Category: Concert Reviews

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 6 February 2024

Avoca Beach Theatre has a way of encouraging me to see those Australian artists I’ve always intended to see. Who can resist when these talents play in such a charming, intimate venue so close to home in front of such respectful, enthusiastic audiences? A night at Avoca Beach Theatre is always a real treat. So much so that I’m almost loathe to tell you, because I don’t want it to get so popular that I can no longer get tickets! It’s the risk I take though; it’s such a special place. And it was the perfect place to see Kate Miller-Heidke on her Catching Diamonds tour.

While I was looking forward to Kate’s set, I was honestly less enthusiastic about seeing Georgia Mooney’s support slot. I’d loved her work in All Our Exes Live in Texas, but her solo album wasn’t for me. The vocals were pretty, but the music just didn’t quite grab me. In the live arena though, I was captivated. Her voice is so unique and special. She’s such a giving performer, keen to share a joke and the stories behind her music. The songs were a little more stripped back than on the recording, with just Georgia and her guitarist Marcus Hamblett bringing them to life. Honestly, I think they were better for it. I also think getting to experience the songs like this, with no other distractions, was key. Georgia’s music doesn’t make the best workday soundtrack. Her songs are slow burners, with a beauty that you might miss if you’re not paying attention. I’ll have to revisit them.

Kate also stripped things back, playing the show with her husband Keir Nuttall on acoustic guitar rather than a big band. Honestly, I’m glad this was the way I got to experience my first full-length Kate Miller-Heidke show. Minimal instrumentation ensured those once-in-a-lifetime vocals could really shine. It was also a joy watching Kate watching her husband. She beamed with admiration as he relished his guitar solos, and I smiled right along with her.

The set was a beautiful celebration of all that is Kate, from her breakthrough single “Words” to music from her forthcoming album. There were songs from her latest musical theatre effort Bananaland, the stunning version of “Paint it Black” that kick=started her Masked Singer journey, and even a delightfully operatic take on Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” to close the show. There were too many highlights to mention, but one of the most special was when she brought 13-year-old local talent Erin up to sing “Caught in the Crowd”. This beautiful song had extra gravitas coming from the mouth of a teen still in high school and likely caught up in the kind of politics the song references. And what a brilliant singer Erin is! I didn’t have half the courage she did at her age. Watching Kate’s face full of admiration as she graciously took backing vocals was really something special. But honestly, the whole show was.

The Catching Diamonds tour has only just kicked off, so most of the country still has the opportunity to see one of these magical shows. Many dates have sold out though, so get tickets anywhere you can.

7 February 2024 – The Art House Wyong, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 February 2024 – The Pavillion Performing Arts Centre, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
10 February 2024 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Oryang-Ora Country/Springwood (SOLD OUT)
11 February 2024 – Glen Street Theatre, Gadigal Land/Belrose (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2024 – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
14 February 2024 – Tallagandra Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
29 February 2024 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandjoogoordap/Mandurah
1 March 2024 – Margaret River HEART, Wooditup/Margaret River
8 March 2024 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 March 2024 – Logan Entertainment Centre, Yugambeh Country/Logan
10 & 11 March 2024 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
13 March 2024 – Star Court Theatre, Tchukarmboli/Lismore (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2024 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
27 April 2024 – Long Point Vineyard, Guruk/Port Macquarie
28 April 2024 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
3 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2024 – Bunjil Place, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren
11 May 2024 – The Round, Wurundjeri Country/Nunawading
25 May 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
26 May 2024 – The Joan, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
30 August 2024 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood
31 August 2024 – Wendouree Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
1 September 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (SOLD OUT)
7 September 2024 – Caloundra Events Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
11 September 2024 – The J Theatre, Noothera/Noosa
14 September 2024 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
20 September 2024 – Frankston Performing Arts Centre, Kulin Country/Frankston
21 September 2024 – Burrinja Theatre, Wurundjeri and Bunurrong Country/Upwey
27 September 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Griffith
11 October 2024 – Geelong Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Noah Kahan @ Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney – 23 January 2024

Sometimes less than perfect conditions can give you the perfect night. There was a lot that I wasn’t looking forward to last night. A trip to Sydney, always such an inconvenience, especially midweek. And we were going to the Hordern, far from the my favourite venue (I much prefer places where I can reserve a seat). But I put all that aside, because I was going to see Noah Kahan, my favourite musical discovery of 2023. And sometimes, that’s enough.

