Dance, Cirque, and Drag

Tonight I saw Sydney Dance Company's third work of the year - Aszure Barton's Sid's Waltzing Masquerade at Carriageworks. Once again, the choreographer and I share a taste in dancers. I was happy to see Reed Luplau featured, but disappointed that Annabelle was stuck in an ugly leotard without a moment to shine. This was definitely my favourite work this season, most likely because it was the most classically grounded. The dance styles were varied throughout and at no point was I lost in a sea of chaotic movement. I did, of course, miss seeing the Paul Taylor dancers perform (I might, in fact, watch the Piazzola Dancemaker clip right now!).

Stepping back in time: Last weekend (Oct 17) I went to see Priscilla, Queen of the Desert - The Musical. Priscilla, as you may know, is native Australian. And what do I like besides Australia? Drag queens! This was one of the most spectacular shows I've seen. The costumes were extravagant (Orlagh read there were 500 costume changes). The songs catchy and fun (all classics - not one original song). And where the movie features three cast members doing each number, the stage production, in classic musical style, brings out a whole cast to drive a point home.

And weeks ago now I went to see Cirque de Soleil's Dralion (Sept 27). I don't think it was as good as Corteo, which I saw in 2005 in San Francisco, but was still pretty amazing. The trampolines and the pretend audience members were particular highlights.

I should not forget to mention a small show I saw at the Belvoir Theatre: Homebody/Kabul (Sept 25). The first hour of it was a very impressive monologue by a mother. It then moved to Kabul (pronounced cobble in case you were wondering) and over the next two hours, told the story of her family members and their relationship with her and with each other. I liked the first hour best, but overall a good show.