Culture
Musicals
Turning symptoms into songs, here comes COVID-19 the musical
The musical, created by bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult, includes scenes called Fever, Aches, Swelling and Irritation, Fatigue and Shortness of Breath.
- by Elisabeth Egan
Latest
‘People said the movie musical will never be successful again’: Baz Luhrmann on why the critics were wrong about Moulin Rouge
Almost exactly 20 years after the movie had its world premiere opening the Cannes Film Festival, the director remembers how much negativity he faced making it.
- by Garry Maddox
★★★★
Review
Think you know musicals? This brilliant show breaks all the rules
Turning Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel Fun Home into a musical was a triumph over improbability.
- by John Shand
★★★★
Review
I’m embarrassed to admit I really enjoyed The Wedding Singer
The show is feelgood fluff but it has infectious energy, fun music and impressive choreography.
- by Cameron Woodhead
COVID left her barely able to walk. This week she dances again
Professional dancer Romy Vuksan was struck by a severe bout of COVID-19 that left her gasping for breath. She feared she would never take a bow on stage again.
- by Nick Miller
Big names deliver vocal splendour in this preposterous musical
An army of pop stars - including Natalie Bassingthwaighte delivering a brilliant rendition of I Know Him So Well - can’t quite disguise Chess’s flawed plot.
- by Cameron Woodhead
‘A beautiful kind of symmetry’: Phantom of the Opera coming to Sydney
Josh Piterman has landed the lead role in Opera Australia’s production of the Phantom of the Opera, to be shown at the Sydney Opera House from September.
- by Amelia McGuire
‘I’ll call you back’: how Des Flanagan learnt he had the role of 2021
The 26-year-old from Beechworth was auditioning for another part when he got the news he’d been dreaming of.
- by Lindy Percival
Why Rob Mills and Georgie Tunny have monthly relationship ‘check ins’
Plus the musical theatre star discusses his upbringing, career and other women who have influenced him.
- by Robyn Doreian
★★★½
Review
Need to save a cheesy musical about dancing seniors? Call Nancye Hayes
Despite being wildly uneven and afflicted by some lame music, how is it possible that Half Time is actually rather good?
- by John Shand
★★★★★
Review
Hamilton is both high art and thrillingly entertaining
How better to depict the American Revolution than with a hip hop musical theatre revolution?
- by John Shand