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Just a Couple of Song and Dance Men

by Julie Houghton 19th November, 2018
by Julie Houghton 19th November, 2018
391

Just a Couple of Song and Dance Men could be more accurately titled “Just a Couple of Dance and Song Men”, but it doesn’t trip off the tongue as well.

This is a show with loads of charm, fun and enthusiasm. It’s a delightful night in the theatre despite some rough edges.

Our two leading men, Shay Debney and Mikey Halcrow are obviously superb dancers and I was in awe of both their tap and soft shoe routines.

As singers, there are some shortcomings, as there were pitch issues and the feeling that they don’t always cut it as soloists. Yet whenever they were singing together, either in harmony or in unison, there were no vocal problems. Both Debney and Halcrow are young professional performers, and hopefully will develop their solo vocal skills with some more experience and expert coaching.

The show starts slowly, with some chat between the two leading men that seemed a little forced in the opening scene, but I suspect that was a case of opening night nerves, as once they got into their stride, they settled into an easy and polished performing relationship – something that isn’t always easy. Both performers are generous to each other, never taking the other’s limelight, and they are natural audience pleasers who love to entertain. They quickly form a relationship with the audience, and that’s when the show takes off.

All the famous songs from legendary song and dance men like Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Donald O’Connor are in the show, fitted in skillfully by writer and producer Margaret Fisk, so the package of song, dance and story works very well, and Debney and Halcrow sell it well.

What I liked especially was the camaraderie and the feeling that these two young performers were there to entertain and inform me, and I loved hearing the stories about the song and dance men of the golden era.

Musical director Shanon Whitelock is a talent all on his own, and apart from his undoubted expertise at the keys, also contributed an appealing vocal solo as a framework for a special routine for Debney and Halcrow. Excellent musical support was also provided by the rest of the Song and Dance band, bassist Glen Davidson and drummer Conrad Tracey.

Director and choreographer Jeremy Hinman uses the stage space well, with excellent routines that showcase the excellent dance skills of his two stars.

The audience loved the show, and we all left the theatre with big smiles on our faces – and that’s the mark of a successful show, despite a few shortcomings that didn’t affect my overall enjoyment of these two charismatic young performers.

Reviewer Julie Houghton attended opening night at The Loft, Chapel Off Chapel. This show is so popular, it will tour again in 2019!

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Julie Houghton

Julie Houghton is an actor, broadcaster and journalist, specialising in voicework. She is a professional narrator at Vision Australia, and has worked in professional live shows. She was an ABC Radio and Television News reporter before becoming a producer and later an ABC announcer. Currently, she is an arts reviewer/commentator on 3MBS Classically Melbourne.

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Events Calendar

35 events found.
  • July 2025

Calendar of Events

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0 events, 30

0 events, 1

1 event, 2

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

Deep listening sessions, hosted by DJ Weary, presenting pristine original vinyl recordings in hi-fidelity sound. A night of celebration and reverence…

$22

3 events, 3

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

"Audacious, Thrilling, Transcendant" Experience the electrifying synergy of Richard Tognetti AO, the visionary Artistic Director of the ACO, and Konstantin Shamray, Australia’s most…

$37.83 – $153
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

Pure Musical Bliss Chief Conductor Jaime Martín presents a joyful program of classical and early romantic treasures. Join us for an…

$20 – $105
8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

1 event, 4

8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

Join Orchestra Victoria for another epic evening of live music from the world’s most loved indie video games. On the heels…

$24.50 – $99

0 events, 5

0 events, 6

1 event, 7

8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

Lizzy Scarlett and Samara Shanino, violin Eugenie Lyons, viola Darcy Gilkerson, cello Maddy Furlans, double bass Pat Jaffe, pianoAfter celebrating the…

$25 – $35

0 events, 8

0 events, 9

1 event, 10

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

2 events, 11

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

To mark this year’s 50th anniversary of NAIDOC week, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra celebrates the Strength, Vision and Legacy of Yorta Yorta…

$25 – $113
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

SET 1 Australian/Finnish, Finland-based musician Simon Svoboda is back to perform in Melbourne, joined on stage by dear friend and cello…

$22

2 events, 12

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Chamber music at its most spirited. The Benaud Trio is one of Australia's finest and most lively chamber ensembles. Celebrating their…

$40 – $50

1 event, 13

2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

Highlighting the warmth and beauty of the MCO sound. One of the most iconic works, Barber’s Adagio for Strings lifts the lid on…

$30 – $144

1 event, 14

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

0 events, 15

0 events, 16

2 events, 17

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139

3 events, 18

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

AXIS MUNDI: spectacular sonic imaginations. ELISION presents a major concert of new music followed by a special late night event delivering…

$45 – $55
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

Lilly Yang, flute Rachel Lau, flute Amanda Pang, piano As part of an east coast tour, three Australian National Academy of…

$20 – $30
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

Inland and Astra present a special combined event celebrating one of Australia's leading international performers, clarinetist Anthony Burr,  a foremost interpreter of the music of Alvin Lucier (1931–2021).…

$15 – $30

3 events, 19

2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

From New York to Peru. Conductor Miguel Harth-Bedoya returns to lead the MSO, opening with his fellow Peruvian’s work Fiesta! and…

