AUDIENCE FEEDBACK
“A most memorable night. Outstanding cast, wonderful music and voices, fast moving, challenging, very sad yet joyous, reliving a truly ugly period in the history of mankind that must always be remembered so it is never repeated.“ Hon. Andrew Robb AO
“Driftwood was a wonderful, heart-warming & generous surprise. Executed with precision, worthy of a Broadway or West End main stage! Yet again, a powerful reminder of the suffering of our Jewish brothers & sisters, & how vigilant consciousness is required in toxic conversations & politics.” Colin Tate AM
“If you go to the theatre once this year make it Driftwood.” Janell Phillips
“Wow, Wow, Wow!!! Thank you for sharing your family’s remarkable story. OUTSTANDING. It is an amazing journey of remarkable courage, sacrifice, creativity, ingenuity, strength and meaningfulness of family. The entire cast, orchestra and script, set and singing was incredibly professional, emotional and impressive. Really entertaining, interesting and moving. Thank YOU and CONGRATULATIONS.” LORD MAYOR OF MELBOURNE, Sally Capp
“Congratulations not only on the beautiful and moving performance, but also the whole project. Inspirational.” Karl Hartleb, Austrian Consul General & Trade Commissioner
“Brilliant production by the amazing Tania de Jong AM of her show, Driftwood The Musical. Wonderful glowing reviews!” Austrian Honorary Consul General, Eva Hussain JP
“I absolutely loved it! Well done Tania, you should be really proud of it. It was a beautiful, warm, soul affirming production.” Tania Wolff | President, Law Institute of Victoria
“I was lucky to see a performance of the musical last week and it is worth trying to catch before it closes this coming weekend. It is a moving story told with flair and polish and deserves a wide audience. The reviews have been very favourable.” Michael Pearce SC, Honorary Consul-General of the Federal Republic of Germany
“I just wanted to let you know Tania and I went to your show last week, and loved it. It was very moving, beautifully staged, and you all played your parts magnificently. It deserves to be a great success and we very much hope it will be.” Victorian Ombudsman
“WOW! Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the daring and spectacular Driftwood The Musical and meeting the star-quality cast. Driftwood is an ambitious, imaginative triumph on so many levels, brutally honest, emotionally lacerating and yet hopeful and uplifting. What the ensemble of Tania de Jong, Anton Berezin, Bridget Costello, Michaela Burger and Nelson Gardner achieve is nothing short of astounding, tackling a handful of difficult roles with ease and essaying heartfelt, raw performances. Each actor’s powerful vocal and theatrical prowess, and Nelson Gardner’s shapeshifting fluidity, command the stage and the audience’s attention. Director Gary Abrahams and composer Anthony Barnhill perform a phenomenal feat, seamlessly blending an unflinching and deep-diving look at Holocaust memory, survival, trauma, courage migration and loss with furiously entertaining blockbuster tunes as the actors barely come up for breath. And with a handful of musicians, Anthony Barnhill delivers an epic, orchestral score, shimmering with thunder and moments of tenderness. And all in two hours. This is a striking, thought-provoking musical that doesn’t miss a mark and is sure to bring you to tears.” Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission
“What a wonderful, memorable evening. Truly a tour de force! We feel privileged to have shared in this experience. Kol Hakavod to you and all those involved. We have already begun telling friends and family that they should book their tickets – immediately.” Ron Finkel AM
“It is wonderful to be able to associate such a huge story as this is, with real people and real families. Driftwood was beautifully and cleverly conceived and so movingly played. I very much enjoyed it!” Louise Anemaat, Executive Director, State Library of NSW
“The show is a triumph! It was wonderful – powerful, moving, and expertly done. It really is a stirring, life-affirming show. Rhiannon cried most of the way through it. And what a cast!” Seumas Spark, Monash University Historian
“Driftwood The Musical – WOW, what an amazing story. I was blown way – unbelievable! And to think it all happened in our own backyard. I laughed, I had goose bumps and I even teared up. An inspirational story of resilience, family bond, art, and love. I love how the story whilst almost 100 years old still resonates with the world today, and more so Australia today. So proud that our country still remains as a place of hope and optimism for refugees from parts of the world experiencing war and suffering today, as it did all this years ago. I will be telling the world they need to see this story.” Matt Lanigan, Chapel Street Precinct President
