
This year's Shen Yun production at Melbourne's Arts Centre was magical, mesmerizing and an enlightening experience.

We laugh in the right places, and marvel appropriately at John Bell’s pitch perfect rendition of the iconic Seven Ages of Man speech. But, Bell aside, there’s not much in here to elevate this production above the serviceable.

With a sparkling book by Neil Simon, music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, the show is a lively smorgasbord of colour and movement with many catchy tunes that non-musical lovers will recognise.

Madama Butterfly is a tragic love story, the tale of a naïve and romantic young Japanese girl who falls in love with an American sailor who betrays her.

CUT SNAKE is loads of fun. Devised by Dan Giovannoni, Amelia Evans and Paige Rattray, in collaboration with the actors, this tale of time travel, fate and friendship is a light-speed mix of clowning, cabaret and acrobatics. And its energy is irresistible.

I wasn't expecting to enjoy this, despite having had two enthusiastic cast members tell me how good it is. Performers have to be in love with their shows, it comes with the job spec. But Sexercise – The Musical is FANTASTIC.

The program notes said the show would be “Cheesy”. That could be said, but a better description would be “The perfect melt.”