WIZARD OF OZ

■ Theatrical presents The Wizard of Oz from June 29 to July 9 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

Based on the 1939 movie and classic L. Frank Baum tale of the same name, the musical is being staged in Australia for the first time in six years.

A full orchestra will accompany a cast of more than 30 performers, filling Melbourne’s historic 783-seat National Theatre with one of the most celebrated stories of all time, following the journey of Dorothy from Kansas who finds herself carried away to the land of Oz to discover what lies over the rainbow.

The songs from the original MGM film starring Judy Garland, include Follow The Yellow Brick Road, You’re Off To See The Wizard, Munchkinland, Over The Rainbow, and more.

Beyond The Wizard of Oz’s musical fantasy, the show explores themes of belonging, friendship, and what it means to be home.

Two-time Musical Theatre Guild Awardwinning director Kim Anderson explores the adventures of Dorothy in Oz.

“For this new production, we are shifting from the traditional look of the show and making our female characters grounded and fiercely independent,” says Kim.

Performance Details: June 29 (Preview), June 30 (Opening Night), July 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 at 7.30pm; July 1, 8 at 1.30pm

Venue: National Theatre, Carlisle St., St Kilda Bookings: theatrical.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Catch Me If You Can

■ CLOC Musical Theatre’s fast-moving, notto-be-missed production of the musical Catch Me If You Can is playing at the National Theatre, St Kilda until May 27.

The creative and musical talents of director/ set designer Richard Perdriau, musical director Tony Toppi, choreographer Felicity Bender and their cast and crew, combine to present a first-class production.

Set in the 1960s, with music by Marc Shaiman who also co-wrote the lyrics with Scott Wittman , the show is based on Terrence McNally’s book.

It tells the true story of the con man adventures of Frank Abagnale Jr, who lives in America today.

We learn of Frank Jr's astonishingly successful impersonations of a teacher, pilot, doctor and lawyer, as well as forging cheques worth over $2 million - all before the age of 21.

In a cat and mouse game, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty and his team pursue Frank across the country, determined to arrest this clever, elusive young imposter.

Will Woods is perfectly cast as Frank Jr, merging fresh-faced boyish charm with confident musical theatre showmanship, and capturing Frank's vulnerability when influenced by his conman father, Frank Abagnale Sr (Ric Birkett).

Tony Burge brings his unique, engaging performance style to the role of head FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, and his scenes with Will Woods (Frank Jr) are a theatrical treat.

Ric Birkett is great as fast-talking yet poignant Frank Sr, and Adrienne George commands the stage as Paula Abagnale. India Morris is delightful as Frank Jr’s fiancée, Brenda FBI Agents Branton, Cod and Dollar enhance the ‘catch me if you can’ fun, well-portrayed by Bryce Dunn, Joshua Saunders and Daniel Steer.

Mention must be made of Ellen Lane and Tom Morley’s performances as Carol and Roger Strong.

The versatile ensemble works hard, particularly the excellent dancers who execute Felicity Bender’s wonderful choreography in fine style.

Victoria Horne’s colourful, stylish costume design, Brad Alcock's superb lighting and Marcello Lo Ricco’s sound design, top off an entertaining, stand-out show.

Congratulations CLOC Musical Theatre.

What’s On Auditions

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Tartuffe (by Molière) June 13 at 7pm and June 17 at 2pm at the Shoestring Playhouse, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay (net door to the Australian National Surfing Museum). Director: Zina Carman. Audition enquiries: zinacarman@gmail.com

■ CPP Community Theatre: Oliver! Information Night: May 23 and May 25 at 7.30pm at The Factory, Unit 20, 63-71 Bayfield Rd., East Bayswater. Auditions are being held on May 28 and May 30 by appointment. Director: Mitchell E. Roberts; Ass’t. Director: Sean Williams; Vocal Musical Director: Meg Symes; Children’s Musical Director: Andrea Crompton; Orchestral MD: Cassie Quinlan; Choreographer: Tamblyn Smith. Further information: www.CPPCommunityTheatre. com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

