Haters Back Off!

Zack Anthony Curran talks about his recent theatrical experiences and introduces two new segments in his column: ‘Shout Outs’ and ‘Things’

Its been just over two weeks since my last column and the Melbourne theatre scene is absolutely buzzing. I’ve seen four shows – Next To Normal, The Hatpin, The Laramie Project: Ten Years On and Love Never Dies –  I’m yet to see Dr Z. and Rock Of Ages… Maybe I’ll squeeze them in this fortnight!

Of course the hottest topic for discussion is Love Never Dies. I attended the Family and Friends performance and people have been so curious to find out what I thought…  Sooooo…

While I am not prepared to comment on individual performances or specific production values at this stage (It was their first ever full run!!) I will say that i am so excited for the world to see this production. The cast and production team have been working day and night for months to bring us the spectacle that is this lavish, engaging, enchanting and totally captivating night at the theatre. I’d be really surprised if anyone could walk out of The Regent Theatre having not had a good time.

I’ve never seen anything like it and I am truly proud of my industry for creating this production from the ground up. With a full orchestra and one of the most qualified production teams ever assembled, Love Never Dies blew me totally out of the water.
Like I said, I’m not going to discuss individuals, however i will say this: Ben. Lewis.

In other news I seem to have created a small stir on Twitter regarding the topic of Love Never Dies…  I’m all for freedom of expression, clearly I feel the need to write about my opinions on this website…  I love that people have passionate opinions and objections to the sequel of Phantom Of The Opera.  What I have a problem with is when people viciously go out of their way to slander a production which a) They haven’t even seen and b) Is not even open yet.   Why are certain Tweeters so obsessed with trying to influence the opinions of other people?  I say – “Haters, back off!”   Let people make up their own minds and stop trying to assert your opinion on everyone else. PS. You realise it’s just a musical right? We’re not talking about something as controversial as rewriting legislation regarding gay marriage. Whoa. Ok. Rant Done.

Speaking of gays, and sequels… I saw The Laramie Project: Ten Years On – Presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre. The sequel, as the name suggests takes a look at the town of Laramie ten years after the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard. The production was brought to life by a really gifted cast of actors who told the story of the people in Laramie with honesty and realistic conviction. Interestingly staged with minimal fuss the play is truly moving and paints an interesting and honest picture of a town deeply affected by a vicious gay hate crime. It’s totally sold out, as it should be but if you get a chance to see this show (and there is a rumor of a return season) Don’t miss it!

Shout Outs & Things  Shout outs this week go to:

• Kathryn Sgroi (Ensemble – Love Never Dies) for her amazing portrayal of a certain mythical sea creature floating in formaldehyde
• Hester Van Der Vyver (Cast member of The Laramie Project:  Ten Years On) for the comps and also being generally awesome in the show.
• @ShortShorts82 (obsessed tweeter) thanks for giving me something to write about this week…
• Gemma-Ashley Kaplan (Amber Murray in The Hatpin) for a beautifully solid performance and for getting your belt on.

Things:
These two YouTube videos made me laugh this week…  A LOT… Do yourself a favour…
Best Cry Ever: (you have to watch this one twice…)
Sobriety Test:

Find me on Twitter for more silly commentary:  @ZACurran