“I saw Driftwood this afternoon and was deeply impressed by it. It’s a very tall order to create a musical that does justice to the immensity of the events that happen to Jews in the Nazi era, but your production succeeded in an unequivocal way. This is a top-notch play. All the performances and also by the musicians – were of a high professional standard; there was genuine “chemistry” between the characters on the stage, the script was nuanced and evocative, Anthony’s beautifully composed score worked in seamlessly with the dialogue, the use of the projected images on the interestingly shaped screen added to the storyline in a synergistic way – and wasn’t overdone. Gary Abrahams clearly shaped the performances with expertise and panache. Very powerful theatre. With the warmest of congratulations to everyone involved in the production.” Professor David Copolov AO, Pro Vice-Chancellor Monash University
“Congratulations to Tania and all involved – a magnificent performance yesterday. Such a deeply moving story and a beautiful example of the human need for safe ‘shelter’.” Pauline McKinnon, Founding Patron, The Meditation Association of Australia; Clinical Member, Australian Association of Family Therapy
“WOW, what a show! That was seriously one impressive and meaningful story.” Dr Stefan von Imhof
“WOWWWW!! The show was so wonderful! Your voices are all sublime, the songs, the music, the set, the acting and of course the story of your family … all of it is so well done, very powerful and emotional. What a GREAT and meaningful piece of theatre, moving and inspiring. I enjoyed it immensely – lots of tears from me but also smiles! And “Eva” did a good job with the tennis scenes:)” Kerryn Pratt, President International Tennis Club of Australia
“Thank you for your incredible performance. Amazing, moving, and heart-touching … I’d say mesmerising! I had to admit I dropped a few tears. You are beautiful.” Dr Arthur Hokin
“An outstanding; creative and powerful story tuned into a beautiful musical. Powerful performances by the 5 actors and singers involved. Incredibly moving also due to the story shared with passion and compassion. One of the best musicals I’ve ever seen and I’m not a big fan of musicals – so this is saying something bigtime!” Jo Gillies, Architect
“I loved Driftwood – everything about it. I found it poignant, challenging, a triumph for the human spirit and a powerful story of courage, resilience and warmth. Tania it was such an inspiration to see you play your grandmother – it must touch your spirit enormously to be able to bring the family story alive in this way. Each member of the cast was brilliant – quite a challenge for so few, I’m sure. The music was the icing on the cake. Congratulations for taking on such an immense project and for achieving such success.” Mary-Louise Petro
“It was marvellous, you were marvellous, the whole production was outstanding. I cannot offer you sufficient well-deserved praise.” Liz Anderson
Saw this amazing show last night at Glen Street Theatre. The story must be seen and such a professional production with extraordinary singers and musicians. Well done Tania and the team! Mazeltov. Chris Hill
“I watched Driftwood tonight. Thank you so much for my amazing front row seats. I don’t know how I sat through the show and did not break into tears — from the music, the story, the actors, the voices! …I had no idea about your relationship to the story. What a story Tania! Driftwood is meant for a big stage – it is a big message, a highly professional production, creatively presented. I am lost for words. I feel richer knowing this story.” Irena Begelfor, On the House
“It was amazing, wonderfully emotional and really heartfelt performance, touched the soul.” Dr. Ehud Udi Tal
One of the best shows I’ve seen at Glen St. Outstanding cast , production and story!! And beautiful music!! Sue Creak
“We just wanted to let you all know it was an amazing show, acting and performance from both cast and musicians was phenomenal! My family heritage is also from Vienna; however, my late grandparents took a different route, left Vienna to Italy and boarded a ship to then British Palestine, now Israel. Thank you for a magical night!” Alon Spitzer
“More a light opera than a singalong musical, Driftwood succeeds on every level: superb music & lyrics by Anthony Barnhill , inspired staging (with original family letters, documents and photos projected on the set’s back wall throughout) and stellar singing and performances by the versatile cast of five, including soprano Tania de Jong, who plays her own grandmother Slawa and was responsible for Driftwood The Musical coming to the stage. Both touching and entertaining, Driftwood is a study of the refugee’s plight, of Australia’s often sad history of ‘welcoming’ them and of love, family and resilience. It’s exciting to note that the show will move to New York to be workshopped later this year. Look out Broadway!” Scott Whitmont, Booktopia
“Driftwood is a true tour de force and will be an outstanding landmark of the country’s musical scene. The audience was ecstatic!” Peter Lim
“I wanted to write and express my appreciation at the opportunity to sit in the audience for this remarkable production last night. To everyone involved in bringing this to the stage and into the hearts of those who hear the story, thank you. Needless to say – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” Jenny Hatton-Mahon
