The Importance of Being Jewish: a theatre review by Alex First
August 9, 2022 by Alex First
A romp, The Importance of Being Jewish showcases playwright Rob Selzer’s insight and wit. Read more
Portrait of an Unknown Woman: book review by Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen
August 4, 2022 by Rabbi Jeffrey Cohen
This is Daniel Silva’s twenty-fifth novel and the 22nd, with Gabriel Allon as the chief protagonist. Read more
A little lunch music
August 4, 2022 by Alan Slade
The aptly named “A little lunch music” is a series of six musical experiences curated by Kathy Selby and Sydney’s City Recital Hall. Read more
Antarctica: An IMAX movie reviewed by Alex First
August 3, 2022 by Alex First
While it is the coldest place on Earth, where temperatures plunge to as low as 90 degrees below zero and the water temperature is freezing, Antarctica is a surfeit of riches. Read more
Unsolicited Male: a Melbourne theatre review by Alex First
July 29, 2022 by Alex First
A boss oversteps the mark and the consequences are devastating in Ron Elisha’s incendiary Unsolicited Male. Read more
Where the Crawdads Sing: a movie review by Alex First
July 22, 2022 by Alex First
A young woman whose life has been a series of letdowns faces the possibility of the death penalty after being charged with the first-degree murder of her former lover. Read more
The Opera House bares all with Mahler: a music review by Fraser Beath McEwing
July 21, 2022 by Fraser Beath McEwing
There was more than music to celebrate the return of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to the Sydney Opera House concert hall last night. Read more
Caligula (Burning House) at Theatre Works, as reviewed by Alex First
July 20, 2022 by Alex First
There will be blood. That expression well sums up the tyrannical reign of Gaius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, better known as Caligula. He was the third Roman emperor, who ruled from the years 37 to 41, before he was assassinated. Read more
Il Trovatore: an opera review by Murray Dahm
July 18, 2022 by Murray Dahm
This new production of Verdi’s 1853 opera Il Trovatore directed by Davide Livermore had all the bells and whistles – the 14 LED digital panels supplemented with big, old-fashioned set pieces and a wonderful cast. Read more
9 to 5: The Musical – State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne, as reviewed by Alex First
July 17, 2022 by Alex First
9 to 5 The Musical is energetic, sassy and colourful. Read more
Behind the scenes: La traviata assistant director Warwick Doddrell
July 15, 2022 by Murray Dahm
Opera Australia assistant director for the La traviata season Warwick Doddrell was first bitten by the theatre bug in the 1990s watching the Essgee Entertainment productions of Gilbert & Sullivan show starring Jon English (The Pirates of Penzance (1994), The Mikado (1995) and H.M.S. Pinafore (1997). Read more
Secrets: a theatre review from Melbourne by Alex First
July 13, 2022 by Alex First
Just how good are you at keeping secrets? Read more
Compartment No 6: a movie review by Alex First
July 11, 2022 by Alex First
We’re in Moscow in 1996. Read more
Sundown: a movie review by Alex First
July 8, 2022 by Alex First
An intelligent, slow-burn movie in which little appears to happen for a long time and much remains unsaid, thereafter the shocks come. Read more
Stacey Alleaume magnificent in classic Traviata triumph
July 8, 2022 by Victor Grynberg
If Giuseppe Verdi is indeed the greatest opera composer (which I certainly think he is ) then among his many great compositions La Traviata must surely be close to the very top…writes Victor Grynberg. Read more
A Little Lunch Music: a music review by Alan Slade
July 7, 2022 by Alan Slade
“A Little Lunch Music” is a series of 6 concerts in Sydney’s iconic Recital Hall, whose interior is modelled on Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and which is acknowledged to have among the best acoustics in the world. Read more
The Amateurs: a theatre review by Alex First
July 4, 2022 by Alex First
One of the most bizarre plays I have seen, The Amateurs at Melbourne’s Red Stitch Theatre is a tragicomedy from 2015 American Pulitzer Prize finalist Jordan Harrison. This is its Australian premiere. Read more
Madama Butterfly: an opera review by Victor Grynberg
July 3, 2022 by Victor Grynberg
Bravo Opera Australia, which once more has given us an unforgettable evening. Read more
Come Rain or Come Shine: a theatre review by Alex First
June 30, 2022 by Alex First
Come Rain or Come Shine is a charming, funny and smart romantic musical comedy, which unfolds over nearly three decades. Read more
Murray Dahm talks to Madama Butterfly star Virgilio Marino
June 29, 2022 by Murray Dahm
The character of Goro in Giacomo Puccini’s opera Madama Butterfly is essential to the opera’s drama. Read more
Passing Strange (Antipodes Theatre Company) at Meat Market Stables, as reviewed by Alex First
June 28, 2022 by Alex First
A dynamic score characterises a coming-of-age story. Read more
Six at the Comedy Theatre, as reviewed by Alex First
June 27, 2022 by Alex First
A contemporary interpretation of the dastardly deeds of King Henry VIII, Six rocks. Its pop vibe is a sure-fire winner. Read more
Minions: The Rise of Gru – a movie review by Alex First
June 26, 2022 by Alex First
Minions: The Rise of Gru is an origin story and an ode to the music of the ‘70s. Read more
Elvis: a movie review by Alex First
June 22, 2022 by Alex First
Elvis lives. Well, not quite. But Baz Luhrmann has breathed new life into the legend and aura surrounding the consummate performer, the best-selling solo recording artist of all time. Read more
Harlequinade: a ballet review by Alex First (State Theatre, Melbourne)
June 20, 2022 by Alex First
Love is in the air, but there are those who have other ideas. Read more
The Picture of Dorian Gray: a theatre review by Alex First
June 9, 2022 by Alex First
The Picture of Dorian Gray at Melbourne’s Arts Centre is an extraordinary triumph of talent and theatricality. Read more
Some familiar, some unfamiliar: Music review by Fraser Beath McEwing
June 2, 2022 by Fraser Beath McEwing
They were presented in equal quantities at last night’s concert. Read more
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella: a theatre review from Alex First
May 27, 2022 by Alex First
So, you think you know the Cinderella story – the one about the poor “servant” to the evil stepmother and her taunting stepsisters? Read more
Jewish Folk Tales in Britain and Ireland: A book review by Joanne McFall
Comprising of forty-four traditional folk tales associated with varying regions in Britain and Ireland, Liz Berg’s Jewish Folk Tales in Britain and Ireland is essential reading for fans of this genre. Read more
Driftwood: The Musical – a theatre review by Alex First
May 23, 2022 by Alex First
Driftwood: The Musical is a heart-wrenching and inspiring piece of musical theatre, reflecting a dark period of history that changed and destroyed the lives of millions. Read more