Dylan Gossett, a Texan singer-songwriter with a country twang and endearing demeanour warmed up the crowd. I must admit, I checked him out on Spotify earlier in the week and wasn’t impressed. His songs were OK, but they felt a little samey to me. But on the stage, they came alive. His voice was stronger than the recordings suggested, and he was super sweet. While I appreciated what Dyland brought to his set, I was just as thrilled by the way the crowd lapped up his music. It’s one of the great things about seeing a show with the right young audience. Yes, I’ve been at shows where the millennials seemed more interested in their phones and their conversations than the artists, but when young people are invested in a gig they lap it up. They never treat a performer as “just a support act”; they appreciate what they bring to the show and will clap enthusiastically and wave those phones with their lights on in delight. Seeing how they supported Dylan, I knew I was in for a good night.

I knew I was in for a good night, but I didn’t know just how good. But as Noah took to the stage and started playing “Northern Attitude”, one of my favourite songs from Stick Season, everything just seemed right with the world. I sang along with enthusiasm, those lyrics that had come to mean so much to me over the last year. The set leant heavily on that breakthrough album. I’m not sure how that sat with the original fans, but as someone who fell so deeply for that record I was thrilled to hear almost every one of its songs.

He chatted easily with the crowd, cracking jokes that had us all giggling. He even invited a fan up to sing to “Everywhere, Everything” with him. Tyler – wherever you are – you did an amazing job. “Your Needs, My Needs”, was a real highlight. I’ll forever remember his performance of that song as one of the best I’ve ever seen live. Ever. Chills. It takes a special performer to deliver heavy songs like that and then feelgood moments like “All My Love” and “Dial Drunk.” It also takes a special artist to get people to connect so deeply with their lyrics, even when they don’t necessarily reflect their own experiences. I marvelled at that as Noah sang his final song, “Homesick,” and we were all belting out the line in the chorus, “I’m me because I grew up in New England.” I’d wager most of us didn’t grow up in New England, yet we all felt that lyric in some deep part of ourselves.

It’s a sort of magic when an artist can put their very specific experiences into songs, then come to the other side of the world and connect in such a powerful way with the people there. I loved being a part of it. Even at the Hordern. Even in the middle of the week. Some shows transcend those little inconveniences. This was one of those shows. Noah plays Eora/Sydney again tonight before heading to Boorloo/Perth. All tickets were snapped up months ago, but if you’re lucky enough to have one you’re in for a real treat.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary @ Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 13 January 2024

I first saw the Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was around 7 or 8. It was love at first viewing. I bought the soundtrack on cassette and spent hours in my bedroom looking up the lyrics that I didn’t understand in my dictionary (what an education!). I’ve seen the stage show a few times over the years, but when I heard Jason Donovan was starring in the latest iteration, I knew I had to do the Time Warp again.

The 50th Anniversary production of Rocky Horror Show only opened in the Civic Theatre on Friday, but it’s already become the venue’s highest selling musical, beating the record set by Come From Away last year. Given all the antici … pation, I expected to see more than the lone guy in fishnets wandering the foyer. Maybe the 2 pm session coincided with the usual nap times of the audience in attendance, but they didn’t seem as enthusiastic as I imagined they would be so early in the season. There were only a handful of people who got up to dance the Time Warp at the end! I really hope the night time shows are a little livelier. The performers gave it their all, and they deserve an audience that’s not quite so flat.