The Twits

Photo: Anna Albert

Performance Details: Until May 27

Venue: National Theatre, Carlisle St., St Kilda Bookings: cloc.org.au

■ Footnote: CLOC Patrons can be assured the show will always go on. After a heavy week of pre-opening night rehearsals and two shows, lead performer Will Woods' voice needed recovery time. CLOC cast members now diligently learn and rehearse cover roles as well as their own, and for the Mother's Day matinee, FBI Agent Daniel Steer stepped up to play Frank Jr, and an ensemble member played his role. Daniel's Mum who lives in Queensland managed to catch a flight to see her son play the lead role - a great Mother's Day gift. And the show went on.

- Review by Cheryl

Threadgold

MSO Mozart

■ The genius of Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture was brought to life under the baton of Jessica Cottis at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s concert in the Melbourne Town Hall

The suggestion of the sea’s power is held in abeyance and there are moments of contemplative calm that is unleashed in the sweep of the strings evoking storm and tempest.

The featured item was Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto with the principal clarinet of the orchestra, David Thomas, on the basset clarinet.

There is a discourse possible here not only between the clarinet and the orchestra but in the range to be found in the instrument itself.

The bell-like lyric jauntiness in the upper range is counterpointed with the contemplative resonance of the lower.

There is an added degree of skill required with the basset which Thomas handled with deftness bringing to the fore the tonal change and nuances to be found in the three movements of the concerto.

The Sibelius Second Symphony was almost too big for the Town Hall.There is a full orchestra the resonance of which doesn’t quite have time to meld before reaching the ear. A concert hall would be a more apt venue.

All the same, there is richness in the expansive melodies and a rhythmic vitality to the work.

The contrast between the dour second movement and the jubilation of the third movement’s finale speak to the versatility within the orchestra .who are as adept with the evocation of landscape as they are with the light spryness of Mozart and the grandeur of Sibelius.

- Review by David McLean

Media Flashes

■ Jane Elliott, the National Publicity Director for Nova Entertainment, is leaving the network after 15 years to head up Communications at Sound Story

■ Internationally acclaimed organist Joseph Nolan will perform Louis Verne’s six symphonies across five days, in The Vierne Project at July 18-28, Melbourne Town Hall. Free event.

■ The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found Channel Nine breached privacy rules in a story on A Current Affair that included mobile phone footage of a dispute between neighbours.

■ Roald Dahl's gruesome twosome The Twits are 'ready to delight and disgust, in equal measure' at the Frankston Arts Centre on June 23 at 12 Noon and 6pm and then at The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne from June 27-July 1.

Mr and Mrs Twit are said to be the nastiest couple ever - both on a quest to be meaner than the other - but, is there someone out there who can out-twit the Twits?

Dahl's classic encourages us to treat others with love and care and proves that if you have good thoughts, they will 'shine out of your face like sunbeams'.

Suitable for ages 5+ and their families.

Frankston Arts Centre: June 23 at 12 noon and 6pm. Bookings: https:// artscentre.frankston.vic.gov.au/Whats-On/ Season-Shows/Roald-Dahls-The-Twits

The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne: June 27 - July 1. For performance times and bookings, visit www.artscentremelbourne. com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Bloomsday

■ Bloomsday in Melbourne celebrates its 30th season in 2023 with a Victorian premiere of James Joyce's only play, Exiles, directed by Carl Whiteside, from June 15-25 at fortyfivedownstairs.

Artistic Director Frances Devlin-Glass says it took Pinter to bring it to public notice more than half a century after its first airing in German in Munich in 1919.

“He was able to demonstrate how intensely gripping it is as a psychological drama,” says Frances.

“We’re astonished by how contemporary its thinking is about sexuality and relationships, even after the lapse of a century, and how very radical it is.”

Also, the annual Bloomsday in Melbourne lunch and seminar will be held on Sunday, June 18 from 12.30pm, Seminar at 3pm at Melbourne's Imperial Hotel.

