Mulbinba – Sounds of Oz

My husband and I watched the pro-shot of Come From Away when it dropped on Apple+ in September 2021, 20 years since terrorists drove their planes into the Twin Towers and other aeroplanes en route to the United States were diverted to the small Newfoundland town of Gander. We instantly fell in love with this musical that managed to somehow find the balance between comedy and tragedy. It was so truly heartwarming that when it travelled to Mulubinba/Newcastle, we couldn’t wait to introduce my mother to it.

I must admit, I had my reservations though. The Apple+ pro-shot featured the original Broadway cast. Jenn Colella won Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for her role, and arguably should have taken home the Tony. Could this Aussie cast possibly measure up? How could they convincingly bring us this American story that still resonates so deeply with the people of that country? As with Hamilton, I needn’t have worried. There was not one person in this production that wasn’t at the very least the equal of the Broadway cast. From the soul-stirring opening “Welcome to The Rock,” I found myself swept away again.

In fact, I think this time I was even more invested. While I knew the outcome, I found myself wiping away tears at a poignant moment that hadn’t made me weepy the first time around. While pro-shots are fabulous at drawing your attention to small details, seeing the show from the dress circle I could take it all in.

If like me, you’ve enjoyed the pro-shot of Come From Away, don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’ve already seen the show. You need to see this musical in person. And if you’re yet to discover Come From Away, there’s a reason why so many people rave about it. Do yourself a favour and check it out. Come From Away finishes its Mulubinba/Newcastle season today but will soon open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Tartanya/Adelaide. It’ll then head to Boorloo/Perth’s Crown Theatre in May and Ngunnawal Country/Canberra in June.

It’s very rare that I drag myself out to two midweek gigs. But when Richard Marx announced he was playing NEX in Mulubinba/Newcastle, I knew I had to get myself there. I’ve been seeing bands at the site once known as Newcastle Workies (and if you’re a local, forever known as the Workies) since my teenage years. They hosted Teenage Rampages when I was growing up, headlined by acts like Peter Andre and Teen Queens. There were standalone gigs from EYC and Goo Goo Dolls. Of course a lot has changed, and not just the acts. I haven’t been since the rebranding and refurbishment. It’s definitely more sophisticated these days, but it still seemed like an odd choice for the man who’s written more number one songs than anyone else.

Richard’s guitarist, who goes by the moniker Dandelion Head, opened up for him. Looking at a picture of Dandelion Head, you can probably imagine what he sounds like. Looking like he’s just finished teaching yoga classes at Byron Bay and probably smelling like patchouli, he admits that his songs are a bit “hippy-dippy.” It was a strange choice of opener, but Dandelion Head is undeniably talented. After a busy work day, I quite enjoyed chilling out and embracing his relaxed vibe.

You don’t chill out to Richard Marx. You cheer loudly. You sing along. You do whatever you want, according to Richard, because this is your show. He encourages photos and videos, insisting that he didn’t spend time putting product in his hair for people not to look at him. He even obliged a quick selfie with an opportunistic fan before insisting he had to get back to the show everyone had paid money for.

While Richard opened with a track from his new album Songwriter, he didn’t stray too far from the hits. Songs like “Take This Heart”, “Endless Summer Nights,” and “Angelia” came out early, delivered with the kind of passion that makes you forget he’s sung them for decades. If he’s becoming tired of them, it doesn’t show. A talented songwriter, “This I Promise You,” made famous by NSYNC and “Long Hot Summer”, cowritten with our own Keith Urban, also made the set.

In between songs, Richard chatted easily, cracking jokes and making us feel like we were just catching up with a friend. He’s such a generous performer who isn’t afraid to let his audience in. He introduces us to his sons during “When You Loved Me,” playing along with a video featuring their accompanying instrumentation and vocals. We get a further glimpse into his world when he plays “Front Row” in front of video featuring him relaxing with his dog and wife Daisy Fuentes.

It seemed like we’d already heard so many hits by the time the encore rolled around, but except for “Front Row,” this portion of the show was all about those massive numbers. “Hazard,” “Satisfied,” “Should’ve Known Better,” and the beautiful piano ballad “Right Here Waiting.” We sang along in raptures, so appreciative to share space with this talent. I’ve seen Richard Marx four times now, and I’ll probably go again, because it’s always a good time. Like a fine wine, he only seems to get better with age. He continues his Australian tour tonight in Eora/Sydney:

5 March 2023 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
7 March 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
8 March 2023 – Panthers World of Entertainment, Darug Country/Penrith
10 March 2023 – The Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image source: own photos

Tag: Mulbinba

Come From Away @ Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 4 March 2023

Richard Marx @ NEX, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 1 March 2023