Sleepy crowds aside, there was a lot to like about the show. The cast embraced their roles, giving themselves over to the campy silliness of it all. Stella Perry, who came to fame in The Voice, brought more of a rock edge to Magenta than previous actresses, and I appreciated that. I also thought Henry Rollo, who plays Riff Raff, showed incredible vocal chops. Brad has always faded into the background for me, but Blake Bowden brought him out of the shadows. Myf Warhurst seemed a little out of her element as the narrator, but she bantered well with the audience. I suspect if I saw her later in the season she’d shine a lot brighter. The ultimate praise must go to Jason Donovan as Frank-N-Furter though. He first played Frank in the UK in 1998, and he makes slipping back into the role look easy. Clearly he was influenced by Tim Curry, but he does just enough to make it his own. He’s fabulous naughty and natural and he gave us a masterclass on Saturday. Honestly, watching him on stage was worth the price of admission alone.

Rocky Horror is one of those shows that keeps coming back every few years. If you’re a fan, and perhaps even if you’re not, you’ll have likely seen several productions. I know I have. But this might just the best. If you’ve been on the fence, make sure you snap up your tickets. The 50th Anniversary production of Rocky Horror Show plays the Civic Theatre in Mulubinba/Newcastle until February 4. It then heads to the Athenaeum Theatre in Naarm/Melbourne from February 9 to March 17 before heading back to New South Wales for shows at the Theatre Royal in Eora/Sydney from March 31 to April 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dermot Kennedy @ Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Eora/Sydney – 7 December 2023

As an Aussie Dermot Kennedy fan, I’ve felt incredibly blessed by his time in our country. A few weeks ago, I got the opportunity to see him play at the Doss House, a venue so small he didn’t even need to use a microphone. After this acoustic teaser, I got to see him again last week in the Sydney Opera House forecourt. While the room he played in the Doss House would have been lucky to hold 50 people, the Opera House forecourt holds thousands. And he sold it out. Twice.

It’s a testament to the quality of Dermot’s music that it can work in any setting. In a place like the Doss House, you can reflect on those personal lyrics. At the Opera House forecourt, backed by a full band, his words become battle cries. They come from such a deep place, and I was thrilled to yell them out as Dermot encouraged us to sing louder. Dermot is a performer that sings from his gut. He leaves nothing on the stage, delivering passionate vocals that connect and resonate.

The night was a fitting farewell to the promotion for Dermot’s album Sonder. Songs from his sophomore LP book-ended the set. While “Blossom” ends the album, it was a fantastic opener. Those newer songs were balanced by the old favourites from Without Fear. The fans who’ve been there from the beginning were even treated to “Glory,” from his debut EP, Doves and Ravens.

While I hold my memories of the Doss House show so close, it was missing one major thing for me: my husband. It was so special to see this show with him, to sing along to songs like “Outnumbered” and “Homeward” as we held hands and thought about how far we’ve come. I also thought about how lucky we were to do this during “Better Days,” a lockdown anthem that has now become so life-affirming. Last time I saw Dermot was at an indoor venue, so I didn’t feel comfortable removing my mask. Sitting on the steps of the Opera House, enjoying this fabulous music, the pandemic was the last thing on my mind. Instead, I revelled in singing the song together, to paraphrase the lyrics.

After experiencing the intimacy of the Doss House, I marvelled at the numbers who’d gathered for this show. While I always prefer a small gig, there’s certainly something special about coming together with so many people who are passionate about an artist’s music. Hearing our voices, seeing the lights of our phones, watching us move together to the beats of these songs we all carry in our hearts, was special. Doing it at an iconic place like the Sydney Opera House was the icing on the cake of this fantastic tour. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’ll miss having Dermot in our country, but we take some comfort knowing that he had such a great time that he probably won’t stay away for too long.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dermot Kennedy @ The Doss House, Talla-wo-la-dah/The Rocks – 17 November 2023

Ordinarily once an artist gets to the stage in their careers where they’re selling out the Opera House forecourt, you’ve missed the chance to catch them in an intimate venue. But Dermot Kennedy is no ordinary artist. He revels in playing in beautiful places, regularly announcing pop-up gigs that complement his paid shows around the world. Last night it was Sydney’s turn to witness one of these magical events when he played The Doss House in Talla-wo-la-dah/The Rocks.

