF THE GAY SCENE   Herald Sun, 22-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 084, 341 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The White Rose Where, when: David Williamson Theatre, Prahran, until Feb. 14 HAS the Sydney Mardi Gras ever had a Nana Mouskouri float? She was once a gay icon in the same way that Patsy (Absolutely Fabulous) is now. Picture dozens of men dressed in ...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 15-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 082, 504 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum State Theatre until February 6 THIS is not a show for the politically correct or intellectual. But it is an expertly performed bit of fun. Jon English heads a cast of seasoned comic actors. There's no do...

    TO SEE OR NOT TO SEE   Herald Sun, 08-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 092, 548 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
MUST SEE Masterclass The Playhouse until January 30 A MELBOURNE audience being propelled spontaneously to its feet in applause is very rare. It demands a breathtaking and masterly performance. Amanda Muggleton as Maria Callas in Masterclass fits the ...

   MUGGLETON IS A CLASS ACT   Herald Sun, 06-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 047, 347 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Masterclass Where and when: the Playhouse, until January 30 A MELBOURNE audience being propelled spontaneously and simultaneously to its feet in applause is very, very rare. It demands a breathtaking and masterly performance. Amanda Muggleton, as Mar..

.    UPDATE PASSES ACID TEST   Herald Sun, 05-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 046, 448 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE The Misanthrope Melbourne Theatre Company Where and when: The Fairfax, until February 13 Reviewer: Kate Herbert MOLIERE, the 17th-century French satirist, said the function of comedy was to correct the vices of humankind. It was a noble senti...

    MUCH MORE ADO   Herald Sun, 02-01-1999, Ed: 2, Pg: 088, 390 words , ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
THEATRE Much Ado About Nothing. By: William Shakespeare Where and when: Royal Botanic Gardens; Gate F Reviewer: Kate Herbert MUCH of Shakespeare's work was performed in inn-yards or open-air theatres. His bawdy comic glee flourished in the bold style...