Originally reviewed January 2022 for Theatre People.

When Alanis Morissette’s album Jagged Little Pill came out in 1995, it’s fairly safe to say it was a different world then. Even during the time between the first production of the musical of the same name in 2018, and Broadway debut in 2019, the world has changed dramatically.

It’s with that lens that I viewed the Melbourne opening night of the production and, despite some absolutely star-making and star-affirming performances, I’m not sure the book and premise resonates with – let’s be really honest – a covid weary world.

Originally reviewed July 2021 for Theatre People.

After a successful debut season in Sydney, and a covid-delayed opening, Melbourne’s East End theatre district finally welcomes Elsa, Anna, Olaf, Hans, Kristoff, Weselton and of course Sven, plus all the citizens of Arendelle in Disney’s Frozen.

Originally reviewed May 2021 for Theatre People.

As Steven Kramer took his seat and started to play, the familiar refrain of….hang on….for a show titled “Don’t Make Me Play Piano Man”…why is he starting with THAT song?

Mind you, he only got a couple of lines in before pulling the pin and saying “Nope, not playing it”.

Originally reviewed March 2021 for Theatre People.

I’m going to be completely honest here. For over a week I thought I was seeing the host of “Have You Been Paying Attention”. And I’m not sure that is the first time a person has gotten Tom Gleisner and Tom Gleeson confused. I mean, they even look really similar.

Anyways, to be clear, I did not see the host of HYBPA at the MICF. I saw the host of “Hard Quiz” at the Comedy Theatre as part of his MICF 2021 show residency.

Originally reviewed March 2021 for Theatre People.

Following on from sold out shows in 2018 and 2019, one of Melbourne’s comedy scenes main-stayers – The Big HOO-HAA – are bringing together their improv show with music to deliver three different Musical Improvaganza’s to the 2021 MICF.

Originally reviewed March 2021 for Theatre People.

I’d like to start this review by saying…I LOVE MELBOURNE.

Walking along Southbank Boulevard to the Arts Centre I did so many mental fist pumps, “Yes…Melbourne is BACK!” Restaurants were buzzing, street artists were out in force and Melbournians were simply just enjoying a lovely late March evening.

And LIVE THEATRE! Having enjoyed Come From Away and Harry Potter’ recently, plus a cabaret show or two, and punishing my credit card with Moulin Rouge pre-sales, it’s just incredible to be out and enjoying another art form…live comedy.

Originally reviewed January 2021 for Theatre People.

Tap…tap…tap…is this thing on? Blowing out the cobwebs from my reviewer toolkit as live performances around Australia kick-off again, from large scale musicals to intimate cabaret shows. I honestly can’t believe that my last review was November 2019. Absolutely grateful to be back!

Originally reviewed November 2019 for Theatre People.

There are some roles that people are just born to play. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde is one of those roles that was meant for Samm Hagen. 

I’ve been lucky enough to chart and follow Samm’s career, from her debut role as Waitress #1 and Sherrie cover in Rock of Ages, to Molly Jensen cover in Ghost The Musical, Pat in Kinky Boots and most recently one of the Divas in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert. 

But to say that the pink sparkly high heels of Elle Woods, previously inhabited by Reece Witherspoon the movie version and Lucy Durack in the 2012-13 production, were destined for Hagen is an understatement.

Originally reviewed November 2019 for Theatre People.

Billed as “all the show stopping, heart racing, life changing musical theatre hits in one night”, the first Show Stoppers event, held at the historic Bank on Collins, certainly lived up to expectations.

The brainchild of founder and producer Jackie Scott, hosted and co-produced by Mike Snell (Legally Blonde, Wicked, Aladdin) featured some of Australia’s favourite and well known musical theatre darlings as well as up-and-coming stars.