“Fabulous story telling told with sensitivity and creativity.” Cr Sue Heins, Mayor Northern Beaches Council, NSW
“A moving historical story about family, refugees, trauma (and art). Told sensitively through musical theatre. A great night and the music was wonderful. Don’t miss it!” Cr Sarah Grattan, Manly Ward Councillor, NSW
“We were both blown away by how wonderful Driftwood The Musical is – the conceptualization, the singing and acting – it was incredibly powerful and had me in tears for most of the production. The losses and how they were experienced by you parents, how this was transmitted, openly and covertly to you and now Tania, the helplessness of your parents’ situation and yet the resilience and purpose and drive to survive all come through powerfully. Also the incredible love that underlies, informs and powers the story. It is both a unique and universal story of discrimination, annihilation, survival and memory. I identified my family’s story and how the trauma was felt, also mainly covertly but also overtly, and so many other stories. And of course the plight of refugees everywhere, always. I have let many people know they must not miss the show. We have been ardent admirers of Tania throughout her career – please pass on our appreciation of her wonderful achievement in this production – and her fellow actors/ singers/ producers.” Miriam and Frank Tisher
“Driftwood is a true tour de force and will be an outstanding landmark of the country’s musical scene. The audience was ecstatic!” Peter Lim
“I wanted to write and express my appreciation at the opportunity to sit in the audience for this remarkable production last night. To everyone involved in bringing this to the stage and into the hearts of those who hear the story, thank you. Needless to say – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️” Jenny Hatton-Mahon
“Fabulous story telling told with sensitivity and creativity.” Cr Sue Heins, Mayor Northern Beaches Council, NSW
“A moving historical story about family, refugees, trauma (and art). Told sensitively through musical theatre. A great night and the music was wonderful. Don’t miss it!” Cr Sarah Grattan, Manly Ward Councillor, NSW
“We were both blown away by how wonderful Driftwood The Musical is – the conceptualization, the singing and acting – it was incredibly powerful and had me in tears for most of the production. The losses and how they were experienced by you parents, how this was transmitted, openly and covertly to you and now Tania, the helplessness of your parents’ situation and yet the resilience and purpose and drive to survive all come through powerfully. Also the incredible love that underlies, informs and powers the story. It is both a unique and universal story of discrimination, annihilation, survival and memory. I identified my family’s story and how the trauma was felt, also mainly covertly but also overtly, and so many other stories. And of course the plight of refugees everywhere, always. I have let many people know they must not miss the show. We have been ardent admirers of Tania throughout her career – please pass on our appreciation of her wonderful achievement in this production – and her fellow actors/ singers/ producers.” Miriam and Frank Tisher
“I just wanted to write to let you know how impressed and moved I was by Driftwood. I’ve always been an avid theatre goer back home in Canada and have seen many of the big and small productions that have come through Toronto’s theatre district. Driftwood was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. I’ve never seen a production where the audience is in tears just one minute into the show! The opening song is so touching and sets the tone for the first half. It may have triggered me the way it did because I also left my family behind in Canada. But, I think more people than we realize feel “something’s missing” and Eva touches on those feelings when she sings to the audience! Driftwood certainly tugs on the audiences heart strings throughout. It’s an emotional ride and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. One of the ladies we dined with afterwards said she would buy tickets for tomorrow night and watch it again, if she could. And I couldn’t agree more! Congratulations on creating something so beautiful.” Cynthia Fuller
“We were blown away by how good Driftwood was. We were rivetted from the opening scene – it was as compelling as watching The Diary of Anne Frank. What an amazing work of art. And such a huge work of love both in terms of Tania’s love of her family – and also the immense love that Tania, her mother, her grandmother and Peter have for humanity.” Joanne Rees and Bruce Clarke, Allygroup