$20 – $139
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

July 19 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

For the first time in Melbourne, Olive Cullen (voice) and Ronan Apcar (piano) present Ocean Whisperings. The program is made up…

$25 – $30

1 event, 20

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

July 20 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

MELBOURNE GUITAR QUARTET Dan McKay | Sophie Marcheff | Benjamin Dix | Rose Gonzalez PROGRAM Robbie MELVILLE Brothers* Phillip HOUGHTON Opals…

$25

1 event, 21

6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

Yearning and tenderness German cellist Raphaela Gromes performs Dvořák’s Cello Concerto. Dedicated in part to the composer’s dying sister-in-law, this work…

$20 – $93

1 event, 22

7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

The Spirit of Invention. Vienna, 1785. Johann Friedrich Schink is blown away by a new work featuring the clarinet and basset…

$49 – $153

3 events, 23

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

Virtuosity and grace: Natalie Chee and Benett Tsai join Kathryn Selby for a masterful concert. The third program of this season…

$63 – $81
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

Virtuosity and grace: Natalie Chee and Benett Tsai join Kathryn Selby for a masterful concert. The third program of this season…

$63 – $81
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

July 23 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

FORTY-EIGHT: FALLING & RISING, GLINTS, COMMAS, TILING CANONS, SPIRAL STUDY with canons by JS Bach An ensemble of leading Australian musicians…

$20 – $35

0 events, 24

1 event, 25

7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

July 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

Experience the ethereal voices of Sjaella. Following a stunning debut at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2023, German a cappella ensemble Sjaella…

$59 – $69

4 events, 26

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

July 26 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

Experience the history of Australian electronic music with acclaimed artist Robin Fox. As part of Open House Melbourne 2025, Melbourne Recital…

$10
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

Homophonic! and The Consort of Melbourne are proud to present the Australian Premiere of 'Moonlite' by Wally Gunn (Music) and Maria…

$35.00 – $49.00
7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series, discover extraordinary orchestral music from the best seat in the house. This series offers a rare opportunity…

$19 – $69
8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

July 26 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

A concert of French songs. In conjunction with their annual Bastille Day concert, La La La Chorale Française de Melbourne is…

$20 – $35

2 events, 27

2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

July 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

A celebration of glorious duets, arias, motets & instrumental pieces from the 16th to the 21st century. Moving works from Monteverdi,…

$35 – $40
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

July 27 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

In this world premiere of a new work by Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt, the live performances of three…

$20 – $39

0 events, 28

0 events, 29

0 events, 30

0 events, 31

1 event, 1

7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

Playing the works from their vast back catalogue that have earned the brothers justifiable recognition as Australia’s finest classical guitarists.

$52 – $65

0 events, 2

0 events, 3

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 2
July 2 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Listening Room #6: New York Minimalism & the Avant Garde

July 3
July 3 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Live at Toorak: Richard Tognetti x Konstantin Shamray

July 3 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Mozart and the Mendelssohns

July 3 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

July 4
July 4 @ 8:00 pm - 10:20 pm Event Series

Orchestra Victoria: Indie Symphony II: Video Games in Concert

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 7
July 7 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Darcy Gilkerson – A Glow in the Dark

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 10
July 10 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 11
July 11 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

MSO and Short Black Opera: Yinya dana: lighting the path

July 11 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Simon Svoboda | Callum Mintzis

July 12
July 12 @ 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 12 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Event Series

BENAUD TRIO 20TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

July 13
July 13 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Melbourne Chamber Orchestra: Pastorale

July 14
July 14 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák’s Cello Concerto Quick Fix at Half Six

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
July 17
July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 17 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 18
July 18 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

ELISION Ensemble AXIS MUNDI

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Beyond Time Trio – Butterfly Garden

July 18 @ 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Inland and Astra: Still Lives

July 19
July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 2:00 pm - 3:50 pm Event Series

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra: Fiesta! Dvorak’s Cello Concerto & Chindamo

July 19 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Tempo Rubato: Olive Cullen & Ronan Apcar – Ocean Whisperings

July 20
July 20 @ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Tempo Rubato: Sunday Mattutino – Melbourne Guitar Quartet

July 21
July 21 @ 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents Dvořák’s Cello Concerto – Quick Fix at Half Six

July 22
July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Musica Viva Australia: Mozart’s Clarinet

July 23
July 23 @ 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Event Series

Selby & Friends: A Ghostly Afternoon

July 23 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Astra: Commas and

  • There are no events on this day.
July 25
July 25 @ 7:30 pm - 9:20 pm

Sjaella

July 26
July 26 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Robin Fox – The History of Australian Electronic Music

July 26 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Homophonic! presents: ‘Moonlite’

July 26 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Orchestra Victoria’s Southbank Series Concert 2: Prismatic Echoes

July 26 @ 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

La La Chorale Française de Melbourne: Bastille Soirée 2025

July 27
July 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

July 27 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

July 27
July 27 @ 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm

The Classical Collective in Concert

July 27 @ 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm Event Series

Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
August 1
August 1 @ 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

Grigoryan Brothers: Amistad

  • There are no events on this day.
  • There are no events on this day.
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