Observer

OBSERVER: Songs For A New World

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Soundworks Productions presents Songs for a New World from August 5-10 at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran.With music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, the show is directed by Lauren McKenna, musical direction by Benjamin Samuel, and Benjamin Curé is the choreographer.Soundworks Productions have elevated a piece already written for four voices, to a rich tapestry…

OBSERVER: Rumbleskin

Dirty Pennies Theatre Project presents Rumbleskin by Ames May Nunn from July 17 – 27 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.A trucker picks up a pregnant teen on a long stretch of nowhere. A young rodeo rider stumbles into a mysterious ranch. A fugitive comes to a cursed town in search of safety.An affliction known…

OBSERVER: Comedy Republic

Comedy Republic, the independent comedy venue at 231 Bourke St, Melbourne, that launched during the 2020 lockdowns, celebrates its fifth birthday this July.To mark the milestone, a one-night-only birthday gala will be presented at The Capitol Theatre on July 3, featuring Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and more.After opening in…

OBSERVER: Local Theatre Report

Tuesday, June 17, 2025

ShowsWarrandyte Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) Until June 28 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 – 186 Yarra St, Warrandyte. Director: James Banger. Bookings: warrandytearts.org.auEssendon Theatre Company: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) Until June 28 at the Bradshaw Street Community Theatre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director:…

OBSERVER: A Reflection In Time

On a cold winter’s night the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra warmed hearts and cheered spirits with its A Reflection In Time concert celebrating three passionate and dramatic compositions from the mid-twentieth century.Consisting of orchestral works by composers from three different countries, the first half of the program saw performances of Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings (1936)…

OBSERVER: Vale Christine (Andrew) Burrows

The passing of Christine (Andrew) Burrows on May 19 is a sad loss for her husband, Melbourne theatre director Alan Burrows, their family, and Melbourne’s theatre community.Using her stage name of Christine Andrew, Christine started her amateur theatrical career in music theatre at the Williamstown Light Opera Company in 1972, where she played in Kismet,…

OBSERVER: Crossroads with Rob Foenander

Friday, June 13, 2025

Magic MelodiesSpringvale RSL presents the Magic Melodies show on Wednessday, July 9.Local favourites (the real but local) Paul Hogan and Susan Correll will hit the stage from 11am. after morning tea commencing at 10.30am.Hosted by Jennifer Lee, the monthly morning show has become a must attend for the local seniors community plus a number of…

OBSERVER: Riviera Revenge

Thursday, June 12, 2025

Set in Nice, on the dazzling Côte d’Azur, Riviera Revenge is a light-hearted French farce rom-com.Retired army general Francois (André Dussollier) is content that after three children, four grandchildren, and 50 years of marriage, he and his wife Annie (Sabine Azéma) remain devoted to one another.That is, until he finds a collection of love letters…

OBSERVER: Harry Potter

When Harry Potter’s Muggle uncle declared, “There’s no such thing as magic,” he clearly never had the pleasure of experiencing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra live.Because pure magic is the only way to describe MSO’s performance of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in Concert.Under the flawless direction of conductor Vanessa Scammell, the orchestra brought John…

OBSERVER: Thrones The Musical Parody

Thrones! The Musical Parody is playing until June 21 at St Kilda’s Alex Theatre, following smash hit seasons at the Sydney Opera House and Edinburgh Fringe.The production has been created by the globally acclaimed comedy ensemble Baby Wants Candy, that launched the careers of Saturday Night Live’s Aidy Bryant and Silicon Valley’s Thomas Middleditch.House of…