“I was simply blown away by Driftwood The Musical! Masterful vocal performances and a beautiful story full of heart and poignancy take us on a family’s migration journey from Vienna to Melbourne, leaving us forever changed. The music is haunting and leaves an imprint, the story incredible! More captivated by this musical than I was by Hamilton…much as I loved Hamilton too! Spreading a powerful message of faith, love and hope, this musical is a must-see and is deserving of international recognition. Particularly in these times, it serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the life affirming impact of a warm welcome to families who come to our lands fleeing conflict. The Directors, production team, cast and crew have come together to produce a creative masterpiece. Bravo!” Rohini Kappadath, General Manager Immigration Museum
“Your musical was very moving and has arrived at a propitious moment. The lessons are clear and we all need to be reminded.” Phillip Altman
“Tania and the Cast and Creatives of Driftwood, Congratulations on the new Australian musical. We enjoyed the performance on Friday night – loved the staging, musical numbers, performances and the story. Wonderful to see an Australian musical get up on stage!!” Clive Scott, General Manager, Sofitel Melbourne On Collins
“Driftwood was seriously outstanding. Such an incredible true story brought to life through beautiful music, inspirational dedication and everlasting family love. Totally worth seeing! I can’t wait to hear this powerful musical production has taken the world by storm as it deserves too! Congratulations to all involved.” Claire Camden-Burch
“What an experience! Word of mouth is always the best form of advertising, and both the full house on the all but the last night, plus the standing ovation surely attest to this. It’s a story of pain, inhumanity, resilience, family, and most of all, hope. The early scenes are set in the days of the Nazi regime but the themes are even more poignantly real with the current tragedy in Europe. The original music, the lyrics and the superb blend of voices are truly transformative as we accompany the family leaving place after place like “Driftwood” with no home. The parallel journey of finding meaning within art, for the sake of art, is a wake-up call for us all to nurture the passions that give us solace and great comfort through the adversities life throws at us. The show has immediate appeal to those that have had anything to do with the plight of refugees but Driftwood’s key messages are truly universal.” Paul Mitchell
“My husband & I experienced your wonderful musical “Driftwood” at Chapel off Chapel. I can’t stop raving about what a moving, uplifting experience it was… but it doesn’t seem to be showing anywhere now?? It can’t just disappear… it’s too good for that!?!!” Joan Ross
“After having had to leave the matinee on Wednesday, a few minutes before the end, I went back yesterday to see the second half of the play. It was an extraordinary show of which your parents would have been very proud and of which you and Tania should be proud. Tania’s performance, as your mother, was fabulous, so moving. I do hope that it will have a return season for many reasons, not least of which the history is just as relevant today as ever. It delivers such powerful lessons in understanding how racism changes everything, how migrants work hard to contribute to our country, how we should and should not treat refugees etc. Teachers could use it as a tool to change perception of the “other”, stimulate debate and reduce racism.” Marcia Krampel
“Bravo! I was blown away last night at ‘Chapel Off Chapel’ with your production. Its impact will stay with me. I have already spread the word far and wide and want to keep up to date with future productions, so that I can inform my friends and family in other places. Mazeltov, Congratulations. You should all be so proud!” Janine Joseph
“We loved it! Such a moving story of love and strength, beautifully told, beautiful music score and great performances. Truly inspiring – thank you Tania for sharing this deeply personal story. It gives us courage and strength. I managed to bring my family to the show and still spreading the word among friends and teachers.” Gosia Mech-Ryan
“Such a remarkable family story. I was very moved last night. The reunion of the sisters had me in tears. Beautiful storytelling from a wonderful group of actors. Thank you so much for sharing this deeply moving story.” Thern Reynolds
“It was thrilling, riveting and moving to experience the performance at Chapel Off Chapel. Driftwood The Musical is outstanding in every way. The play, acting, music, singing and set are all wonderfully conceived and performed. It is such a complex task to reconstruct family history through art – bringing together history, emotions, experience and culture. There were many moments which paralleled my own family’s experiences in Vienna, Tatura and Melbourne (although my father Reinhold and his family came to Australia via Northern Ireland and the UK).” Tonia Eckfeld
“Absolutely amazing production. Powerful, poignant and inspirational. Definitely needs to be promoted to the wider public.” Christina Spina
“We attended a performance last night and were engrossed by the story, greatly impressed by the performers, who acted and sang so expressively. The settings on stage were imaginative and most appropriate, as indeed was the music. The full house proved to be a most appreciative audience. Please pass on our congratulations to all concerned with the production!” Kenneth Scarlett OAM
