Scooby-Doo in Stage fright - Live On Stage

Her Majesty's Theatre

Saturday 23 May 2009 - 1:00pm

A classic cartoon turned stage production - well bring it on and bring more of it!!!!

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Her Majesty's Theatre was a great venue for this performance, all of the kids were able to be close enough to the stage to see their favourite cartoon characters and all close enough together to make for a very loud show! My son is nearly 4 years old and had a great time at this show, he did at times get a little scared by the ghost but after some reassurement continued to laugh and enjoy every minute of the performance.

The 'Mystery Inc' team teamed up to find out and solve the mystery of a supernatural specter who was creating havoc at Daphne's uncles old Clawhammer Movie Studio. The scooby gang (who for some reason was missing Fred) went hunting for clues on the set of a scary movie......
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Of course in traditional Scooby Doo style there were lots of laughs as the main characters of Scooby and Shaggy fell and fumbled there way around trying to solve the ghost mystery.
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This was lovely yet simple performance which was enjoyed by children and adults of all ages!
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I know it is generally the same for all children's shows, but my only gripe was the cost of merchandise. I wanted to buy my son a Scooby Doo toy but at $50 each - I thought this was way too much - think Ill now be looking in stores or on eBay to buy one at a much cheaper price! Not to be a bad parent, I bought him a light up Scooby wand which set me back $15 and a T-shirt which cost $20.
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I did find online a link to a preview of the show on 'You Tube' so have a look, and if the show if touring near you, I can say my nearly 4 year old recommends it!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bq2pTsSCzA

Phantom of the Opera

Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Wednesday 20 May 2009 - 2pm

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Well what a treat, before we arrived at this performance we were told that because it was a matinee performance that the main characters were to be played by the understudies, so you can imagine my surprise when the Phantom appeared and it was the amazing 'Anthony Warlow'. The voice on that man is amazing and you could see that the role of 'Phantom' he has definitely made his own. I believe that Anthony Warlow is Australia's original 'Phantom' and has reprised his role after a successful battle with cancer (in his shoes it was previously 'Rob Guest' who died last year during his role as the Wizard of Oz in the production 'Wicked').

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Ana Marina played the role of Christine and Alexander Lewis plays the charming, Raoul. Both actors bought amazing talent as did strong cast which I believe consisted of a lot of local 'Adelaidian' talent.

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During interval I did hear a lot of people complaining about the venue and suggested that the Festival Theatre would have been a far better choice. I do however disagree, because if Adelaide is ever going to start pulling these types of shows, then it does need to be in a venue that can have an audience of more than 1500 patrons at a time. I was not sitting at the front, and also had people sitting in front of me, I was still able to see the stage, the faces of characters, and the amazing details on the costumes. I do feel that there are some South Australians stuck in past frame of mind and need to move past the idea that the Festival Theatre is the only place for a live theatrical performance to be held.

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That being said the Phantom of the Opera performance was refreshing and definitely what this state needed! I believe that it has been booked for over 20 shows which is great effort!

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My highlight of the show would have to be the masquerade ball, where the costumes and stage setting were absolutely amazing. The large stair case going up through the centre of the stage was breath taking.