Review: Message In A Bottle

October 26, 2023 Joan Sutherland Theatre Sydney Opera House  October 27, 2023 Reviewed by Sophie Kennedy White It’s a bold move to create a dance musical about the desperate plight of refugees with the music of pop star Sting but Kate Prince’s courageous stage production does it spectacularly. Moved by that shocking image of a […]

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The Final Tally News roundup for this week 27 March

Good afternoon everyone, I hope your week has gone well. The weather is certainly starting to change here in Sydney and autumn is coming. Though we still have days in the 20s, it is definitely starting to turn. I want to begin this post by introducing you to my newest news feature: Weekly news roundups […]

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Review: Saints of Damour

Saturday 22 March 2025 Loading Dock Theatre Qtopia James Elazzi is one of Australia’s freshest theatrical voices and his new play, Saints of Damour firmly cements his place as a – I want to say great but maybe it’s too early for that – let’s say formidable Australian playwright. His ability to mine the emotional […]

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Ensemble Offspring’s Lumen Machine: A Joyous and Exhilarating Journey into Sound Worlds of Tomorrow

Get ready to step into the future of sound this April as Ensemble Offspring kicks off its 30th birthday season with Lumen Machine, a mind-bending collision of cutting-edge technology and virtuosic musical performances. In a thrilling collaboration with London-based ‘cyborg pianist’ Zubin Kanga, two revolutionary chamber concertos will make their world premiere in Sydney and […]

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Review: Guys & Dolls at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour

Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg Attending the premiere of Guys & Dolls on March 21 at the Fleet Steps, with the iconic Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge as a backdrop, was an experience that seamlessly blended the magic of Broadway with the enchantment of Sydney’s harbor. This production, presented by Opera Australia, transformed the open-air […]

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My Love for Musicals – and My Top 10 Musicals

Written by Anna-Celine Rautenberg Musicals are my great passion. Even as a child, I knew that music and theater would play a central role in my life. At the age of three, I wished for my first microphone, and later, I took years of piano and singing lessons. It was my first singing teacher who […]

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Review: Cinderella at the Sydney Opera House

Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg Stepping into the Sydney Opera House for Laurent Pelly’s production of Cinderella, presented by Opera Australia, felt like entering a whimsical fairytale. The anticipation in the air was palpable, and with a cast featuring some of Australia’s finest opera talents, expectations were high. Over the course of the evening, audiences were treated […]

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Dancing with Music: Meet the New Intern!

Nice to meet you, I’m Beate! Born in the cold of Sweden’s North, the soothing sounds of the natural world and the cozy Swedish music by the fireplace formed the backdrop of my first moments on this Earth. Many nights were spent with my Mother easing me to bed with a Latvian lullaby (my parents […]

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Ensemble Offspring Celebrates 30 Years of New Music in 2025

For three decades, Ensemble Offspring has been at the forefront of Australian contemporary music—pioneering, trendsetting, and redefining chamber music. In 2025, the ensemble marks its 30th anniversary with a bold season that celebrates its rich history while looking to the future. Founded in 1995 as the Spring Ensemble by Sydney Conservatorium student composers Damien Ricketson […]

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Unknown Paths – A Boutique Music Takeover at Bondi Pavilion

Music lovers, vinyl collectors, and creative minds – get ready for Unknown Paths, a brand-new boutique music takeover at Bondi Pavilion on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Curated by Bondi music industry heavyweights Ryan Grieve (DFA Records, Modular) and Julian Sudek (Producer/Writer for Genesis Owusu and Royel Otis), this one-day festival will transform the first floor of Bondi Pavilion into a dynamic […]

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Dancing in the Shadows of Motown – Live at Randwick Ritz!

Get ready for an unforgettable night of soul, rhythm, and nostalgia as Dancing in the Shadows of Motown lights up the stage at Randwick Ritz this April. Celebrating the legacy of the Motown era, this electrifying tribute show promises an immersive experience filled with timeless classics and high-energy performances. Experience the MagicStep back in time with a […]

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Review: MJ the Musical – A Riveting Tribute

Reviewed by Anna-Celine Rautenberg Sydney Lyric Theatre Attending MJ the Musical in Sydney was an unforgettable experience. The show seamlessly intertwined the personal story of Michael Jackson’s rise, struggles, and complex family dynamics with the magic of his music. As I sat in the vibrant, electric atmosphere of the theater, it was clear that every […]

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Review: James Ehnes performs Brahms’ Violin Concerto

Thursday 6 March 2025 Sydney Symphony Orchestra Sydney Opera House London born conductor, Finnegan Downie Dear lead the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in tonight’s program of Ravel and Brahms. A one-time assistant to Simone Young, his tall lean frame leant itself to garnering a wide range of emotions and nuances from the musicians. And as SSO […]

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