“As a professional innovation leader your production speaks volumes about creativity and determination but also love. I found it very moving and in fact I am still ruminating on what I learned.” Neil Kavanagh, Chief Scientist, Woodside Energy
“That was honestly the best musical I have ever been to! The story was fantastic.” Gary Martin, Living Valley Springs
“The show Driftwood was absolutely wonderful. I never expected it to be so professional and enthralling and well-acted. The singing was exceptional, every word was clear as well as the music from three expert musicians who backed the dialogue all the way through. The production ran seamlessly between dialogue, storytelling and singing. It was so heartfelt and my friend and I enjoyed every minute of it. The moving screen above the stage show actual historic photos, images and footage to verify the story and performances. The day I went there were crowds of female school students in the audience and there was utter silence as they watched and enjoyed it. A real piece of enchanting storytelling in a classic musical theatre format. I recommend this to everyone who adores live theatre!” Lesley
“Driftwood was fantastic…It .fully deserved the rapturous applause and standing ovation! Please congratulate Tania and the whole Cast and creative team for their excellent, moving and forever memorable performance.” George Fink
“Congratulations to you, Tania and the gifted cast and crew of Driftwood The Musical – a brilliant and transformative production that brings the past into the present and makes the story come alive.” Gina Panebianco
“I have never seen anything like this show before – the history, the struggle, the inspiration, the heart, the music and the performances were all incredible. Well done!” Naren King, Crystal Castle
“Mazaltov! Mazaltov! You must be so proud. I thought the production of Driftwood was outstanding, so sensitive and so poignant. All the characters were so believable and so talented. The program is also so beautifully put together with so much wonderful information. I really hope you can take this musical to the wider community so they will have a clearer understanding of the plight of stateless people, running away from evil, and never losing hope.An amazing accomplishment!” Shirley Urban, WIZO
“Congratulations to the cast, director, musical director, crew and all who brought this moving, epic love story of survival and courage to the stage. Today l spent an afternoon enthralled in the performances, singing and music score of Driftwood The Musical. A must see true story!” Dorothy Parker
“I saw it tonight with a group of friends at Monash and we loved it. Seeded some great conversations after the show. A great example of “the power of story”. Wonderful performances from the cast and a well planned set, seamless transitions between songs. An inspiring and at times heart wrenching journey to a new life.” Sean Wass
“Congratulations on an epic personal portrait of your incredible family’s journey through love, war, oppression, creativity and survival. We moved from laughter to tears. And so relevant and real in these times of terrible war.” Charles Davidson, Peninsula Hot Springs
“Every aspect of the performance was wonderful and effective. The music was skilfully arranged and played with the best energy. It was a very, great multimedia production and its zest with such positive perceptions made me feel more proud to be part of our country.” Bernadette Brown
“I went to the show last night, it was a wonderful story about survival, family and art. To see you Tania in the play so full of emotion, I did see a tear! The music was beautiful, all the actors were fantastic.” Shirley Krause Glance
“If you can get some tickets to this…..absolutely brilliant!” Sandra Burton
“I am totally in awe of what you have achieved with your terrific production of Driftwood. What an amazing family you have! What an incredibly strong , talented and tenacious family you are! Your mother must be so proud. My daughter and I were blown away. Congratulations! “ Ricci Swart
“The whole cast, including the Musicians, all gave extraordinary performances! What an amazing, true story brought to life! I was really drawn in from the start and experienced the whole range of emotions. Congratulations to all involved! Bravo!” Wendy Walker
“Without a doubt one of the best shows I’ve seen – spectacular & incredibly moving. Congratulations on an incredible/powerful performance. Outstanding.” Niki Petousis
“Congratulations on such an incredible opening night last night. It was truly beautiful, flawless and everyone just loved the performance.” Helen Reizer HRPR
“What a night it was! The play was brilliant – the music, poignant lyrics, the evocative set and the acting and singing. I, and the other Korovians and members of staff, were profoundly moved by this epic story of love and loss and the eventual triumph of the human spirit. We feel very proud to count you both as Korovians and how proud would Karl and Slawa be of what you have both done to honour their story. It was a great night of theatre…unmissable!” Ian Robertson, Korowa AGS