Performance Details: June 15-25 at 7.30pm; Sunday: 5pm

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Bookings for Exiles and the lunch and seminar: www.bloomsdayinmelbourne. org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Boer War Day

■ The annual Boer War Day March will commence from the corner of ANZAC ace and directly up to the Shrine of Rembrance.

The march will start at 11.45am on Sunday, May 28, and the service in the Shrine grounds will start at 12 Noon.

The Boer War Association of Victoria is asking that anyone who has relatives who fought in the Boer War (1899 -1902) or anyone with an interest in history, are invited to join, to arrive no later than11.15am

There will be a service including a guest speaker followed by lunch supplied by the Salvation Army . Order of March: Rats of Tobruk Band, 4th – 8th Lighthorse Troop, Flags, Parade commander, Guard in Period uniforms, March Leader Peter Wilmot, Wendy Baden-Powell, Banner, Executive Committee, Banner, Scouts, Venturers, and Guides.

-

Peter Kemp

Shakespeare In Love

■ Monash Uni Student Theatre (MUST) presents Shakespeare in Love from June 13 at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University.

Directed by Yvonne Virsik, with set design by Nathan Burmeister, Shakespeare in Love is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. Music is by Paddy Cunneen.

This tongue-in-cheek reimagining of William Shakespeare is also regarded as a celebration of theatre itself.

Young Will has a bad case of writer's block. The deadline for his new play is fast approaching and he's in desperate need of inspiration. He finds it in Viola, whose fiery passion for poetry and drama leaves her secretly longing to be an actor.

Under the veil of secrecy, Will and Viola’s passionate love affair becomes the basis of the very play he is writing – his masterpiece, Romeo and Juliet.

With opening night fast approaching, plots collide in a rollicking tale of romance, mistaken identity, petty scheming, dramatic irony, lusty innuendo, and tempestuous wordplay.

Shakespeare in Love is described as 'a stirring love story, and at its heart, a joyful, hilarious love letter to live theatre – with plenty of knowing winks to the present.'

Performance Dates: June 1-3 at 7.30pm, Sat .1.30pm (Auslan interpreted performance)

Venue: The Alexander Theatre, 48 Exhibition Walk, Monash University, Clayton Run time: approx. 2 hrs 30 mins, including interval

Age Suitability: 13+

Adult Themes, Low Grade Violence, Sexual Assault

Enquiries: msa-must@monash.edu

- Cheryl Threadgold

Franklin Award

■ The Miles Franklin Literary Award has announced 11 authors who have been included on the 2023 Longlist.

They will be competing for one of the most prominent literary prizes in Australia, with the winner also receiving $60,000.

The Miles Franklin Literary Award was established by feminist, and author of My Brilliant Career, Stella Maria Sarah Miles

Franklin

First presented in 1957, the Award celebrates novels of the highest literary merit that tell stories about Australian life, shining a light on some of the country’s most accomplished writers.

The 2023 Miles Franklin Literary Award longlist is:

■ Kgshak Akec, Hopeless Kingdom, UWA Publishing

■ Robbie Arnott, Limberlost, Text Publishing

■ Jessica Au, Cold Enough for Snow, Giramondo Publishing

■ Shankari Chandran, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens, Ultimo Press

■ Claire G Coleman, Enclave Hachette, Australia

■ George Haddad, Losing Face, University of Queensland Press

■ Pirooz Jafari, Forty Nights, Ultimo Press

■ Julie Janson, Madukka: The River Serpent, UWA Publishing

■ Yumna Kassab, The Lovers, Ultimo Press

■ Fiona Kelly, McGregor Iris, Pan Macmillan Australia

■ Adam Ouston, Waypoints, Puncher & Wattmann

The Life You Please

■ Leading peak bodies including Palliative Care Australia have announced the broad national release of Live The Life You Please, a definitive, new feature documentary film about living and dying in Australia.

Event and Village Cinemas are supporting the national distribution of the film, which they say “everyone needs to see”.

It is produced by multi-award-winning filmmakers and impact film pioneers Mike Hill and Sue Collins.

- Di Rolle