I’m still pinching myself that I got the chance to see one of my favourite artists in such a special space. A beautiful sandstone building, you can feel the history seeping from the walls. To call it intimate is an understatement. We were told just 80 of us would get in, but once we were ushered through we discovered maybe about 40-50 of us would be in the same room as Dermot. The rest would have to be content in the courtyard, peeking through a window at the action inside. I have never been more excited to take my seat in the front row, maybe 30 centimetres away from the mic stand. What a stark difference from the last Dermot show I saw at the Hordern Pavilion!

Dermot was still five hours from gracing us with his presence at that point, but with wine and conversation flowing freely that time passed quickly. Soon enough we were told we could purchase one of the limited-edition Australian-exclusive copies of Dermot’s latest album Sonder and meet the man himself. He was as warm and sweet (and let’s face it, handsome) as I could have hoped for. And then we were settled in for our special acoustic performance.

And when I say acoustic, I mean acoustic. He did away with the mic stand, deciding it was unnecessary for a space like this. His guitar didn’t need plugging in either. This is as raw as music gets, and it was wonderful. You could have heard a pin drop as he launched into recently released single “Two Hearts.” I marvelled at how special it was to experience “For Island Fires and Family” like this, in such a quiet space. He always performs that song unaccompanied, but at the Hordern there was so much chatter impinging on the moment. But here, everyone was attentive, drinking in every word, every note. The more upbeat “Kiss Me” helped us find our voices. Or perhaps it was the trays of whiskey generously passed around. Either way, the singalong continued with “Outnumbered” before we ushered out into the night. While we were told entry would be first-come, first-served, Dermot wasn’t going to leave hundreds of people disappointed so he agreed to play another set for as many of those people who would fit inside. He’s just that kind of artist.

I feel so incredibly blessed that I got to see one of my favourite artists in such a beautiful space so up close and personal. And to share it with such wonderful people. Crowds that give their attention and respect to the artist are worth their weight in gold. Dermot has a few more pop-up shows before he kicks off his Australian tour. Like the show at The Doss House, I’m sure they’ll be incredible.

18 November 2023 – Music Farmers Record Store, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
18 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
19 November 2023 – The Royal, Bundi/Bondi Beach (FREE)
21 November 2023 – Jimmy O’Neill’s, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda (FREE)
22 November 2023 – Oh! Jean Records, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
22 November 2023 – Thornbury Picture House, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
24 November 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk Festival @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk Festival @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Kombumerri/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk Festival @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung/Ballarat
3 December 2023 – Spilt Milk Festival @ Claremont Showground, Boorloo/Perth
6 December 2023 – Opera House Forecourt, Eora/Sydney
7 December 2023 – Opera House Forecourt, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
8 December 2023 – Opera House Forecourt, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
10 December 2023 – Riverstage, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Lee @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 5 October 2023

Once upon a time, the people of the Central Coast had to go to Newcastle or Sydney to see major musical acts. Sure, that’s only an hour or so up or down the freeway, but it made midweek gigs with friends challenging. Now it seems we’re spoiled for choice, with venues like Drifter’s Wharf, The Art House Wyong, and Laycock Street Theatre all doing their bit. For mine, Avoca Beach Theatre is leading the charge. In her welcome speech Beth Hunter, who runs the theatre with her husband Norman, told us of the way the theatre’s objective of telling Australian stories has expanded over the years. More than just a movie theatre, it now hosts comedians and live music. Once they aimed to host three live performances a month. Now they aim for three every week. After recent renovations, it’s better than ever. It’s still intimate, holding less than 300 music lovers. It’s retained its heritage charm, but the new chairs are a bit plusher. We’ve even got cup holders.

It’s the sort of place you want to see gigs at. So after years of thinking I wanted to see Ben Lee but never actually buying the tickets, I followed through. It doesn’t hurt that I think Ben’s recent albums are some of his best. The songs from I’M FUN! and Love is the New Rebellion are among my favourites, so maybe it’s not a bad thing that I waited until this stage of his career to see a show. The last couple of years have also brought us DJ DadBod, Ben’s alter-ego and the perfect support act. He delivered a set of fun and quirky mash-ups, singing and dancing along with such joy. It was beautiful to watch.