“I thank you, your mother Eva ( who signed my copy of her book), and your husband Peter Hunt, for bringing to the stage in a musical this inspiring story of your family’s escape from Europe. I want to thank you for this creative effort in truly dark times, not as bad as the Holocaust and WWII perhaps, but the past two Covid years and now the Ukraine war remind us all of real threatening chaos, disarray and the world going mad. Yet this story and the music in Driftwood gives us all hope in dark times. I am sure it will run in NYC! You saw the reaction tonight from a full house, we were all entranced and hanging off every word, song and note. Thank you Tania for your love, dedication and creativity in dark times.” Edward Steele
“We greatly enjoyed the performance of Driftwood at the Ian Potter Centre for the Performing Arts at Monash University on Friday 13 May 2022. It is high time that this is performed in Australia and beyond. It is essential that the extreme times of persecution, particularly those of the Holocaust and its global impact, are acknowledged and remembered by generations to come. Towards this end, Driftwood was very satisfying to see, with some deeply meaningful themes, some of which were alarmingly prescient of what is now occurring in the Ukraine. This suggests that humanity is not learning some essential lessons of life. Overall, a clever production that should be seen more broadly so that the themes can become part of our global consciousness.” Peter and Honey Spence
“Congratulations to all the cast and crew for a fabulous, creative production. We were emotionally connected to all the characters from the very beginning. It is truly a story worth sharing with the world. Do yourself a favour and go and see it.” Maria
“What a wonderful show. The story of the Duldig family draws you in with the intensity and emotion of the family trying to escape the war in Europe. The narration style used worked perfectly to keep the story flowing and the hard working actors really brought it to life. The three piece band was the perfect accompaniment to the piece. A new Australian musical which truly deserves the support and accolades it will receive.” Pross
“An incredibly touching true story brought to the stage, delivered by an outstanding and talented cast and crew.” Genevieve
“This was a beautiful, moving production and inspiring story. Great performance, thank you.” Pen Ina
“I really enjoyed the musical. The actors were amazing. The play touched my soul and I had tears in my eyes. What a story ! Definitely would recommend to see this production!” Maronly
“It was my first time ever attending a world premiere of a brand new Australian show and it was fantastic! I adored the set, costuming, staging, singing and absolutely mesmerising story and the fact that you had the musicians playing on stage rather than in the pit (similar to the musical Hadestown in the US).” Hope Challis
“You can’t imagine how me and my son love the musical…We thought so highly of the music and the performance, while the musical itself made me cry several times including when Slawa’s Vienna furniture went all way through to Australia, when young Eva went to Paris to visit Auntie Rella and said “I found MY people”, when finally Slawa met Rella after they parted for so many years, and when at the end of the musical Slawa told Eva ‘Don’t put away anything and always leave them in the room as they are’…These are all that ‘something missing from the past’ in this ‘another world , another life’, and I can feel it more now why “root” is so important to sustain a person.” Catherine Wu
“The feedback from my friends who have seen your show at Alexander Theatre is phenomenal. Can’t wait to see it!” Jacqui Dinor, B’nai Brith
“Congratulations for a wonderfully inspiring and moving Musical .. My friends and I attended last night at the Alexander Theatre and were amazed by the excellent performances of all the Cast Members. The Music and Musical Direction were great along with the powerful lyrics and script.” Samuel Kristy
“It was wonderful! I loved everything! The music, the set, the singing and, of course, the story…I could go on! I was moved to tears.” Janet Arndt
“I was one of the really lucky ones to see your preview yesterday. Absolutely bloody marvellous. Here’s to a sell out season ‘cos you guys deserve it!!” – Kathy Kaplan
“Driftwood was enchanting, dramatic, gripping, enthralling and very moving, with lovely music and beautifully sung and acted.” Diana Millar
“Absolutely fantastic show. All secondary students should see this. Actors fabulous. Musicians fabulous. Have just been to this show this afternoon. I advise anyone to see this.” Julie Glynn
“On every level your creativity to draw your audience into the reality of this poignant story was beautiful and profound!!!” Lyn Kranendonk
