This Month
Sarah Brightman’s first musical in 30 years an Opera Australia coup
Phantom of the Opera legend stars in world premiere of a new production of Sunset Boulevard, highlighting OA season that leans heavily into female and local talent.
- Michael Bailey
These sound therapists made a stress-relieving orchestra
Review: Perth’s En Coda Symphony Orchestra used droning instruments, and strings tuned below concert pitch, for a ‘therapeutic’ listening experience in Sydney on Sunday night.
- Michael Bailey
This jewellery may be fake, but it’s precious beyond compare
Tucked between a Starbucks and a Hard Rock Cafe, an extraordinary treasure trove is about to go on display in a Paris mansion never before opened to the public.
- Robert Bevan
- Opinion
- Weekend Fin
Almost-billionaire Taylor Swift could show Elon Musk how to do rich
The singer-songwriter has made a fortune from her adoring fans and now has a chance to become the poster girl for responsible capitalism.
- Amanda Little
Can you dance fast enough for the latest nightclub fad?
A lockdown trend is spreading across Europe, but it’s not for those with two left feet.
- Thomas Rogers
Sarah Blasko had long dismissed ‘Twelfth Night’ – then she scored it
Composing a soundtrack for the Shakespearean comedy seemed an unlikely job for this most serious of singer-songwriters, but music proved to be the food of love.
- Michael Bailey
This theatre show uses playful puppets to send a sober message
An inner-city tornado blows Sunday dinner off the table, and a shark swims through a living room, as this Belgian production makes an affecting circus of global warming.
- Michael Bailey
September
Clues emerge in mystery of Paul McCartney’s missing bass
A global search was launched earlier this month by Hofner, makers of the 500/1 electric bass, after Sir Paul told the company that he dreamed of being reunited with it.
- Anita Singh and Scott Jones
Sydney’s blockbuster ‘cinema theatre’ is back
The team behind Australian theatrical smash hit The Picture Of Dorian Gray is back with another innovative take on a gothic classic.
- Michael Bailey
Wicked The Musical review: a bewitchingly relevant blockbuster
The Broadway mainstay, a backstory to The Wizard Of Oz, brings to Sydney a contemporary resonance amid its timeless, lavish entertainments.
- Michael Bailey
Tim Finn’s first Aussie gig was almost the Enz of him
When the Kiwi singer tours Australia this month, he will do so as a beloved elder statesman – which could not be more different from his first arena show here.
- Michael Bailey
Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise was messy, masterful and magnificent
The American composer’s sprawling, genre-hopping symphony to life took the Sydney Symphony and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs out of their comfort zones.
- Michael Bailey
August
Miss Saigon moves with the times, and is still a great night out
A new production of the musical set around the end of the Vietnam War has responded to some criticism, without damaging its essential appeal.
- Michael Bailey
From one heir to another in ACO chairmanship handover
Martyn Myer has assumed the helm of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, taking over from Guido Belgiorno-Nettis.
- Michael Bailey
Miss Saigon critics miss the point, says its composer
Claude-Michel Schönberg can’t understand why controversy always follows his second-most famous musical.
- Michael Bailey
Troye Sivan’s favourite art gallery may surprise you
For the Australian pop star, there’s nothing like a former Berlin nightclub that’s been transformed.
- Matthew Drummond
July
After Sweeney Todd, you’ll never look at pies or barbers the same way
If your impression of musical theatre is of a choreographed sugar hit, prepare to be shocked by this production of Stephen Sondheim’s cut-throat classic.
- Michael Bailey
Meet the chefs who feed Beyoncé and Lizzo on tour
Many touring artists now take several professional cooks, not to mention entire mobile kitchens, on the road with them for efficiency, health and morale.
- Soo Youn
‘Nanny’ actor Fran Drescher lands ultimate role in Hollywood’s strike
She has played working-class people throughout her career and says she was made to lead a union through protracted industrial action.
- Karen Heller
This Rich Lister has no regrets about his $20m private school gift
The $20 million concert hall on the grounds of Terry Snow’s alma mater, Canberra Grammar School, has quickly gained a reputation among international musicians.
- Michael Bailey