After a quick break he was back in Ben mode, delivering an eclectic and surprising set with plenty of twists and turns. There were the hits of course, including songs like “Gamble Everything For Love” and “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” that I haven’t thought about for years. A couple who danced to “Love Me Like the World is Ending” at their wedding were celebrating their wedding anniversary at the show. The lyrics resonated so much more knowing what it meant to them. They didn’t take Ben up on his offer of recreating the dance on stage, but I can imagine their happy smiles hearing him sing this song that meant so much to them. I loved the chance to hear newer material that I love like “Crooked Tree” and “Arsehole.” He even gave us a sneaky listen to some beautiful material from an album that will drop next year. After some audience requests, he showed he’s not too proud to go back to the vault, treating a long-time fan to a rendition of “Poison 1080” from the Noise Addict days. That same self-effacing charm saw him launching into songs other artists wrote about him. They weren’t all flattering (Google efforts from The Chaser and The Ataris to hear what I mean), but they were so much fun.

Ben crammed a lot of music into the evening, but he also put so much of himself into the performance. Avoca Beach Theatre is one of those places that brings the audience and performer together in a shared space. There isn’t the traditional divide that exists in larger venues, and Ben seemed to relish that. He noticed when the people clapping along petered out, and heard comments the crowd made. He told us stories of his life and where the songs came from. This is exactly the sort of show I love. If I just want to hear the music, I’ll stay home and listen to a CD. This more personal experience was so much better.

As Ben delivered the one-two punch of “We’re All In This Together” and “Catch My Disease” I started to think there’d be no encore. Where do you go from there? We could certainly leave happy, but surely it’d feel weird for him to just leave without playing the adult game of peek-a-boo we all know and love! I needn’t have worried. It was time for another mash-up and apologies that he’d forgotten his merch. But not to worry, he had Iced VoVos instead! Watching Ben dance down the aisles with his silver platter of classic Aussie bikkies, then don a tinselled rainbow cape for a final boogie, was the most wholesome and perfect way to end this fabulously off-the-wall night of entertainment. Ben still has a few shows left on his Ben Lee vs the Collapse of the Music Industry tour. If you can get some tickets, make sure you don’t procrastinate as I’ve done for years. Get yourself to one of the following gigs:

6 October 2023 – The Baroque Room, Gundungurra and Darug Country/Katoomba
7 October 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
13 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote
14 October 2023 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
16 November 2023 – ALTAR, Nipaluna/Hobart
19 November 2023 – Du Cane, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee @ Hayes Theatre, Eora/Sydney

For a long while a friend has told me I needed to go to more independent theatre productions. I’ve always been resistant. After seeing a few fairly amateur local community theatre shows, I decided it wasn’t for me. But then my husband got a job that saw him in Eora/Sydney a couple of days a week, and I started to realise that the only way we would be able to see the shows we’d heard about it at the Tony Awards was to explore the independent theatres there. Needless to say, I’m hooked. Last month we caught the Australian debut of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812 at the Darlinghurst Theatre. It was bold and dynamic, and I definitely would have written about it if we didn’t attend one of the last shows. Last night we headed to the Hayes Theatre to see the 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, and since there’s a little more than a week left I wasn’t going to miss the chance to tell you all about it.

My husband and I have long had the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee on our must-see musical theatre list. It won a couple of Tonys back in 2005 along with other honours like Drama Desk and Lucille Lortel awards and it often features on those musical theatre top 10s videos we love watching on YouTube. I knew it’d be a sweet show, but I didn’t quite prepare myself for how much I’d enjoy it. The premise is simple, as the best musical theatre shows often are. A group of six kids, played by adult actors, along with a few brave audience volunteers, come together for the titular spelling bee. Each has their own story, their reasons for wanting to compete, their strengths and insecurities that have led them to this moment. They’re overseen by a sweet moderator and former spelling bee champ Ms Peretti, the vice principal Douglas Panch, who returns to the bee after a five year absence following a mysterious “incident,” and Mitch Mahoney, an ex-con turned comfort counsellor. It’s a quirky collection of characters and one which delivers laughs and feels in equal measure. The base is solid, but a show is only ever as good as its performers.

