by IDA CHIONHWe invite Guest Reviewers to post their bulletins, critiques and contributions regarding topical arts issues, fashion and design, music, entertainment and events.
Our Reviewers have been specially chosen because of the breadth and depth of their knowledge, expertise and experience in their fields.
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Bio. Ida Chionh, Ida Chionh |
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Ida Chionh. A food and travel journalist, author, cooking demonstrator and general bon vivant, Ida is also a keen arts enthusiast. ``Many years ago, when I was younger and slimmer, I was the third wife of the king of Siam in a production of The King and I in Singapore,'' she said. Now living in Melbourne, Ida has also appeared on television, with wok in one hand and a microphone in the other. ``Denise Drysdale enjoyed my spring rolls on Channel 7 and Meena Patak shared the secrets of her spice world with me on cable TV,'' Ida said. On the airwaves, she has spoken on matters artistic, gastronomic and global on ABC radio 774, SBS radio and is a regular guest on community radio Southern FM. Ida also writes for Leader Newspapers and has contributed restaurant reviews, travel tales and arts articles to The Age, Herald Sun, Royalauto and other publications in Australia and overseas. She wrote for Mietta's restaurant guides, The Little Red Book (a guide to Asian restaurants in Melbourne) and authored three books for children. Her latest book is a work in progress, a culinary journey that started with her childhood in Singapore and is still continuing in Melbourne. ``My parents, who were true-blue Straits Chinese, also known as Peranakans, instilled in me a love for the finer things in life, including music, culture and food,'' said. Ida will review performances from the arts scene in Melbourne. | |
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ART MUSIC SCARLETT O’HARA THE BLUES |
Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot by David Williamson. A Melbourne Theatre Company production. Now performing at Victorian Arts Centre Playhouse until July 12, 2008. Starring Caroline O'Connor, Matt Day, Bob Hornery, Andrew McFarlane, Marney McQueen, Monica Maughan and Simon Wood. Online bookings available on www.mtcsubscribe.com.au SCARLETT, named after the heroine in the epic movie Gone with the Wind, never seems to focus on her job as a waitress at the Crimson Parrot restaurant. Her job is boring and life at home with her complaining mother is dreary. But her other life, the one in her brain, is exciting, full of glamorous movie stars living out exciting adventures with dramatic dialogue against a backdrop of movie themes. In her imagination she lives the lives of the movie stars, whether it be in Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, Calamity Jane or Tarzan. In the words of John Lennon, reality leaves a lot to the imagination and Scarlett's imagination overtakes the reality of her life. Caroline O'Connor is perfect in the role of Scarlett, bumbling, stumbling and terribly uncoordinated as a waitress. But in her movie life she is articulate, glamorous and a diva. Wrapped up in her dreams, she just might miss something magical and exciting in real life. The set is a real commercial kitchen and the other actors perform admirably. The drama onstage intersperses with scenes from the movies projected on screen and these segue seamlessly into scenes with Scarlett in the lead roles. Andrew McFarlane is Steve, the chef/owner of the Crimson Parrot and his leading man looks serve him well, while Bob Hornery as Gordon the ageing drama queen is funny and wry. Monica Maughan plays Maureen, Scarlett's mother, to the hilt and Shelley, the token blonde bimbo waitress is played by Marney McQueen. Simon Wood is Gary, a chef who fancies himself just a little too much and Matt Day is Alan who fancies Scarlett, but has his own problems. Scarlett O'Hara at the Crimson Parrot is highly entertaining. You'll laugh and cry with the cast and be able to relate to moments in your own life while watching the play.  Captions Caroline O'Connor, Bob Hornery, Marnie McQueen and Simon Wood.  Caroline O'Connor (seated) and Monica Maughan. Photos by Jeff Busby. |
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