“I just had to send you and Tania my delight at being at the performance of Driftwood. To see your parents story come to life on stage was both emotional and exciting. You must have felt overwhelmed to see it performed so beautifully. Please pass on my congratulations to Tania and all the cast. It was so well directed and performed and the music fitted so well.” Faye Pattinson
“I wanted to express my delight and heartfelt congratulations to you and the entire team for such a wonderful performance. It was engaging, interesting, and moving.” Jenni Port
“A fabulous musical production! A must see, loved every minute, felt every different emotion throughout the evening.” Symona Gin
“Came! Saw! Loved! Recommend highly!” Rohan Levy
“Saw this today – beautiful story told by such a talented, wonderful cast. If you can get there, do. Don’t miss out!” Zina Carman
“l loved Driftwood so much. It was so moving, brilliant storytelling, singing was incredible, the set, costumes and the music was perfect, it really set the scene. Oh l could go on. I had tears as it so emotionally charged. I’m so thrilled l got to see it, you were truly wonderful in the role of Slawa, and your singing was beautiful. I could see you were all very immersed in your characters, the emotions were so real. Well done Tania and everyone for amazing performances, and for bringing this important story for all to see. What a wonderful legacy you have created and what a gift to your precious Mum.” Leanne Hansen
“So fortunate to have seen this stunning performance today. So moving and beautiful. Thank you to all the talented cast and crew that made this show possible.” Dean Commons
“We were overwhelmed with your show. I was at the opening night at Monash. It should be made into a movie, Spielberg? Our Australian Jewish migrant history is so amazing and you have made a work of art of it.” Isabelle Alexander
“We saw Driftwood The Musical at Monash University last year and enjoyed it very much! It was educational, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, emotional and interesting. An unforgettable experience! We also think it would be beneficial and educational for high school and university students to experience.” Sylvia Giordani
“Great show, go and see it. Very moving. I went with my friend who is a history teacher. Great show for students teachers and all.” Ros Lawrence
“Saw it yesterday. Yes, it is good, interesting true story, a polished and professional performance, good acting and singing.” Jan Peter
“Saw this wonderful show for the second time. Loved it, even more, the second time.” Claire Knights
“This show was entertaining, inspirational, moving and informative. Imaginative set design and wonderful vocals. A fitting tribute to a remarkable family.” Bea Jones
“Loved this production. Very cleverly produced and acted. Incredibly moving knowing it was a true life story. Well done to all involved in putting it together. Definitely recommend it.” Barbara Purton
“Brilliant musical show. Saw it for the second time today. Such an amazing cast and performance.” Suzan Lazenby
“I saw this yesterday, what a brilliant play, musical, very emotional, well done to the amazing cast.” Rochelle Black
“What an incredible production. Moving and emotional. Attending with my mum who herself is a Holocaust survivor who sadly lost all of her family, it was a bittersweet reminder of what might have been. The simplicity of the set design ensured a focus on the story, the people and the message. We loved it!” Ellana Aarons, CEO B’nai B’rith Victoria
“What a wonderful story told by a terrific cast. This is a must see and deserves wide acclaim. Congratulations to all involved. If you can get along before the season finishes you will be well rewarded.” Lindsay Smith
“Stunning performance and wonderful to be there to see everything – acting, music, choreography and of course the story!” Hugh Morgan AC
“We came last night and loved the show. Could not fault in any way, music, production and each of the actors were first class.” Tom Danos
“Brilliant show! A must-see. It demonstrates the incredible resilience and hope of a family and the evil of the Holocaust. The cast is fantastic and the music, haunting, a really clever production. Sadly the world has not learned and we are seeing this terrible loss of life and displacement of people again, particularly in the Ukraine. I am so delighted that this potentially global production was opened in the city of Stonnington’s Chapel off Chapel.” Marcia Griffin, Councillor Stonnington
“Fantastic show that should be seen by all of us and our older children to understand what happened during those war years and after when so many suffered and struggled for survival. Brilliantly written, sung and acted with wonderful music underlining the story.” Winston Marsh
“Superb production! We were blown away. 5 outstanding performers, fantastic musicians, a clever versatile set and effects, and technically flawless. All the above did such great justice to a most moving, well written script!” Michele Brandenburger
“A wonderful, meaningful and important production. I invited my Bookclub group and we were all deeply moved and engaged. What a tremendously generous and wonderful work of inspirational art. Thank you all.” Melissa Bruce