This company knocked it out of the park. There wasn’t a weak link among the cast. Their voices, acting chops, and even dancing skills were on point. You have such a short time to establish a connection in a production like this, but I found myself so invested in every one of their stories. Even those brave volunteers I mentioned did a fabulous job. When everyone is so strong, it seems rude to single out anyone, but a special shout out has to go Cypriana Singh, who took on the role of Ms. Peretti at the eleventh hour. Big theatre groups have understudies who prepare for a select number of roles, but as the Hayes is small there are just two expected to be across everything. Honestly, if it wasn’t announced she was an understudy at the start of the show, I never would have known. Way to take your moment to shine!

But honestly, every member of this cast did. They were sweet and funny and fun and so incredibly talented. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is one of those special shows that simply leaves you feeling good. And don’t we all need more of that? If you’re in Eora/Sydney, do see it if you can. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee finishes at the Hayes Theatre on October 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Criss @ City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney – 11 September 2023

Darren Criss is undeniably one of Glee’s true success stories. While some cast members have been taken too soon, had their legacies marred by scandals, or faded into obscurity, his star has continued to rise after Ryan Murphy’s teen musical juggernaut. He’s starred on Broadway, performed for President Barack Obama on his second inauguration, and earned an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his role in The Assassination of Gianni Versace. He’s released a couple of EPs of original material and a Christmas album to little fanfare, but you wouldn’t know it if you were anywhere near the City Recital Theatre on Monday night. The sold-out crowd gave him a rock star welcome, the kind reserved for chart-toppers. He repaid their kindness with one of the most entertaining nights of music I’ve experienced in a while.

I must admit, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this show, but it certainly wasn’t Darren busting out a cover of Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?”, then backing it up with The Pointer Sisters’ “I’m So Excited” to whip this already excited crowd into a frenzy. The high-energy numbers worked their magic, letting us all know we were in for a party.

The set was an eclectic one celebrating Darren’s career. But that career has been nothing if not eclectic. His original music never stays in the same space for too long. I must admit, I didn’t do my homework and immerse myself in it fully before the gig, but I’m making up for lost time now because I was so impressed. There was a little jazz, some acoustic folk, a dash of new wave, and some straight-up rock.

I discovered Darren through Glee, so I was thrilled to hear he still loves singing the songs from that program that really broke through. He gave songs like “Teenage Dream” and “Somewhere Only We Know” every bit as much enthusiasm as he did his originals, and we lapped it up. I was especially excited to hear him perform “Cough Syrup,” perhaps my favourite cover from his time on “Glee.” It was every bit as good as I hoped for.

My husband became a Darren Criss fan much earlier than me, when he stumbled on A Very Harry Potter Musical on YouTube. He fanboyed hard seeing StarKid alum Joey Richter and Lauren Lopez on back-up vocals, but things went to the next level when they brought us songs from that musical like “Granger Danger” and “Harry Freakin’ Potter”. He said to me later that to be in a space with so many people that share this very obscure musical passion was an experience like no other.

And then there were the real surprises. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I heard the unmistakeable opening notes of “Straight Lines” by our own Silverchair. His slowed-down version of Carole King’s “One Fine Day” was exquisite. And just when I thought I couldn’t love the show more, he played one of my very favourite songs, Ben Folds’ “The Luckiest.” Looking at the set lists, the first Sydney show was the only night this made an appearance. What a lucky audience we were.

I also feel lucky to have experienced Darren perform a show like this, in a theatre as small as the City Recital Hall. While he aspires to play the Opera House next time, he clearly relished the opportunity to connect with the audience that such an intimate room provides. It allowed him to compliment the snappy dresser a few rows from the front and chat to Jay, who was dragged along to the show by his enthusiastic girlfriend. Darren created one of the most inclusive spaces I’ve ever been in, where young and old and all colours of the rainbow flag are welcome. As I looked at the people around me as we made our way out of the theatre, I felt confident every one of them had as much fun as I did. And every one of them is likely to return when Darren inevitably plays the Opera House next time around.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Wicked” @ Lyric Theatre, Eora/Sydney

I haven’t seen Wicked since it played at the Capitol Theatre in 2009. I remember enjoying it without falling totally in love with it. My husband was enamoured though, and my parents wished they’d seen it, so I found myself at the Lyric on the weekend ready to experience it all again. I wasn’t especially excited, but I reasoned enough time had passed that I was bound to have a good time.

I wondered how the latest cast could possibly match the talents of Jemma Rix and Lucy Durack, who perfectly inhabited the lead roles, or even stellar supporting players like Rob Mills and Bert Newton. I needn’t have worried about it though. This country has a habit of producing such incredible performers. I’d always thought Lucy Durack was the perfect Glinda, but Courtney Monsma is at the very least her equal. She made the role her own, playing up the character’s brattiness and bringing true heart when required. My husband always judges a Glinda by their performance of “Thank Goodness.” At its conclusion, he leaned over to me and told me she’d nailed it. Elphaba is such a demanding role, but I think Sheridan Adams was solid in it. I could hear a little strain as she tackled those stratospheric notes, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they become more effortless as the season progresses. Liam Head charmed as Fiyero, as any good Fiyero should do, and Todd McKenney made the most of every moment as The Wizard.

As the story played out, I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I might. Anticipating the twists and turns, the way the pieces would fall into place, was comforting. Rather than holding my breath as I did the first time around, I could take pleasure in what was around the corner. My familiarity with the songs saw me looking forward to my favourites, which were always performed so perfectly. My husband plays the soundtrack so often I’d forgotten how much richer these songs are with the rich visuals of the stage.

The Australian musical theatre scene has typically played it safe over recent years. With the notable exception of Hamilton, most major productions have been jukebox musicals, adaptations of Disney films, or shows that regularly grace our stages (I’m looking at you Hairspray). I’m relying on community theatre groups to bring me something new, but with 14 years passing since Wicked’s last showing this almost feels fresh. If you’ve never seen Wicked before, don’t sleep on this one. And if you have like me, this production certainly makes it worth a second look.

Wicked is at the Lyric Theatre in Eora/Sydney until December 30. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LANY @ Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2023

We’ve all got those bands we wish we knew when they were playing tiny venues. We rarely get the chance for a do-over, but LANY treated Aussie fans to just that when they decided to return to the very first venues they played in this country last weekend. The shows were announced less than a week before they happened and LANY fans were quick to jump on the very limited tickets. I couldn’t quite believe I scored two, especially when I read that they sold out in minutes.

The Oxford Art Factory has a listed capacity of 500, but I’m not sure it held even that. It certainly felt very intimate as we shuffled into this warehouse-style room for the show. There was such a buzz in the air, like we all knew how special this was going to be. And special it was. A short, stripped-back set that celebrated the new material while paying homage to their back catalogue. The tracks from LANY’s upcoming album, i really really hope so, came out early. The beautiful thing about playing such a small gig before an album release is that the people that are there love you. They won’t criticise you like those Red Hot Chilli Peppers fans who wanted the old favourites. They’ll be thrilled to hear these songs live for the first time. And they’ll sing along to every damn word. Even to “XXL”, which dropped on Friday. The smile on lead singer Paul’s face as we joined him in those new lyrics was everything.

This was always advertised as a half-hour show, so I wondered what old favourites might make the cut. When you’re performing for such die-hard fans, you really get the opportunity to play anything that moves you after all. Fittingly for this venue, LANY took it right back, playing “pink skies” from the kinda EP and “Super Far,” “13”, and the predictable but perfect closer, “ILYSB”, from their self-titled debut album. I tried to hang onto every moment, but soon enough the fans down the front were throwing roses on the stage and Paul was assuring us they’d be back early next year. I can’t wait. Until then, I’ll hold my memories of this very special night in Eora/Sydney with LANY close to my heart.

Image source: own photos